At a Mamafest educational booth, people receive tips on early detection. “At past events, teenage boys have come up to our booth and giddily squeeze the silicone breast models,” says O’Neill. “I tell them, ‘First of all, that’s not how you touch a breast.’ We show them how to check a breast for lumps, and they walk away learning something new,” she adds.

“It’s the amazing people who are involved with Mamafest—the volunteers, the graphic designers, our sponsors and business partners—who make this all work so well and have helped us grow,” says O’Neill.

To become a part of Mamafest and help the nonprofit meet its goals, check them out online at www.mamafest.org; call (206) 427-9008 or write Mamafest, 4811 SW Stevens, Seattle, WA 98116 or email info@mamafest.org). Donations can be made online via PayPal.

Hear from a Volunteer