El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) is a 161-bed, state-of-the-art medical facility.

It is

located in El Centro California, a small-town east of San Diego. For the last 3 years ECRMC has

been hosting the Paint & Wine Breast Cancer Awareness Event. The event featured a meet and

greet with the ECRMC radiology/women’s imaging team, food and beverages, canvas painting,

raffle prizes and live music. This event also provided educational opportunities for residents.

Volunteering for this event was especially fulfilling for me because I was born and raised in El

Centro. Having deep roots there made it more meaningful to be able to give back to the

community. Early detection of cancer provides a better prognosis. Often, in rural communities

there is a lack of education and awareness, especially in low income and minority communities.

I was assigned to greet guests at the entry and answer any questions. Once people settled in

and were more comfortable, I was asked questions that ranged from screening to how I came

to choose this field.

This was a fun filled event for the community and the organization to raise money for a

great cause. Looking around there were people enjoying themselves and most importantly they

were spreading awareness. The fight against cancer is not an easy one but with organizations

like ECRMC and events like Paint & Wine Breast Cancer Awareness, the community in El Centro

know they are not alone.