News

On Wednesday, March 8, the Iredell Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Iredell Health System, held its inaugural International Women’s Day Breakfast in Mooresville. The funds raised from the event will support over 75 women in the community who are struggling with the cost of breast screenings.

Upon arrival to the Charles Mack Citizen Center, more than 200 attendees were treated to breakfast before the program began. Susan Tolle, secretary of the Iredell Health Foundation, was first to take the stage and welcome all attendees. Miles Atkins, Mooresville Mayor and Director of Corporate Affairs & Government Relations at Iredell Health System, spoke after Tolle and officially proclaimed March 8 as International Women’s Day for the Town of Mooresville.

The emcee for the event was four-time Emmy award winner, Molly Grantham, anchor at WBTV News and accomplished author. Grantham spoke on empowering women and shared some of her own stories of balancing responsibilities as a career-driven woman and a devout mother of three. The Women in Medicine speaker for the breakfast event was Princess Williams, MD, who spoke on her role of supporting women as a breast surgeon and oncologist.

The keynote speaker for the International Women’s Day Breakfast was motivational speaker, author, and Boston Marathon Bombing survivor, Rebekah Gregory. Gregory shared her detailed account of the bombing, her extensive recovery time following her left leg amputation, her inspiring story of training and running for a portion of the marathon, and her emotional experience in court addressing the bomber who nearly took her and her son’s life.

“As long as you are breathing, you have purpose. And, you may not know what exactly you’re supposed to do, or where you’re supposed to go, or the challenges that lay ahead, but I promise you, our blessings will always outweigh our problems,” said Gregory.

After the program, attendees stayed for photos and book signings. Many attendees left with signed copies of Gregory’s, “Taking My Life Back,” and Grantham’s, “Small Victories” and “The Juggle is Real.”

The International Women’s Day Breakfast benefitted the Foundation’s Women’s Health Fund for Iredell Health System. Proceeds will support qualifying women who cannot meet the financial obligation for health and preventive services, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic screenings.

“It was a wonderful morning in celebration of women, not only for this day but every day. The event will help break down the financial barriers for women seeking preventive services at Iredell,” said Jen Balog, Executive Director of the Iredell Health Foundation.

To learn more about the Iredell Health Foundation, or to make a donation, go to IredellHealthFoundation.org, or call 704-878-7669. The next International Women’s Day Breakfast is March 6, 2024.

Pictured: Dr. Princess Thomas Williams, Rebekah Gregory, Molly Grantham