Definitely not in Bedford County art teacher Sally O’Donnell’s plans: a battle with breast cancer, discovered through a routine mammogram. Thanks to her beloved community rallying around her, Centra Caregivers included, she feels strong and is on a mission to pay it forward. A neighbor told her about the Centra Foundation and MAAM Fund. A few friends helped her make a local impact.
What stands out most to Bedford County art teacher Sally O’Donnell since her breast cancer diagnosis is the compassionate support of Centra Caregivers and her beloved community.
A hug from her doctor on a tough day.
Jokes from a nurse who makes her laugh.
Prompt answers from nurse navigators.
Extra cookies from the snack lady.
Support from her family and colleagues.
Smiles from her students.
Endless encouragement from everyone.
“The community has been very supportive,” Sally said. “Even though a lot of these things seem small, they make a difference. And the care I have received at every step made me grateful and confident in my care. From Centra Mammography Center to Pearson Cancer Center to reconstructive surgery at Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center, Centra has been amazing. I feel seen and surrounded, and I really appreciate it.”
For Sally, her appreciation turned into a desire to help other women. As someone who values community and especially the greater Lynchburg community, she knew exactly where she wanted to make an impact: locally.
“I teach at Forest Elementary School and Otter River Elementary School in Bedford County, and I used to teach in Lynchburg,” she shared. “I raised two kids here, graduated from Liberty and love the area. I wanted to help local women and raise awareness.”
Kim Lane, a friend and neighbor who is also a grateful patient and breast cancer survivor, told her about the Centra Foundation’s MAAM (Mammograms Annually A Must) Fund, which raises awareness about the importance of annual mammograms and provides free screenings and diagnostic testing for uninsured and underinsured women in our community.
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(From left: Sally teaching; Sally with Forest Elementary School Principal Lorri Manley and Paula Mason, a fifth-grade teacher at Forest Elementary; Sally at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center; Sally and Kim Lane.)
The Foundation manages over 80 funds, trusts and endowments, including the MAAM Fund and Greatest Need Fund, to improve the health of people in our community and support the critical work of Centra.
In 2024 alone, the MAAM Fund supported 271 mammograms.
The community, through the Centra Foundation, has also impacted cancer patients, the patient experience and care at Centra through support for advanced cancer-fighting technologies, rides to appointments for patients in need and a new transport vehicle, indoor and outdoor facility upgrades, nutrition booklets, privacy screens, blanket warmers, a state-of-the-art mobile mammography van and more, in addition to supporting the creation of the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center.
“My early diagnosis saved my life, and I love that the MAAM Fund supports free mammograms for women in our area,” Kim said. “I talked about my experience with Sally – taking it one day, one treatment, at a time so she would be prepared. I told her about the fund since she wanted to support local women.”
Breast health awareness and mammograms are critical for early detection, and early detection helps to save lives. Centra’s approach to care addresses total breast health and overall well-being, emphasizing education, screening, treatment and emotional support.
To raise support for the MAAM Fund, Sally talked to a few friends.
“My fiancé and I belong to a motorcycle group, the Virginia Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association,” Sally said. “They do a charity ride every year. They wanted to support us and let us pick the charity this year. So we had a one-day scavenger hunt fundraiser and donated all the proceeds to the Centra Foundation.”
With riders coming from local communities and across Virginia, they raised $1,750.
"Each year, we pick a different charitable organization to support for the ride and invite other riders in the community participate,” said Bill Peterson, Sally’s fiancé and a member of the group. “This year, we chose to focus on breast cancer awareness in support of our beloved Sally’s diagnosis.”
Sally is grateful for the support.
“Women who are in need or facing a diagnosis need to know people support them and Centra cares,” Sally said. “This whole journey has reminded me that we really don’t know what other people are going through or why they might need help. We just need to share encouragement and give grace when we see people hurting.”
Your gift to the MAAM Fund provides access to life-saving mammograms and diagnostic services for women in our community. In 2024, generous donations supported 271 mammograms for our neighbors in need.
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