HOUSTON– When it comes to breast cancer, young women are often the most overlooked segment of the population. Frequently, women under 40 years of age are told, “You’re too young for a mammogram.”
“Well they are not too young for breast cancer,” demands Dorothy Gibbons, the CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose, the nonprofit breast health organization that serves both the insured and uninsured in 25 counties. “Year after year – and I’ve been doing this for 28 years – almost 1/5th of the women we diagnose with breast cancer are under the age of 40.”
With state and national funding focusing on women above the 40 year mark, The Rose has maintained a commitment to serving all women – regardless of age and ability to pay – since 1986. But in the past year, resources for funding those services have decreased. As a result, this year’s 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer will focus all their fundraising efforts toward filling the void. The May 10thevent — a 60-mile ride, silent and live auctions, and music – will “put a face” on six “Women of The Rose” with special attention given to young women.
Like Kay King.
Kay was 38 years old and eight weeks pregnant when she discovered that like her mother and aunt before her, she too had breast cancer. Dr. Dixie Melillo, the other Co-Founder of The Rose, was in tears as she delivered the news and immediately connected Kay with Patient Navigators who were able to identify a source for the funds needed for covering Kay’s cost of exams and treatment.
The Woodville resident learned of The Rose when she began to discover how difficult it is for an uninsured young businesswoman to find the help needed.
“My love and stronghold, Brian Stelly, told me his sister had recently gone to a place called The Rose for something similar. And once I started checking it out, I discovered lots of women who highly recommended it,” she reported.
Not only did Brian help make the first connection to The Rose, he has also proven to be a source of great strength and encouragement for Kay as the last year was filled with both treatment to combat the cancer and ensuring that she was prepared to deliver their first son, Wyatt.
“Brian truly is my love and my stronghold and the person who has made laugh – and laugh hard – as well as feel beautiful and hopeful every single day. Without eyelashes, without hair – I chose not to wear a wig – gaining weight and not being able to easily get it off, chemo-induced brain fog causing problems with memory, concentration and so on – through it all, he has made me feel beautiful, reminding me often of the big picture,” said the radiant young mother who is still undergoing treatments.
The young couple’s love story has had its share of trials. They married after a stint as high school sweethearts, and Kay followed Brian when his Marine Corps assignment took them to the East Coast. However, the strains of a young marriage were too much and after three years they divorced. She remained on the East Coast while he returned to Texas. After 15 years of not seeing or speaking to one another due to the miles and new lives that separated them, they rediscovered each other on Facebook.
That reconnection led Kay to Woodville, The Rose, and now Wyatt.
More of Kay’s story will be shared during the 6th Annual BABC as she serves as one of the six “Women of The Rose”– survivors who will highlighted during the opening ceremonies and at cheer stations along the BABC route.
The 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer on May 10th begins at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson (3636 E. Sam Houston Parkway South, Pasadena, TX 77505).
Bikers Against Breast Cancer launched in the Houstonarea in 2009. The committee consists of volunteers, assisted by The Rose staff. In its five-year history, BABC has raised a total of more than $250,000 to benefit The Rose. For more information on the 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer including options to fundraise, sponsor the event, provide auction items, or register as a rider or Ghost Rider, go to www.TheRose.org/events or email [email protected].
