My wife called the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center the other day to schedule her annual Breast Exam.  Unbeknownst to her our present insurance carrier did not cover this type of preventive care and so when she was told she would be faced with a $160.00 bill she told the lady on the other line that she didn't realize it would cost that much and would get back with them.  Later that day she told me she was holding off from having her breast exam due to the cost.  I told her to call back and schedule an appointment anyway and that I would come up with the funds by the time she went in, it was too important.

That afternoon or the following day I am not certain when but I found myself on Facebook and an image came up asking me to be a "friend" or a fan of the Sheila R. Veloz  Breast Imaging Center.  It rang a bell because I recently gave a ride to an elderly friend of the family there to have her annual breast exam.  So I clicked and became a friend/Fan.

Well apparently the Director of the Sheila R Veloz Center Terry Bucknall received my friend request the name rang a bell because of my wife calling earlier and wouldn't you know it she was just notified that they had recently received funds from a fund-raising event specifically for this type of situations and would be able to cover her costs. Divine intervention?  They never want cost to be the determining factor in a womans well being.

She notified my wife through Facebook to call her.  My wife calls me says what did you put on Facebook the director of the center wants to talk to me says she may be able to help me?  "I don't know" I said "I think I became a friend or fan why?" I'll call you later. Well Terry at the center told my wife that her costs were covered and that all she would have to come up with the day of her appointment is the $10.00 co-pay.  My wife was blown away.  She had recently chastised me for spending too much time on Facebook.  I replied "See, has my time been a total waste?" (Between you and me she was right) But don't tell her I said that!!  However I have taken measures to manage my time on line since this posting.

But the point is that Facebook, Twitter, etc... is just another way to connect with other people.  It does not replace meeting people and interacting physically with them.  Those that dismiss these vehicles have valid points however they miss the relationships that are created as a result.  Case in point my later meeting with Terry Bucknall while accompanying my wife at her appointment is a direct result of  Facebook and reaching out to others.  I wanted to meet in person and thank Terry and all those who contribute financially and with there time to this cause.  This small act of kindness has instilled in me a wanting to give back to this organization and overall cause.  With that said I am coordinating a fund-raising event with the www.thevipcard.com and once approved will launch in November of this year.  So stay tuned...  because breast cancer awareness is not only in October but year in and year out.   

Video of Terry Bucknall Feb 2008

The views, thoughts, and opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect those of the entities I represent.

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