News Releases

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., October 10, 2025 – Following an inspiring community event on women’s health and breast cancer awareness, Corewell Health™ is reminding community members that early detection is the key to the success of treating the disease. The organization is urging women to schedule their annual breast cancer screenings at one of the Corewell Health locations throughout Southwest Michigan.  

On Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, the Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group’s 19th annual “Help a Woman Out” conference brought together more than 180 attendees, focusing on supporting those who are battling cancer, surviving cancer and caring for loved ones affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. The group’s mission is to educate, advocate, motivate and celebrate women in the fight to eradicate cancer in all its forms. The event was hosted by Corewell Health South board member Bertha Carson-King and featured a keynote from Corewell Health leader Melinda Gruber.  

“The purpose of the “Help a Woman Out” event was about community connection and education, but this information isn’t exclusive,” said Bertha Carson-King, co-founder, Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group. “We encourage everyone who attended to share this information with their loved ones and community members. Life-saving screenings are available to all women in our area, regardless of whether they were at our event.” 

Breast cancer is most treatable and curable when detected early, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. Depending on family history, personal risks or a physician’s advice, patients may need mammograms earlier or more frequently. 

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I found strength in my faith, my community and the care I received at Corewell Health,” said Melinda Gruber, vice president, medical groups and rehabilitation, Corewell Health. “That journey showed me how deeply our health system walks with us. From the nurses who held my hand to the technicians who made me laugh, I was reminded that healing is not just clinical - it’s personal, and it’s powered by people who care.” 

Corewell Health is dedicated to improving access and removing barriers to care, offering comprehensive services focused on women’s proactive health and early detection. Beyond traditional medical offices, Corewell Health has expanded care in Southwest Michigan through the Center for Wellness in Benton Harbor. The organization also brings care directly to neighborhoods through a mobile mammography unit, known as the Betty Bus, and regularly participates in local events to increase accessibility where people live, work and gather. 

Patients do not need a referral to schedule a mammogram screening, and most appointments can be scheduled online. Mammograms are available at no charge for uninsured or under-insured women who qualify. To learn more about breast cancer screening services offered at Corewell Health locations in Southwest Michigan, visit this website or call 800.791.2810. 

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About Corewell Health™  

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 12,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 16,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.  

About Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group 

The Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group was founded in October of 2001, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, by Bertha Carson-King and Dorothy Moon. The group’s mission is to educate, advocate, motivate and celebrate women in the fight to eradicate cancer in all its forms. Although, the group began solely for the purpose of breast cancer, they have grown to meet the needs of any type of disease and health care challenge because of the love and support women experience within the group. Over 50 church affiliations, beyond denomination, have been cultivated to benefit hurting women who seek friendship, knowledge and fellowship among believers. The Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group believes that what one woman cannot do alone, in a community of women; unity, strength and successful healing can be accomplished. For more information, visit www.strongwomenoffaithbreastcancersupportgroup.org. 

Media contact:

Alexis Bolo Neal

alexis.boloneal@corewellhealth.org