by Malcolm Butler
Carrie Sellers remembers one particular lunch break a few years ago.
Vividly.
It was a lunch break that may have saved her life.
Sellers, mother of Louisiana Tech junior softball student athlete Karli, had signed up for a routine cancer screening at her church. It included a mammogram.
“A week later, I received a call from the Louisiana Cancer Foundation telling me that I needed a biopsy based on a finding from the mammogram,” said Carrie.
That biopsy confirmed Carrie had a lobular carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive condition where abnormal cells grow in the breast’s milk glands. Although it is not cancer, it acts as a significant indicator for a 5-12 times higher lifetime risk of developing invasive breast cancer in either breast.
It was a potential life-saving moment.
“Due to the screening, the cancer cells were caught very early which prevented me from needing additional treatment,” said Carrie.
Since her journey, Sellers has been very active partnering with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation in helping raise money and spread awareness of the benefits of these types of screenings. Carrie and her family and friends have been active through the MadDash5k.com, an annual event that helps with spreading awareness and raising funds.
As part of her passion for the cause, Sellers has been instrumental in coordinating an effort this weekend that will include a partnership with Tech Athletics, Bulldog Softball, the Louisiana Tech School of Nursing, and the Louisiana Cancer Foundation that will provide a free skin cancer screening opportunity Saturday.
From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, anyone wishing to participate can do so on a first come, first serve basis at the Origin Bank Soccer and Softball Complex — home of the Bulldog Softball program.
Dr. Creighton Chandler, a local retired dermatologist who partners with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation, will be on hand to conduct the screenings at no cost to individuals.
Louisiana Tech Athletics will also provide free admittance into the Bulldogs softball game against Missouri State (first pitch 2 p.m.) to anyone who participates in the free screening.
Upon arrival at the facility, interested individuals should simply notify ticket takers at the front gates their interest in participating in the screenings. You will be directed on where to go within the facility.
For questions, call 318-460-1006.
