February 22, 2023 – Breast cancer never takes a time out. In 2023 alone, it’s estimated that nearly 400,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and decades of research have confirmed that early detection is key to winning the battle against this disease.
Bradie James knows a thing or two about winning. In 2007, the retired Dallas Cowboy established The Bradie James Foundation 56 at The Dallas Foundation to provide uninsured women access to early detection screenings and diagnostic tests. It’s a cause that’s deeply personal to him. During his junior year at LSU, Bradie’s mother Etta died from breast cancer, a loss that he thinks could have been avoided if his mom had been given access to preventative care, a loss he doesn’t want any other family to endure.
“Breast Cancer effects the entire family and women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93 percent or higher survival rate in the first five years,” said Bradie.
Foundation 56, named for Bradie’s jersey number, focuses on removing barriers to mammograms and other breast cancer screenings via a mobile mammography unit and Nurse Navigators, who usher patients toward healthcare resources when follow up is needed. While his Foundation partners with major healthcare systems to host the mobile unit, Bradie’s focus is on the individuals who need these services.
Recently, one of Foundation 56’s healthcare partners shared the story of a 48-year old woman who had never received a mammogram, but desperately wanted one. She had tried previously, but it would incur an out of pocket expense, which she could not afford. On that particular afternoon, she was headed out to do some shopping and saw the mobile mammography unit. She did not have an appointment and, nearly in tears, felt that God had placed her in the right place at the right time. The team was able to perform the screening that afternoon. She was very happy, and even happier when she learned the unit would be on site again next year.
To date, over 5,000 patients have been treated across his home state of Louisiana and the DFW Metroplex; about 25% of those found abnormalities which required additional testing and treatment.
Post-COVID, Bradie is now focused on growing the Foundation’s capacity to provide more screenings, to save more lives, including additional locations in DFW. To support the work of The Bradie James Foundation 56 at The Dallas Foundation, visit our donation portal.
