Second Bonnie’s Bus launches with ribbon cutting at first clinical stop in Saint Albans

The new unit will expand access to breast cancer screening services across West Virginia, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to mammography can be limited.

 

The second Bonnie’s Bus was made possible through funding from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, along with strong community support. The WVU Medicine Thomas Foundation’s 2026 Pink Soirée and Auction raised more than $100,000 to help cover patient expenses, ensuring individuals who are uninsured or underinsured can receive screenings.

 

“Today marks an important step forward in improving access to life-saving screenings for West Virginians,” Greg Rosencrance, M.D., president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, said. “Through our partnership with the WVU Cancer Institute and with the generous support of Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, this second unit allows us to reach more communities and reduce barriers to early detection.”

 

Bonnie’s Bus was established in 2009 in honor of Bonnie Wells Wilson, who lost her life to breast cancer after facing limited access to screening. Since its inception, the program has provided more than 30,400 screening mammograms and identified at least 180 cases of breast cancer.

 

A cornerstone of the program is its commitment that no patient is turned away. The new unit will continue that mission, delivering high-quality care directly to communities in need.

 

“The WVU Cancer Institute is committed to enhancing access to cancer care, and the addition of a second Bonnie’s Bus further reinforces that commitment,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, said. “Early detection saves lives. The growth of our mobile units is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to early detection for patients in the communities where they live and work. We are grateful to our partners for supporting these life-changing services.”

 

This new unit builds upon the success of the WVU Cancer Institute’s existing two mobile cancer screening units. With the addition of the second Bonnie’s Bus, the Mobile Cancer Screening Program will have three mobile cancer screening units, including Bonnie’s Bus and LUCAS, a mobile lung cancer screening unit. 

 

To learn more about Bonnie’s Bus, visit WVUCancer.org/Bonnie. For more information about WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, visit ThomasHospitals.org. 

 

–WVU MEDICINE–