Nearly two years ago, a mammogram helped save Jackie Rohdy’s life.

The 58-year-old Dowagiac woman had been taking the test designed to detect breast cancer every year since she was 35 because her family has a history of the disease.

After several years of good news, a mammogram found breast cancer at a very early stage in October 2013.

“Just hearing it is what is scary, hearing someone say ‘you have breast cancer,’” Rohdy said. “But they told me this is the best kind because you caught it so early. Had I not had a mammogram I don’t know what would’ve happened. It is nothing I would’ve found doing my monthly (exam).”

Because of her experience, Rohdy knows more than most people just how important events like Saturday’s Bowl for the Cure are.

Now in its ninth year, Niles’ Bowl for the Cure event has raised more than $100,000 for the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, which serves eight counties in Southwest Michigan, including Berrien and Cass counties.

A portion of that money has helped provide 2,000 free mammograms to people in Southwest Michigan over the past two years, according to Denise Bohn Stewart, development director for Susan G. Komen Michigan.

Of those who were screened, at least 12 were diagnosed with breast cancer.

“What happens here goes to helping fund a health screening for someone that otherwise couldn’t afford it,” Bohn Stewart said. “The key to breast cancer since there isn’t a cure right now is catching it early. Your odds of beating it are much higher if you catch it early.”

Saturday’s event, which was split into two shifts, was held at Joey Armadillo’s Bowling Alley.

Chris Marlin, event organizer, said approximately 300 bowlers participated. At the time of the event, she expected to reach the goal of raising $15,000 — a new record. After totaling the numbers, Marlin said the event has raised more than $19,000, well over their goal, and $5,000 more than they raised last year.

“I’m simply amazed at our local community on how they come together to make this event better and better every year,” Marlin said.

“This year was fantastic. We’ve had more sponsors and more donations than we’ve ever had,” Marlin said. “Maybe it’s the economy getting better — I don’t know. I also think it is a good cause that people want to come out and support.”

Maryjane Bell, of Niles, found out she had breast cancer on her 11th wedding anniversary in 1994.

She’s been cancer free for 21 years.

“It is wonderful to see so many people here,” Bell said. “We are raising a lot of money and awareness. Hopefully we are saving lives too.”

Seventy-five percent of the money raised funds health screenings and awareness in Southwest Michigan. The remaining 25 percent goes toward research.

Marlin thanked Joey Armadillo’s for allowing the event to be held there.