COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Amandia Long is on the frontlines in the fight against breast cancer in her role as a mammography technologist at the Maury Regional Women's Center.
She is a champion for helping women detect and fight breast cancer. That passion has also sparked another role in her life: philanthropist, alongside her husband, Chris.
Each year, the Longs organize a costume party called the BOOOOBIE Ball to help raise money for the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund. This year’s ball will be held Oct. 28 at the Lawrenceburg Elks Lodge.
Now in its 12th year, the BOOOOBIE Ball has become one of the Foundation's biggest fundraisers for its Women's Center Fund — not to mention one of its most fun.
“I see the positive impacts the Women’s Center Fund has on our patients at the Women’s Center every day, from providing them a ride to their mammogram to providing them with wigs and headpieces,” Amandia said. “I couldn’t be prouder that we get to raise money for a cause that’s so special to us.”
To go along with the party and a silent auction every October, the couple prints T-shirts and sells them, with all proceeds going to the Women's Center Fund. They sold 50 or so in the first few years, but it's since exploded to more than 600 annual T-shirt sales.
The Longs design and print the shirts themselves. It’s really a labor of love — more shirts sold means more work, but it also means more money donated to a cause that’s special to them.
Since its inception, the BOOOOBIE Ball has raised almost $60,000 for the Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund, including $10,695 last year alone.
“We’re so grateful for Amandia and Chris and those who donate each year to the BOOOOBIE Ball. It’s a fun event that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those in our community who are facing a battle with breast cancer,” Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore said.
The Women’s Center Fund of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation assists breast cancer patients in a variety of ways, including providing wigs, headpieces and camisoles, while also funding transportation expenses and mammograms for patients in need.
Amandia has worked with Maury Regional Health for 25 years, with 18 of those at the Women’s Center. She’s seen firsthand the importance of fundraising for breast cancer awareness and what those donations can mean.
“I say it all the time that the ball is a great night out and a lot of fun, but it’s more than that. We’re helping breast cancer fighters, and we’re so thankful for everyone who helps us in that mission,” Amandia said.
To make a donation to the Women’s Center Fund or for more information about all of the Foundation’s established funds, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.
The Maury Regional Women’s Center in Columbia provides various women’s health services, including 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies. The Women’s Center also offers a variety of educational and support resources.
To learn more about the women’s health resources available through Maury Regional Health, visit MauryRegional.com/WomensHealth.
Pictured, from left, are Chris Long, Amandia Long and Dana Salters, administrative director of oncology, holding the 2023 BOOOOBIE Ball T-shirt.