When HAI Group’s chief governance and human resources officer, Amy Galvin, went in for a routine mammogram eight years ago, she expected an all-clear result. Instead, she received a life-changing call from her radiologist: an area of concern had been detected, and a biopsy was needed. Encouraged by a colleague to act quickly, Galvin scheduled a follow-up—and learned she had an aggressive form of breast cancer, caught at stage one thanks to that timely screening.
Her diagnosis was a shock, but she immediately shifted her focus toward action. Within days, she met with a specialist, reviewed her options, and underwent surgery just three weeks later.
“My doctor said that if I had skipped my screening that year and returned the following year, the cancer could have evolved into stage four,” Galvin said. “Mammograms are huge detectors of cancerous cells, and one saved my life.”
Support from her family and HAI Group colleagues played an essential role throughout her treatment. Team members organized a meal train to help her family, offering comfort and community during recovery. Today, Galvin marks each annual checkup as a personal milestone—her “I’m still here” visit—captured in a photo outside Hartford Hospital’s Cancer Center. Her story is a powerful reminder that awareness and timely action can save lives.
The importance of early detection
Galvin is an integral part of HAI Group's Executive Leadership Team. Pictured from left: Chief Legal Officer Tony Corleto, Chief Governance/Human Resources Officer and Corporate Secretary Amy Galvin; Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Assistant Treasurer Troy LePage; Chief Executive Officer and President Ed Malaspina; Chief Technology Officer Bernie Odoy; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Paul Lagonigro; and Chief Insurance Officer and Vice President Sherry Sullivan.
Galvin’s experience embodies the message at the heart of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—that early detection saves lives. Every October, this national campaign unites people across the country to raise awareness, promote screenings, and support those affected by breast cancer. Over the decades, these efforts have led to earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and higher survival rates. Yet the need for vigilance remains, as breast cancer continues to impact hundreds of thousands of families each year.
According to Susan G. Komen, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, aside from skin cancers.
- About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.
- Each year, approximately 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed.
- When detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, underscoring the life-saving importance of mammograms and regular checkups.
Routine screenings such as mammograms are critical for identifying cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for more treatment options and better outcomes. Health experts recommend that women begin annual mammograms at age 40—or earlier if they have risk factors such as a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
“Everyone should be proactive with their health,” Galvin said. “If the doctor says to get a test, you should get it done because there could be a bigger reason behind it. Don’t wait. And remember to stay positive.”
Scheduling that appointment—and following through—can make all the difference. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take time to prioritize your health and encourage others to do the same.
Resources for breast cancer awareness and support
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about prevention, screening, or support options, these organizations offer trusted information and assistance:
- Susan G. Komen Foundation: https://www.komen.org
- American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org
- National Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast
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