Damascus Y-Women - Sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Who are the Damascus Y-Women? They are a group of women living in Damascus, Maryland that meet once week at which a speaker, demonstration or activity is planned. Topics vary from week to week and have included women's health issues, crafts, scrapbooking, gardening, web page design, travelogues, book and movie reviews and a tea party. It is a great opportunity for full-time moms, part-timers or retired women to meet other women living in Damascus and address many community needs as a group.

Since 1995, Damascus Y-Women have been providing free mammograms to low-income and uninsured women in Damascus. Many Y-Women are breast cancer survivors and some have lost their lives to the disease. They understand and appreciate the importance of accessible mammograms in Damascus and know that not every woman has the privilege of health insurance. To ensure women in need take advantage of the free mammograms, Y-Women partners with a domestic violence shelter and a senior citizens center both located in Damascus. However, if it wasn't for the way Y-Women make the process welcoming and comforting versus one that leaves a woman feeling isolated and vulnerable, many of the women served would be hesitant to return each year, which is critical to breast cancer survival or not resorting to a mastectomy.

Y-Women raise a portion of the funds for the free mammograms through "Clips for Cancer." The partnering salon-The Cutting Edge-gives hair cuts on a day they are typically closed and for every cut, Y-Women raises $10 towards the clinic. An auction is also held to raise funds. This past year, a total of $1,800 was raised through Clips for Cancer for this year's clinic held on April 25th. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield also helped make the clinic possible by sponsoring the event. If you would also like to help Y-Women in their efforts to prevent breast cancer and heal survivors, make a donation today!.

Y-Women also help graduating seniors go on to college through the Damascus Y-Women Scholarship Fund. You can help an aspiring college student fulfill their dream by making a contribution to the scholarship fund today.

To learn more about Damascus Y-Women, visit their website at www.damascusywomen.com or for more information contact: info@damascusywomen.com; Damascus Y-Women, P.O. Box 104, Damascus, MD 20872.