BILLINGS - Breast cancer knows no boundaries when it comes to geographic location and who it will strike next.
Fortunately for women across Montana, the St. Vincent Healthcare mobile mammography coach is available to play a part in detection.
Steering the coach to answer the call, is driver Tamara Miller, who can only describe her path to this job as divine intervention.
“I never imagined myself doing this kind of a position,” Miller said.
On the road as a truck driver for 30 years, she feels God called her to the job this past summer when the time was right.
“Something like this has been definitely eye-opening and it has warmed my heart immensely, especially with the world the way it is today, to be able to find the happy spot,” she said.
To Miller, it is not just a career change, but an opportunity to change lives.
“The thing that surprised me the most is going two hours away, if even for one patient. If we find something, we've managed to do our job, and save that one particular life,” Miller said.
When asked what she likes the most about her job, Miller responded by saying – “everything”.
"I love the people, I love the change, the difference we make. Everybody is so appreciative. There's just so much I enjoy about my job. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else," she said.
Since its inception in 2010, the St. Vincent Healthcare Mobile Mammography Program has provided free and low-cost mammography screenings to over 27,000 women.
"If you haven't done your mammogram, get out and do it. It makes a world of difference, and it takes five minutes to save your life if something should show up. It's very important, and our wonderful group of ladies will help you in any way we can, shape or form. I would say just get out and do it, even if you don't think you should, that's probably when you should," Miller said.
To schedule an appointment and find out where the mammography coach will be next, call (406) 237-4373.
During Pink Week at Q2 we would like to share stories of hope and survival.Click here for more.
Pam Kaufman, the Mobile Mammography coordinator, visited Montana This Morning with more information about the service. Watch the interview below.
