"Crucial Catch:" Event provides women with free breast cancer education, screenings

MILWAUKEE -- There was an extra effort Tuesday, October 13th to provide women in Milwaukee with breast cancer education and screenings, all for free. It's part of a national initiative called "A Crucial Catch Day."

"The cancer I had was found, it was detected here at Walker's Point Clinic," said Nohemi Torres-Baez.

And now survivor Nohemi Torres-Baez has returned to Aurora Walker's Point Community Clinic -- this time as a volunteer for "A Crucial Catch Day" health fair.

"Many people don't have the means to access opportunities and services like this. Many people suffer and even die wihtout have access to these services," said Torres-Baez.

"We have 55 women who have been scheduled ahead of time to come in today and get their clinic breast examine done," said Nicole Hertel Meirose, Aurora Walker's Point Community Clinic.

The day is also about education --there were sessions on healthy eating. The women were also able to participate in exercise classes and receive massages.

It's all a bit of a show and tell as well for what this clinic is now able to extend to its community on a daily basis. The clinic is the recipient of a grant for the third year in a row, which helps them give their patients, all of which are uninsured, access to breast cancer screenings and education.

"It's wonderful to see the education is getting out there. People are seeing that these tests and screening is important and we're about to provide that to people, and that they're really making the most of it," said Meirose.

The grant, which also makes the event possible, is provided by the National Football League through the American Cancer Society. Organizers hope the event serves as a reminder for all women to get checked, screened and educated.