GLASGOW – Hologic, a medical technology company, is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month by collaborating with Philadelphia Eagles player Kelee Ringo and his mother, Tralee Hale, a breast cancer survivor. The partnership seeks to raise awareness about breast health and the advancements in mammography systems built by Hologic.
“It means everything to me just to be able to support a cause like this as well as my mother and the people that went through the things that my mother has,” Ringo said during an interview. “To be able to help the best way that I can, no matter what it is, I’m showing up to events, donating and speaking to others.”
The 38-year-old company originally founded in Danbury, Conn., has plans to open a $24 million research-and-development and manufacturing center at its Glasgow Business Community campus this December.
In preparation for the grand opening, Hologic offered a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility on Tuesday. Brian Brooks, senior director of operations for Hologic, led the tour that featured the Genius 3D Mammography Exam which allows doctors to examine breast tissue layer by layer, leading to 20% to 65% more invasive breast cancer detections compared to 2D mammography.
Erik Anderson, president of breast and skeletal health solutions for Hologic, and Brooks spoke with Hologic employees during the tour to showcase the research currently underway at the center. Brooks also spoke about the construction plans in place amid the piles of sheet rock and electrical equipment.
Following the tour, Hale said, “I caught myself having to catch tears from the expansion and everything. Everything that is unfolding before my eyes and I am just so humbled to be a part of it.”
In June 2020, Hale was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of cancer that predominantly impacts women of color under age 40. Throughout her son’s football career at the University of Georgia, Hale underwent both chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. After nearly two years of treatment, she entered remission in March 2022.
In response to her cancer journey, Hale and Ringo founded the Tralee & Kelee Ringo Family Foundation this year to help eradicate triple-negative breast cancer, spread breast cancer awareness and promote early breast cancer detection.
“As I launch my NFL career, I recognize and appreciate that I have a real opportunity to use my platform to truly make a difference,” Ringo said in a statement. “I’m excited to partner with Hologic on this important campaign and thrilled to launch The Tralee & Kelee Ringo Family Foundation to make a real impact on families across the nation.”
