Woman's party bus is a mammogram challenge on wheels

It is a life-saving medical screening, but many women dread getting their mammogram. One local woman's solution is to turn it into a party.

They are loud, proud and dressed in pink - but these ladies aren't tailgating, they are cheering each other on.

"It's a task we don't like to do," said organizer Paulette Gollan. "We cancel sand don't really want to go. So I was like, 'Let's make it a party, and that's what we did."

Twenty women from around the Detroit area loaded up on the party bus and headed to Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township on Friday for the mammogram challenge.

It was that test six years ago that helped save Wendy Harper Salow's life.

"I was 37 years old, found a lump and came in here for a mammogram," she said.

Salow underwent a year of chemotherapy, radiation and a mastectomy, but is now cancer free. She is now sharing her highs and lows and precious moments with her family.

"I have a daughter and she's 7," said Salow. "When I put her on the bus for kindergarten two years ago, it brought tears to my eyes that I'm able to see her grow up."

Wendy's among the more than 220,000 women each year that are diagnosed with breast cancer. About 40,000 die.

It is recommended that women start getting mammograms at the age of 40 as a precaution.

"I would recommend treating the day like these women are," said Karen Thompson, director of radiology and cardiac services. "Call some friends and make appointments your appointments together, celebrate, go have lunch and spend the day, and enjoy the day together."

It is a test that takes roughly five minutes. In the meantime, this party bus and the women aboard it are raising awareness and raising the bar.

"Early detection saves lives," Salow said. "I believe that more than anyone I know."

This group is also raising money to help uninsured women get mammograms.

Last year they collected over $1,000. This time around, they hope to double it.

CLICK HERE to donate to the group's GoFundMe.