Women facing a diagnosis of breast cancer at Rockdale Medical Center will have some comfort with a new reminder that others have gone before them and survived.

The Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation dedicated the Wall of Hope at the Rockdale Medical Center Women's Diagnostic Center Thursday in a ceremony at 6 p.m.

The Wall features portraits of 12 breast cancer survivors in the community, nominated by Foundation members and Rockdale Medical Center staff.

The portraits, donated by Ezell's Studios, will be changed out each year for 12 more survivors.

Foundation director and survivor Brenda Edwards said the women nominated also wanted to make sure to bring their family members and caregivers to the dedication ceremony to recognize their contributions.

The Foundation will also announce the sponsorship of free mamograms, funded by a $5,000 grant from the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County. Uninsured and low income patients will first be screened by the public health department, located at 985 Taylor St SW, Conyers, (770) 785-4345, and referred to RMC for mammograms and biopsies.

The mammograms will be offered for about 30 women or until the funds run out.

"Rockdale County women need this," said Edwards. She said the health department indicated there were a large number of people looking for such services.