Soroptimist International of Stuart was selected to receive a $10,000 grant through Soroptimist International of the Americas' program, Soroptimist Club Grant for Women and Girls. The grant will be used to support the Save Our Selves-Save Our Sisters (SOS) mammogram and breast cancer awareness project sponsored by the local club. As the national organization stated, "It is a great honor (to be chosen) since we received 92 proposals. The club's application demonstrated an exemplary effort to improve the lives of women and/or girls."

Created in 1997, the ongoing complimentary mammogram program offered by Soroptimist International of Stuart is responsible for providing well over 1,000 women with mammograms to date. Soroptimist has had many club members over the years contributing to the success of the SOS project. Earlier this year, committee members Sharon Kinane and Jeanné Hudock were responsible for securing the grant.

The SOS program is available to women who are Martin County residents, have neither insurance nor any other means to pay for a mammogram, and have a physician's prescription for a screening mammogram. The program has two components. The first of these is the SOS certificate program which provides women with complimentary mammograms performed through Martin Memorial Diagnostic Center. The second is SOS's semi-annual sponsorship of the H.O.P.E. Project mobile mammogram unit which enables 20 women to receive screening mammograms at each visit. Additionally, several members of Soroptimist International of Stuart also work as volunteers for the American Cancer Society as Triple Touch II instructors. Through presentations to groups of all sizes, these certified instructors teach the basics of a good breast health program and stress the fact that early detection saves lives. For further information or to see if you qualify for either of these programs, please call the Soroptimist telephone number (772) 220-0115 and leave a message in the mammogram mail box. A member of the SOS committee will return your call. Soroptimist International of Stuart is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.