Houston, TX [September 4, 2019] – In more than three decades of serving Southeast Texas, The Rose had its greatest fundraising event thanks in part to Liz Rigney. This year, she’s taking on even more responsibility as she joins the board of the nonprofit breast healthcare organization.
As the “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” luncheon chair, Rigney oversaw what became a sold-out fundraiser, that was held for the first time at River Oaks Country Club, resulting in more than 500 guests raising an excess of $320,000.
Rigney explains that she first heard of The Rose from a friend who 20 years ago faced a breast cancer scare, and was helped by the organization. Her friend has continued to receive her mammograms there. However, Rigney’s awareness of breast cancer began even earlier as she watched a family member go through a cancer diagnosis at an early age of 27 years old.
At that time, the mother of two young daughters, ages two and four, was told she would probably not live to see her oldest go to kindergarten. Defying all odds, she lived to her 60s and was able to see her first grandchild.
“Over the years, we saw how the family was affected,” Rigney said. “She was always so positive and had such a great attitude. She was just an inspiration to all of us. In fact, when I did my table for the luncheon, I did it in memory of her.”
Rigney was surrounded by breast cancer survivors and listening to their stories inspired her to agree to join The Rose Board of Directors.
“Just listening to their stories was overwhelming to me and made me want to become a part of the organization,” she said. Rigney was most impressed with how The Rose removes barriers to screenings like distance and finance.
“Their Mobile Program will actually go out to the women they serve, many who can’t take time-off or are uninsured. The Rose connects with women who might not ever go get a mammogram. It’s amazing,” she points out.
“As a new board member, I’m not sure where I’ll fit in, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” she concludes. Her previous volunteer and board activities are too long to list, but she has already served on the boards of Chappell Hill Historical Society, TIRR Foundation, Holly Hall Retirement Community, and Amazing Place.
“Getting to know Liz has been rewarding on so many levels,” said Dorothy Gibbons, Co-Founder, and CEO of The Rose. “We are, of course, grateful for the overwhelming success of the luncheon. But we are even more grateful that we now have the opportunity to gain from her knowledge and expertise.”
To schedule an interview with Liz Rigney, please contact Mageida Sopon at 832-310-5124 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
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. Since 1986, The Rose has led strong advocacy efforts for quality breast healthcare, and has been on the forefront of innovation in breast healthcare. As a major specialty care provider within the Healthcare Safety Net system, The Rose is considered to be a leading nonprofit in breast healthcare. Annually, The Rose serves 40,000 insured and uninsured women and men. With two Houston-based comprehensive Breast Diagnostic Centers and a Mobile Mammography Health Program, The Rose provides services to women throughout 40 counties in Southeast Texas.
