For the past ten years, Mike and Michelle Jerome have been donating to Mobridge Regional Hospital for cancer prevention through their family business, Northwest Beverage. The couple, who both strongly value preventative health care, have raised over $65,000 for the independent, nonprofit organization during their first decade of giving. They hope to have a record year with this October’s fundraiser.

Mobridge Regional Hospital has used the funds each year to help pay for everything from public awareness campaigns to their 3D Mammography machine and its maintenance. “Our Radiology Department completed almost 600 mammograms in the last 12 months, and 35 of them had positive findings,” shared Trudy Kemnitz, Director of Radiology. “While not all of those required a biopsy, the numbers help show how the Jeromes’ generous annual investment in mammography is helping save lives.”

“We’ve tried a lot of fundraisers over the years, including the Pink Walk, 5Keg, and Bras for a Cause,” shared Michelle Jerome, “but we’ve discovered that our annual Michelob Ultra promotion in October has been far and away the best way for us to make a big impact.” Mike and Michelle originally started fundraising for the hospital because of their firm belief that awareness is the key to someone taking positive actions to protect their health.

The hospital promotes health awareness in three ways: through one-on-one provider-patient conversations, public awareness campaigns, and partner activities and events. Besides advertisements in traditional media and Facebook, hospital staff host Mammograms and Mocktails events twice a year and a Pink Night at an MPPS Volleyball Game each October. This year’s event will be on October 15.

“For me, you guys didn’t have the 3D mammography machine when I needed it,” shared Michelle, who is very supportive and excited about the new machine the hospital was able to invest in recently. “Now, local residents can start here and build their history here so they don’t have to drive two hours for that care.” Some of the Jeromes’ donation each year now goes to helping pay for the maintenance, service, and technology contract needed to keep the 3D mammography machine running in tiptop shape.

The Jeromes are looking forward to additional progress in the years to come. They hope to branch out and help support preventative care and cancer screening awareness campaigns in new ways and are particularly excited about the hospital’s plans to do more to promote prostate cancer screenings. Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers for men, has affected their family personally several times and is screened for with a simple blood test in conjunction with a patient’s annual exam.

The hospital is excited for this next chapter as well. “We send out monthly reminders to women who have had a mammogram with us before and are due for their annual screening,” explains Kemnitz, “but with the hospital’s new purchase of a texting and emailing reminder system, we’ll soon be able to send a text or email to potential patients when a mammogram is recommended.” The organization hopes this new system will help even more patients get the preventative screenings they need in a more convenient, timely way and is thankful for partners like the Jeromes and the SD Cancer Coalition who are helping make it possible.

“If you ignore your health, it could cost you more than you think. There are not many great second chances. Or you can choose to be proactive—getting your annual checkups, visiting your doctor, and taking steps to stay on top of your health. By scheduling these important appointments, you are taking control and doing your best to protect your health,” says Michelle. “For Mike and me, if the money we give to the hospital can be used to help people feel comfortable going in and getting the care they need, it’s a win. We believe it can save lives and spare families the grief and pain of losing a loved one."