Houston, TX [August 28, 2019] – Ronnie J. Pace’s breast cancer diagnosis in April 2013 brought home the reality that men can indeed have the disease. A second lump found two and a half years later after his first diagnosis, moved Ronnie to continue his awareness campaign. Now, his new role as a member of the Board of Directors for The Rose, offers him the opportunity to expand his advocacy efforts.
“I had no idea that men could get breast cancer until my doctor explained that the lump in my right breast could be malignant,” the business owner, and realtor explained. “As one of The Rose’s newest board members, I am ready to share the message that many men don’t want to hear or talk about.”
After receiving the shocking diagnosis, Pace devoted himself to learning more about the disease. He is a charter member of the MD Anderson Patient and Family Advisory Council and has also helped form the Male Breast Cancer Support Group at the hospital. A frequent public speaker, Pace also worked on proclamations issued by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas Governor Greg Abbott spotlighting male breast cancer during the third week of October.
Pace’s advocacy and education efforts are focused on a very specific goal: “I belong to a unique group of men, about 2,500 in the United States,” he said “and consider it my mission to eliminate the phrase, ‘I did not know men could get breast cancer,’ from society.”
“I’m thrilled to have Ronnie on our board. He has a bold way of advocating for our cause and the need for more awareness about male breast cancer. When he tells his story, people pay attention and I know he will help us reach more people and save more lives,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO, and Co-Founder of The Rose.
Pace wants to broaden the understanding of breast cancer’s impact on both men and women, but also how the disease impacts men differently. His treatment was no different than a woman’s regardless of how different women and men are. Pace feels strongly that the lack of funding for research of male breast cancer eliminates breast health care tailored for men.
Pace believes that men are their worst enemy in the tendency to deny the possibility and reject the reality of breast cancer. He thanks his wife Judith, who prompted him to have a nagging chest cold checked out and notes that doctors have told him most women are responsible for saving their husbands’ lives because they encourage getting themselves checked out.
Pace is certified in Civil, Family, and CPS Mediation. He is also certified as an Arbitrator and is licensed as a Texas Real Estate Broker by Texas Real Estate Commission.
He and Judith have three daughters, two sons, and thirteen grandchildren.
To schedule an interview with Ronnie J. Pace, please contact Mageida Sopon at 832-310-5124 or email [email protected].
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.
