A free mammogram day went bust midday Thursday, October 2, as outdoor temperatures rendered three of the four mammography machines nonfunctional.

The Susan G. Komen and San Diego Chargers sponsored–event offering free mammograms for women over 40 was held in the parking lot of Qualcomm Stadium from 8 until 2:30. By midday, the imaging machines weren't working, and rather than face long waits, women were being offered free appointments at locations in Chula Vista, Spring Valley, Escondido, and City Heights.

"I drove all the way from Oceanside," said a woman named Rosie. "I can't drive to central San Diego on a weekday to do this."

Other women left upset as well. But plenty of people stayed for the free lunch of pizza and salad, and a few got autographs from the half dozen Chargers Girls who were at the event.

While the Komen Foundation spokeswoman said two of the four machines had malfunctioned because of the heat, women there (including me) were being told that three had broken down. Still, 300 women received free mammograms, according to Jaclyn Acree. Dozens more made appointments for mammograms in the next month.