Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund

The Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund has helped over 8,000 uninsured and under insured Alexandria women receive free mammograms and other diagnostic screenings. With your help, we can help many more!

Page updated on Sep 18, 2017 at 10:57 AM

Vola Lawson Ribbon Logo 

A new name and a new way to give!


In 1994, the Alexandria Walk to Fight Breast Cancer was established by former City Manager Vola Lawson. Since its inception, the Walk has helped over 8,000 uninsured and under insured Alexandria women receive free mammograms and other diagnostic screenings.

Due to budget cuts, the Annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer was permanently cancelled in 2014, but to ensure that women who remain in need of critical screenings, the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial was established. The Fund is named in honor of Vola Lawson who passed away in December 2013.

With support of community members, city government, local businesses and non-profit organizations, we are able to keep the memory of Vola and her vision alive. 

To support women in need, visit: https://www.razoo.com/organization/Volalawson-Breastcancer-Memorialfund, or send a check payable to the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Fund and mail to: Commission for Women, 421 King Street, Second Floor, Alexandria, VA 22414. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

Get Involved

Donate
There are several ways to support the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund. One great way is by contributing to the Fund. Contributions are accepted year around, and on April 5, 2017 Alexandria’s City-wide Day of Giving, we are asking our contributors to donate to the Fund. With a donation of just $200, you can fund 1 Free Mammogram for 1 woman in Alexandria. 

Show Your Support with Awareness Merchandise
Support the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund by purchasing a Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt, car magnet, shoelaces, hats or other merchandise. 

All proceeds from the sales will go towards The Fund. Shirt sizes range from Adult Small – 3X; short-sleeve shirts sell for $15 and long-sleeve shirts sell for $20.  Shirts are currently available at 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA. Please call first: 703.746.3123. All proceeds benefit the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund.

Participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Activities
Annually the Alexandria Commission for Women partners with City Departments, non-profits, and local businesses to host events to raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for the Fund.  In October 2016, the Commission partnered with Los Tios Restaurant in Del Ray to host a restaurant fundraiser. Community members joined with Commissioners in support this cause with one of our favorite restaurants.

Spread the Word
Supporting the Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Fund is a community effort. If you would like to partner with the Vola Lawson Fund to support local women, let us know! To inquire about collaborative opportunities, please email the Alexandria Commission for Women at: alexandriawomen@gmail.com.

Thank you to those organizations that have supported the Fund!

  • Ultrasound Associates Women’s Imaging Center
  • Association of Alexandria Radiologists 
  • Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota / Scion 
  • Alexandria Fire Department
  • Oakland Baptist Church

Mammogram Information

The Vola Lawson Breast Cancer Memorial Fund provides free mammograms for women who:

  • Live in the City of Alexandria,
  • Are in need of a mammogram and;
  • Do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover screening mammograms.

Who needs a mammogram?

  • Women over 40 should have a mammogram every year
  • If you have a family history of breast cancer or aren't sure, ask your health care provider
  • Women and men with a suspicious lump should see their health care provider

How do I get a free mammogram?

After obtaining a prescription for a mammogram, contact the Department of Community and Human Services at 703.746.3132 for more information on how to access the Fund. Women and without a health care provider should contact the Arlandria Health Center at 703.535.5568 to request an appointment for an exam.

Ultrasound Associates Women's Imaging Center also donates 20 mammograms annually to women who are uninsured or underinsured and live in the City of Alexandria. For more information on how to obtain access to these mammograms, please call 703.746.3132.

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