Thu, 05 Oct 2017, 17:27 PM Free Mammograms for the Fans Program Set to Reach Milestone 500 Mark at Upcoming Dallas, Las Vegas NHRA Events

Courtesy of Allison McCormick Photo copyright 2017 Gary Nastase Photography

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Alexis DeJoria Racing's annual 'Free Mammograms for the Fans' program has provided more than 440 free mammography screenings since 2013. Now in its fifth year, the program is on track to reach a major milestone in 2017: 500 free screenings.

Alexis DeJoria makes a qualifying run in her 2016 Breast Cancer Awareness Toyota Camry at the 2016 NHRA Toyota Nationals

Support from The Patrón Spirits Company, Toyota, Global Electronic Technology and Kalitta Motorsports, has enabled Alexis DeJoria Racing to once again partner with Baylor Health and Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) and bring their mobile mammography units (mammovans) to the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals and the NHRA Toyota Nationals.

With an event ticket, women ages 40 and older are able to attend the Dallas and Las Vegas races and receive a free mammogram regardless of health insurance status. Multiple sources cite lack of health insurance, high out-of-pocket cost, and lack of access to care as the primary reasons women forgo this important yearly screening.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

At age 59, Donna Wright elected to undergo her first mammography screening while attending the 2016 AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.

"I have always considered myself to be a healthy person, so I never saw any need to get screened" said Wright, adding "But the weather was not that great, the races were delayed, Baylor was there and it was free so I thought 'what the heck. I'll do it.'"

Shortly after, Wright received her results in the mail and was stunned to find she was now part of the statistic. Thankfully, because she was diagnosed early her surgeon told her she 'won the lottery' and was able to make a full recovery.

"I'm a cancer survivor today, and that's because of Alexis DeJoria Racing."
-Donna Wright, 'Free Mammograms for the Fans' participant, 2016 AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals

Alexis DeJoria poses with members of the Nevada Health Centers organization and mammovan volunteers during the 2015 NHRA Toyota Nationals

Alexis DeJoria, whose Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car will be decked out with bright pink accents in honor of October's Breast Cancer Awareness month, encourages other women to follow Wright's lead.

"Early detection is key. Don't wait and don't be shy, ladies. Come out to the Dallas and Las Vegas events and take advantage of this opportunity.

"We're so honored and grateful to be working with these amazing organizations and to be able to use our platform in the greater good for the fight against this horrible epidemic," added DeJoria, who, as one of the few females in the male-dominated motorsports industry, felt compelled to do more than simply raise awareness for breast cancer, and instead provide a direct service for the NHRA's female fan base.

Alexis DeJoria pulls her signature pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month parachutes during the 2016 Texas NHRA FallNationals.

Women who are interested in receiving a free screening while at the Dallas and Las Vegas races do not need a referral or to make an appointment. Mammograms are provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Baylor Health's mammovan will be on-site at Texas Motorplex, October 13-15, and NVHC's mobile unit will be at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 27-29.

NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Oct 25- LAS VEGAS - Event Preview
Oct 22- NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino
Oct 22- NHRA Breakfast at 2026 SEMA Show Features Legends, Champs & A Rookie Talking Funny Car Showdown
Oct 22- DALLAS - Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Wrap Up
Oct 22- Five NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Drivers Currently Eligible for 2026 Rookie of the Year
Oct 22- Lucas Oil and NHRA Celebrate 25-Year Partnership with Multi-Year Extension
Oct 19- DALLAS - Sunday Video
Oct 18- DALLAS - Sunday Wrap Up
Oct 18- DALLAS - Summary of Eliminations in Super Stock
Oct 18- DALLAS - Summary of Eliminations in Competition Eliminator