“I lost everything in Harvey and now I have breast cancer. Thank goodness for The Rose.” -TeresaMy heart hurts for this woman. When I opened her card thanking us for getting her into treatment, I was humbled to tears by her year of losses. As someone who was personally impacted by Harvey, I know what it means to feel tired, out of control and numb with grief, but I don’t have to deal with breast cancer. On top of Teresa losing her home and car, having to live with friends and trying to hitch rides to get to work, this woman is still dealing with the grief of burying her daughter the year before. Being medically uninsured, she is as worried about how she’ll be able to pay for treatment as she is surviving breast cancer. There is no FEMA for her, no government assistance that can make things ‘normal’ again, and no one ready to help her through this difficult time. No one except The Rose. During the first two weeks of September, we served 214 uninsured women, 59 of them had been impacted by Harvey, half of them had major losses, car or home or everything. Unfortunately, three of those 59 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The more we asked, the more we learned how difficult it is right now for women to even think about their own health. Every day we are hearing more stories and every day more women are asking for help. That’s why we are more committed than ever to make access to care easy and available to every woman regardless of her ability to pay. More committed to be there for them for the long haul — through their diagnosis and treatment. This year, a storm named Harvey and another named Breast Cancer collided for Teresa, bringing with them a long road to recovery. The good news is that she will not have to face it alone, not as long as we have your support. Every donation will help save another life. Your support gives Teresa and so many other women we serve that precious chance at life. Please join us and thank you for being Rose Strong.
To schedule a media interview with any member of our board, please contact Lis Harper at 281-846-5976 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 high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies 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 quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.
