Jennie Hull, Barbara Robertson, Cecille Shannon, and Penny Gregg
Click here to download high-resolution photos from the event
Houston, TX [April 10, 2019] – The 7th Annual Luncheon made history for The Rose, the Houston-based breast healthcare provider that has built a reputation of quality care for the insured and uninsured across southeast Texas.
The sold-out fundraiser held for the first time at the River Oaks Country Club had close to 500 guests that raised over $320,000, making the luncheon the most successful in The Rose’s thirty-three years.
“We used the theme ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’ this year, and it was a self-fulfilling prophecy as we tripled the amount we raised last year,” said Dorothy Gibbons, the CEO, and Co-Founder of The Rose. “I am so very grateful that we not only exceeded our financial goals but that we will be able to serve so many more women.”
As guests arrived at the Club, Rosie, The Rose’s Mobile Mammography Health Coach offering 3D mammography, greeted them. She was available to the attendees for tours to see firsthand how The Rose increases access to care. Last year, alone, The Rose’s Mobile Program cared for more than 9,000 patients from 52 counties.
A committee of local philanthropists led by the chair Liz Rigney included Allison Allison, Nancy Craig, Janet Lionberger, and Collier Blades. Emceed by former local sports reporter, Lisa Malosky, the event reached women and men with messages of the importance of taking time for self-care.
Since its inception, the annual luncheon has underscored prioritizing health, and this year, was no different. The 2019 program honored, Kay Hedges and Flo McGee, Houston leaders who were both diagnosed with breast cancer and shared from their experiences. Hedges was diagnosed as a 43-year-old and is adamant that receiving a mammogram saved her life. McGee’s mother died from breast cancer. So, when she was told she had a malignant breast tumor, she did not hesitate to take action to save her life. Their inspiring testimonies focused on the importance of mammography and advocacy for care.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Friedman, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Houston Methodist Institute for Reconstructive Surgery and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College offered the keynote address. As he recapped over two decades of advancements in breast cancer reconstructive technology, Dr. Freidman reminded the audience of the importance of detection and challenged them to consider the plight of women who, due to barriers of finance or distance from specialists, lack access to screenings and the full spectrum of breast healthcare.
Attendees also “met” Juanita and Juana, two patients of The Rose, whose survivor stories are captured on video and vividly illustrated the impact a breast cancer diagnosis has on a family and the life events that become true celebrations as the family battles the disease together.
Over 1,100 roses were generously donated by 10-year breast cancer survivor Allison Allison and each table was adorned with the most beautiful arrangement of roses designed and created by Adele Spalding. Each guest was thanked and gifted with a long-stemmed rose as the program ended.
Among the guests present were Emily Crosswell, Lynda Underwood, Klinka Lollar, Carter Lee, Patsy, and Bob Speed, Anne and Currie Bechtol, Nancy and Harry Burrow and Linda McReynolds. The presenting sponsors were Kay & David Hedges and Flo McGee, while additional underwriters included The Jacobson Family Foundation, Dorothy Ables, Collier & Richard Blades, Houston Methodist, Susan Lawhon Padon, Mrs. Raye G. White and more.
To learn more about The Rose’s annual programming visit www.the-rose.org.
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.
