A long-delayed mammogram, prompted by a relative's battle with breast cancer, led the Seattle Mariners 2018 Honorary Bat Girl to her own cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery journey with CHI Franciscan.
Yvette Jones, of Milton, Pierce County, will be recognized as Honorary Bat Girl by the Mariners and CHI Franciscan, the Mariners "Partner in Health," prior to the Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers game on Sunday, May 20. Yvette began getting regular mammograms at age 40 after her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She wanted to be proactive about prevention, but after several years of normal results, she stopped getting screened.
After her sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, Yvette's husband, Brock, urged her to get screened. In February, even though she had no symptoms, Yvette made an appointment with the Franciscan Breast Center at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way.
The mammogram and follow-up testing, including a biopsy, revealed a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma, the most common form of breast cancer.
"A healthy lifestyle in addition to regular screening mammograms for early detection give patients the best odds for a cancer-free life. I recommend that all my patients avoid tobacco, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and obtain annual screenings and mammograms," said Michelle Haslinger, MD, a breast surgeon at CHI Franciscan and Yvette's doctor. "While the risk of cancer cannot be completely eliminated, catching abnormalities early and making healthy choices will reduce cancer risk and prolong survival."
"I just want people to know that you have to get your mammogram, even if you don't have any signs. If it hadn't been for the mammogram I would never have had a clue that something was going on," said Yvette, who is recovering from two recent surgeries and will soon start chemotherapy followed by radiation treatments. 
Because she's not at full strength yet, Yvette says she will follow her husband Brock's advice and focus on a nice, easy toss for her ceremonial first pitch. Although she's nervous, Yvette says she's looking forward to it. "I'm excited. I think it will be fun. Out of all this, something fun to do."
The Honorary Bat Girl program was introduced by Major League Baseball in 2009 to raise awareness and support for the annual "Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer" initiative, which is celebrated on Mother's Day across the league. Mariners and Tigers players wore pink ribbons, lettering and numbers on their uniforms as well as pink wrist bands while playing at Comerica Park in Detroit on May 13.
As the Mariners Partner in Health, CHI Franciscan Health is supporting the Mariners Breast Cancer Awareness Game by inspiring fans to get screened and promote the importance of prevention. Fans can call 1-888-400-4740 to make an appointment with a CHI Franciscan doctor or schedule a mammogram. For more information about prevention and screenings visit CHI Franciscan's Cancer Care Center.