Houston, TX [October 1, 2019] – When Dorothy Gibbons, Co-Founder of The Rose, lost her mother to late stage cervical cancer at 22, Gibbons didn’t know how to be her mother’s advocate, nor did her mother know how to advocate for herself. As a result, even though the disease could have been detected early on and treated, it wasn’t.
Today, cancer is no longer a ‘death’ sentence and awareness has made all the difference. During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Rose encourages greater Houston area residents to go beyond wearing pink and participate in fitness, food and fun events with local businesses. This also includes four action steps – Awareness, Fundraise, Vote and Give – to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and provide funds for diagnostic services to prevent more Texans from experiencing what Gibbons and her mother faced.
Local organizations including businesses, shops, fitness studios and more have joined The Rose in their fight against breast cancer to offer communities in Houston, Pasadena, Webster, Richmond, The Woodlands and beyond, the opportunity to advocate, share stories, celebrate and donate to quality breast healthcare access. No woman should die because she didn’t have the resources to get care and was diagnosed too late.
“When my mother passed away so needlessly and all the moments that have followed, my life was changed. I now intimately understand how the prejudice to poverty influences access to care and am more determined than ever to be part of the change that will save lives. Every time I meet another patient who has waited too long – because they didn’t have insurance or money or a doctor – I’m saddened by my memories but outraged for any woman who doesn’t know there is a option—The Rose. The difference from the time my mother died and now, is that I am no longer powerless,” said Gibbons.
Dorothy and Dr. Melillo started The Rose in the 1980’s in the middle of the ‘oil bust,’ one of the worst economic downturns the State has ever experienced. They fought for mammograms when others thought they were a frivolous expense. They fought for the uninsured when others never gave them a thought. They fought for women to be awakened, to be told they had cancer and given a choice about the next steps, rather than a biopsy becoming the first step to an automatic mastectomy. They fought for women of color, women in poverty and women for whom English is a second language. They fought and they are still fighting to help the women and their families of Texas.
Gibbons reminds us, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about making visible the reality of the importance of early detection but also the tragic facts of who can and cannot have screening or treatment. It’s about learning, fighting and taking action when no one else is willing to do the work. The past is shocking and horrifying. The future will be equally frightening if we don’t take action.”
She added: “Too many women are still being diagnosed with breast cancer, and too many of those are uninsured.”
The four actions steps can be found on their website here and will detail ways advocates and supporters help further their mission. Be a part of ‘Saving Lives’ by engaging in any of the fitness, food and fun events detailed below. Details for all events can be found at therose.org/calendar.
Fitness – Charitable events that get you moving
- Pink Rides, October 1 – October 31, Ride Indoor Cycling – West U, 3837 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
- Proactive Pink Hot Yoga Classes, October 1 – October 31, Some Like It Hot Studio, 1403 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433
- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, October 5 @ 8:00 am; Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
- Jump for The Rose Pinkfest Boogie, October 5 – October 6, Skydive Spaceland, 16111 FM 521, Rosharon, TX 77583
- Play for The Pink Golf Tournament, October 5, Pecan Grove Country Club, 3000 Plantation Drive, Richmond, TX 77406
- Beer and Taco 1K, October 26 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am, Leeland House, 2119 Leeland Street, Houston, TX 77003
- Kickin’ Breast Cancer Kickball Tournament, October 26, Alief Amity Park
Food – Eat and drink for a cause
- Rudy’s BBQ Pink Cup Campaign 2019, October 1 – October 31, various Rudy’s BBQ locations
- Chick-fil-A Cookies to Cancel Cancer, October 1 – October 31, 45 & Almeda, Northwest Crossing and Sienna Crossing, proceeds from 6-pack of cookies
- Post Oak Grill special dessert for The Rose, October 1 – October 31, Uptown and Downtown locations
- Drink Pink Rose’ Tasting Party, October 10 @ 3pm – 6pm, Present Company, 1318 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 7006
Fun – Shopping events that support breast cancer
- Tanger Outlets Houston Pink Shopping Card, October 1 – October 31, 5885 Gulf Fwy, Texas City, TX 77591
- Kendra Scott Gives Back, October 5 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Kendra Scott @ Baybrook Mall (Friendswood), Rice Village (Houston), City Centre (Houston), First Colony Mall (Sugar Land), Market Street (The Woodlands)
To get more information on The Rose visit www.therose.org. If you are interested in scheduling an interview with Dorothy Gibbons, 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 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 41 counties in Southeast Texas.
