The 2018 McDaniels Automotive Group Gala and Golf Classic raised a record $507,370 for Lexington Medical Center’s Campaign for Clarity, a capital campaign to expand 3-D mammography throughout Lexington Medical Center’s network of care. The total is the highest amount raised in the event’s 26-year history.

“We are so proud that this event helps us make 3-D mammography a priority for all patients at Lexington Medical Center,” said Barbara Willm, vice president of Development and Community Relations at Lexington Medical Center. “This technology will have a significant impact on the health of our community.”

The two-day event on March 29 and 30 included a gala at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and a golf tournament at the Fort Jackson Golf Club. More than 600 people attended the gala. And, 62 teams of four participated in the golf tournament. Both were sold out. 

“3-D mammography will detect breast cancer earlier and easier,” said Suzanne Pucci, president of Stanley Steemer of the Midlands and chair of the event. “Our ultimate goal is to save lives.”

The gala featured live and silent auctions, music by The Root Doctors and catering from the Blue Marlin. Live auction items at the gala include Hootie and the Blowfish Monday after the Masters tickets with VIP access; a party for 100 attendees at the Vista Room in Columbia with food, beer and wine from the Blue Marlin and live music; and a “Create Your Own Trip” package with a Ritz-Carlton hotel stay and international airline tickets. Silent auction items include a Live PD Ride Along; four tickets to see the Eagles; a Seabrook Island golf weekend; and a driving experience at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta.

“We’re making a difference fighting this dreadful disease,” said Bill McDaniels, president, owner and founder of McDaniels Automotive Group. “The impact is right here in our community with a local hospital.”

About 3-D Mammography

Also known as ‘tomosynthesis,’ 3-D mammography creates a group of three-dimensional pictures of the breast and allows doctors to view tissue one millimeter at a time, making tiny details visible earlier and easier.

Patients will find that 3-D mammography is no different from the mammogram they are accustomed to as far as compression, positioning and time. The benefit to patients is that the multiple layers of images resulting from 3-D mammography can help doctors better evaluate the breast tissue.

3-D mammography uses a low dose X-ray to create multiple images within seconds that are similar to the “slices” of images in a CT scan. The FDA-approved procedure uses the same type of equipment as a 2-D mammogram and a similar dose of radiation. Studies have shown that 3-D mammography also reduces false positives and unnecessary callbacks for patients with dense breast tissue.

To donate to Lexington Medical Center’s “Campaign for Clarity,” visit LMCFoundation.com.