Healthy Connections ↘
Breast Cancer Awareness & Early Detection.
Knowledge matters. Connection matters. Early detection matters.
YWCA Healthy Connections helps women throughout Northwest Ohio access reliable breast health information, connect with screening and community resources, and find support throughout the breast cancer journey.
Whether you have questions about breast cancer and early detection, need help finding mammography resources, have been diagnosed, are living as a survivor, or are supporting someone you love, we can help you find your next step.
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LEARN
Knowledge can help you take appropriate action.
Learn about breast cancer awareness, risk factors, warning signs, screening, and the importance of early detection through Healthy Connections community education.
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CONNECT
Need help finding breast health resources?
Healthy Connections can help connect women with mammography and breast health resources throughout Northwest Ohio, including resources available to uninsured and underinsured women.
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SUPPORT
No one should navigate breast cancer alone.
We are building opportunities for connection and support for women who are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, breast cancer survivors, and the people who support them.
Need a Mammogram or Breast Health Resource? ↘
Finding the right screening resource can sometimes feel complicated, especially if you are uninsured, underinsured, unsure where to go, or concerned about cost. Healthy Connections can help you identify breast screening and mammography resources available in our community.
We can help connect you with organizations that provide:
Mammography and breast screening services
Low or no-cost screening options for eligible individuals
Resources for uninsured and underinsured women
Additional breast health and community support resources
YWCA Healthy Connections does not provide mammograms or medical care. We help connect community members with appropriate healthcare and community resources.
BREAST CANCER:
What Every Woman Should Know ↘
Healthy Connections, led by director Malaika Bell, offers free, engaging, accessible breast cancer awareness and early detection presentations designed to help women better understand breast health information and feel empowered to take action.
Participants will:
Understand breast cancer basics
Learn current screening recommendations
Recognize potential warning signs
Explore risk factors and ways to support breast health
Feel empowered to take the next step in their own care
Ideal for:
Churches and faith communities | Women’s groups | Community organizations | Senior centers | Civic groups | Professional associations | Employee wellness programs | College and universities | Community events
30-60 minutes | Customizable to your audience
You Don’t Have to Navigate this Alone.
Breast cancer affects more than just the body. It can affect relationships, family life, work, emotional wellbeing, and how we see the future.
Healthy Connections is currently gathering interest as we develop new opportunities for breast cancer support and connection in Northwest Ohio.
We want to hear from you if you are:
Newly Diagnosed
Looking for connection as you begin navigating a diagnosis.
Currently in Treatment
Interested in support from others who understand the experience.
A Survivor
Looking for continued connection, encouragement, and community.
Supporting Someone You Love
A family member, friend, caregiver, or other member of someone’s support system.
Know What’s Normal for You:
Talk with a healthcare provider if you notice a new or unusual change in your breasts, including:
A new lump or thickening
Changes in breast size or shape
Skin changes, dimpling, redness, or swelling
Nipple changes or unusual discharge
Persistent new breast or nipple changes
Not every breast change means cancer, but a new or unusual change deserves attention.
Learn More From the American Cancer Society
MEET OUR HEALTHY CONNECTIONS DIRECTOR
Malaika Bell is a community educator and speaker dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness and helping women understand the life-saving importance of early detection.
Through community presentations, outreach, resource connections, and support initiatives, Malaika works to make breast health information understandable, relatable, and actionable, particularly for communities that may experience barriers to screening and care.
Her approach combines evidence-based information with cultural understanding, compassion, and practical steps that help women feel better prepared to advocate for their health.
POLLYBALL—PLAY WITH PURPOSE
Polly Hylant-Tracy lost her battle with breast cancer in 1990. Her husband, three daughters, and family wanted to remember her in a special way and considered many options including; a memorial bench or planting trees at a Metropark, reflecting her love for the outdoors. As the family pondered, an idea was realized. They would host a volleyball tournament in her honor, as the large family often played the sport in Polly’s backyard. Thus, “Pollyball” was born.
For 35 years, through the support of the Hylant Foundation and Hylant, Pollyball has brought Northwest Ohio together through volleyball, community, and a commitment to fighting breast cancer. In that time, nearly $1.5 million dollars to support breast cancer detection and awareness programs, including the American Cancer Society, the YWCA, Molecular and Cellular Oncology research, The Victory Center, as well as Reeling and Healing, Inc.
Today, proceeds from Pollyball help support YWCA Healthy Connections and our work to provide breast cancer awareness, early detection education, resource connections, outreach, and support in our community.
Not Sure Where to Start?
“I need a mammogram.”
Find Screening Resources
“I’d like someone to speak to my group.”
Request a Presentation
“I have breast cancer and want support.”
Join the Support Interest List
“Someone I love has breast cancer.”
Find Support for Family & Friends
“I’d like to support this work.”
Donate to Healthy Connections
You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers to Take the Next Step
Whether you’re looking for information, screening resources, community support, or a breast cancer awareness presentation, Healthy Connections is here to help you get connected.
CONNECT WITH YWCA HEALTHY CONNECTIONS
YWCA of Northwest Ohio
1018 Jefferson Avenue
Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 654-9717
mbell@ywcanwo.org