Augusta, Ga (October 25, 2023)— A record number of survivors and their supporters filled the streets of downtown Augusta on Oct. 21 for Piedmont Augusta Foundation’s 23rd annual Miracle Mile Walk, also surpassing fundraising goals to support local breast cancer awareness and diagnosis efforts.
"Piedmont Augusta Foundation’s 23rd Annual Miracle Mile Walk was a huge success and a record-breaking year, raising over $500,000 thanks to the support of our staff, physicians and the community," announced Laurie Ott, executive director of philanthropy for Piedmont Augusta. "We had over 100 sponsors, 380 volunteers and thousands of donors and participants show up to support those who have been impacted by breast cancer. Whether you volunteered, created a team, raised funds, bought merchandise or raffle tickets or participated in the walk, your efforts help Piedmont Augusta save lives by providing mammograms for women in the region who otherwise would not be screened for breast cancer. No woman is ever turned away from getting a mammogram thanks to your support."
Saving lives through early detection of breast cancer is made possible by local support of the Miracle Mile Walk, a three-mile fun walk through scenic downtown Augusta, in which participants have the opportunity to support a family member, friend or co-worker diagnosed with breast cancer. Local public safety officials estimate more than 15,000 people helped spread the message of breast cancer awareness throughout the streets of Augusta, exceeding past estimates of 10,000 walkers.
One hundred percent of the Miracle Mile Walk’s net proceeds stays in the Augusta community to provide lifesaving screenings to women in our community regardless of their ability to pay. The mammograms and other tests are performed in Piedmont Augusta's Randy W. Cooper, M.D., Center for Breast Health Services and aboard the mobile mammography unit.
Among the walkers were 17 teams formed by Piedmont Augusta employees and physicians, who raised $27,753, with Dr. Yeh’s Breast Bridge leading the way with $14,270. Many walkers participated in honor and memory of beloved Piedmont surgeon, Karen Yeh, M.D., who passed away earlier this year in July.
"Most of you know that since you last gathered in this spot, we have lost Dr. Karen Yeh, a fierce advocate for breast cancer patients," Piedmont Augusta CEO Lily Henson, M.D., said to walkers at the beginning of the event. "Karen was not only a personal friend of mine, but my physician. I witnessed firsthand how dedicated she was to her patients, and it was inspiring to me both personally and professionally. She is gone far too soon, and her death leaves a void in our medical community and in our hearts. Your very presence here today honors her."
Piedmont Augusta has this region’s first nationally accredited Breast Health Center. Since 2021, more than 67,000 exams or procedures have been performed and 1,577 have been diagnosed with cancer in our community. Piedmont Augusta is also home to the region’s only mobile mammography unit. Since 2002, the Mobile has performed more than 80,000 mammograms in cities and towns in our 25-county region and helped uncover 375 cases of breast cancer.