“Out of the 845 uninsured African American patients we served last year, 23 were diagnosed with breast cancer and the youngest patient was just 38 years old,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-founder of The Rose. “Events like this allow us to try to bring peace of mind to women by reminding them that someone is on their side and to have their annual mammogram. We share our promise of providing a continuum of care for the underserved, because we know this can lead to long-term survival.”
Although the majority of African American patients at The Rose are insured, The American Cancer Society maintains that financial barriers and unequal access to comprehensive cancer treatment contribute to the survivorship rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It’s essential that we reach even more women in the African American community,” said Kim Roxie, Owner of Lamik Beauty and dedicated supporter of The Rose. “We want to keep all women alive, and I especially want to help save the lives of busy mothers so that they may see their legacy and traditions carried on.”
Roxie experienced first-hand the impact that breast cancer has on entire families. She lost her mother to the disease and has since played an instrumental part in helping to expand awareness of The Rose and provide access to care for all. Her hope is to honor her mother’s legacy, while raising awareness about this disease that takes so many lives each year.
More than 100 women were in attendance at the evening event, including Dr. Jacque Colbert, Carl Davis, Ashley Turner, Cheryl Turner and representatives from the Greater Houston Church of Christ, Dominion Chapel Houston, I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization, Angels Surviving Cancer Pretty Girls with Cancer and the Sisters Network, Inc. The event included a raffle drawing, desserts by ___ and ended in high spirits as breast cancer survivors donned boas and triumphantly danced to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”
To schedule a media interview with any member of The Rose, please contact Ivis Batista at 978-885-7306 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided a full range of breast health services to more than one million patients. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As one of 12 ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers in Houston, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for access to care. Annually, The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and a fleet of Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 45 counties in Southeast Texas.
