River City Six: Sarah Thompson
FirstScan is an Omaha-based company specializing in MRI’s that has introduced a revolutionary yet affordable non-invasive method for prostate cancer detection, which is now being sought out by men nationwide. Sarah Thompson is an MRI Technologist at FirstScan.
Tell us a little about your business.
FirstScan opened in November of 2015. We can perform MRI’s of any part of the body but we specialize in MRI of the prostate as a diagnostic tool in early detection of prostate cancer. This month is very exciting for us as September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We strive to bring awareness to the community of the prevalence of prostate cancer and the need for men who are at risk to get screened by their doctors. Most men do not realize that in 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is very treatable if it is detected early.
How did you get started in the business?
I was recruited by FirstScan before the company opened. I was working full-time at a local hospital when the owners found me on LinkedIn. Initially I was hired to work part-time at a sister company. The owners later approached me about working a full-time position at FirstScan during the planning stages. At first I unsure about taking the position, but after hearing the vision for the company, I was excited to become a part of the team. We are pioneers in our industry as the first imaging center in Omaha to offer affordable, specialized prostate imaging.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have two teenage daughters who are ages 18 and 14. We moved to the Omaha area from Lincoln over 10 years ago and we love it here. My oldest daughter has special needs and we have been blessed by the various sports, clubs and activities that Omaha has to offer her. She enjoys swimming, soccer, basketball and cooking classes. My youngest is a freshman in high school and keeps busy taking advanced classes and clubs at her school. We are also active members of Lifegate church, many of the friends we have made there have become like family to us. We love serving and being a part of the community outreach.
What are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of my daughters. Raising kids as a single parent is challenging and I have always worried about how my girls would turn out. They are teenagers now and though they have good days and bad days, they never cease to amaze me with their kindness and their desire to give their best. Not only am I proud of what they have accomplished but who they have become as young women.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Lead by example. I try to follow this as a mother, a friend and an employee. People will not listen to what you have to say if you do not believe it or live by it yourself.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Passionate.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Invisibility.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Love Does by Bob Goff.
What is your favorite movie?
First Knight.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
I can be found on LinkedIn or contacted through my company website www.firstscanomaha.com.