Conyers, Ga. (November 15, 2023) – On Nov. 4, there were over 100 people lined up to race to support breast cancer awareness at the Annual Kimberley Chance Atkins Turkey Breast Trot 5K. The Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation was started in 2009 in memory of teacher, wife, and mother Kim Atkins, who passed away at 32 years old after two battles with breast cancer. The KCAF was formed with the mission to promote breast health in Rockdale and Newton counties. Last year, the Kimberly Atkins Foundation gifted Piedmont Rockdale and Newton Hospitals a philanthropic gift of $75,000 each, to start funds at their respective entities to cover the costs associated with breast cancer detection and treatment.

“This race is a way to support breast health initiatives and for women in the community to receive the care they need, close to home,” said Monica Hum, M.D., Piedmont Rockdale’s chief executive officer.

Proceeds from the race totaled nearly $13,000, and the money will be used for several things:

• for uninsured women to receive mammograms free of charge.
• to support breast cancer initiatives and services at the hospital, such as promoting early detection and education about prevention, treatment options, and recovery of breast cancer.

“We are so thankful to our sponsors and those who came to show their support for our breast cancer survivors, those still going through treatment, and those who are being remembered,” said Dr. Hum. “Saving lives through early detection of breast cancer is made possible by local support and everyone who registered for the race. For that, we thank you.”

The Breast Center at Piedmont Rockdale and the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Piedmont Newton work with Piedmont’s Patient Connection Center East to identify patients who qualify for this type of assistance and help them arrange their appointments.

To learn more about breast health services at Piedmont Rockdale, visit piedmont.org. You can also support the Kimberley Atkins Fund by going to http://give.piedmont.org/kcaf.