Many young mothers have only the common concerns of life, such as childcare and planning for the future, to worry them. But for Ana Barron Garcia, her story following the birth of her second child at the young age of 30 took a different turn. After multiple breast symptoms and failed diagnoses, she finally discovered during an appointment at The Rose that she had inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a metastatic cancer that often spreads to the bones, brain and other parts of the body.
Now, eight years after her passing, Ana’s Angels, a group made up of family and friends, run 30 miles annually in honor of her life. Since 2012, they have raised IBC awareness and funds for other young women through the 30 for Ana run. On Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 4 a.m to 12 p.m., the run will begin at MD Anderson (1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030), where Ana received treatment, and end at the Grandview Cemetery (8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505), Ana’s place of rest. Runners will also stop at Houston Hospice, where Ana spent her final days, and The Rose, where she found answers, along the way.
“This event helps us honor Ana’s legacy, raise awareness about a rare form of breast cancer and, to this day, gives us an opportunity to understand her physical turmoil by running the 30 miles,” said Daniel Barron, Founder of 30 for Ana and Ana’s brother. “Ana was such a giving person and even as she was battling cancer, she gave back and supported other women who were also in the fight.”
Daniel, joined by his two siblings, Sandra Barron Aguilar and John Barron Jr., along with Gerry Garcia, Ana’s husband, laid the groundwork for the 30 mile run. They were inspired to follow Ana’s example by reaching out to The Rose. In addition to being the place where Ana was diagnosed, The Rose played a significant role in the lives of Ana’s family and friends through her five-year journey with breast cancer.
“Ana was the first young woman we diagnosed through our Young Women program, which ensures women of any age can raise concerns about their health and access a mammogram,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose. “We were so fortunate to have Ana in our lives. Seeing her volunteer to help other young women dealing with breast cancer was inspiring and I am honored to have her family as strong supporters of The Rose.”
Since 2012, 30 for Ana has raised over $160,000 for The Rose. This year’s goal is $50,000 to continue enabling swift diagnoses for young women like Ana who seek the services of The Rose now and in the future.
For more information on 30 for Ana and The Rose, visit: www.30forana.org and www.therose.org. To schedule interviews please contact: Mageida Sopon at (832) 310-5124 or email [email protected].
ABOUT THE ROSE:
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Their mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is one of only 14 Breast Centers in the greater Houston area to receive this designation. Led by Fellowship trained physicians, The Rose’s advanced digital technology includes 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic work-ups including biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As the leading nonprofit breast health organization in Texas, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare, a major part of the Healthcare Safety Net and serves 40,000 insured and uninsured women annually. Two Houston based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography fleet provide services to women throughout 40 counties in Southeast Texas.
