BBVA recognized for efforts, support of women’s health program

Published 8:41 am Saturday, December 12, 2015

ORANGE — During a Women’s Breast Health Program Luncheon, the Gift of Life recognize BBVA Compass for their humanitarian efforts and altruistic support in furthering the organization’s lifesaving medical services.

BBVA has sponsored the Gift of Life’s Women’s Health Program since 2000.

Gift of Life provides uncompensated healthcare for medically underserved women, including clinical breast exams and mammograms for women in South East Texas.

“We live and work in Southeast Texas,” BBVA Compass Area President Will Lenard said during the luncheon. “We want to support the community.”

‎Executive Director at Julie Rogers Gift of Life Norma Sampson said it was with heartfelt gratitude Gift of Life gave thanks to BBVA Compass.

“Community network is essential,” Sampson said. “They see the outpouring of love and care to help the citizens of Orange. There are still so many who cannot afford insurance or the deductible.”

Regina Rogers established The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program as a tribute to her mother, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, who had a double mastectomy in 1988 and who died following complications from a stroke and heart attack in 1998. Originally dedicated to providing free mammograms for medically underserved women, in the past twelve years, the organization’s services have multiplied and the agency has grown into one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its type in the state of Texas, according to the official website.

In the last 15 years, the program has expanded to include prostate cancer, offering free screenings and educational presentations for men.

Service Line Administrator with Baptist Hospital Todd Senters said the Gift of Life van sites were critical for reaching the community.

“We have plans for the facility as we are developing for a new future,” Senters said. “We will do so until the word cancer is no longer a part of our vocabulary.”

The morning of the luncheon, the hospital preformed 40 mammograms for women in the community through the Gift of Life Program.

“We do this at least once a month,” Becky Trahan, manager of radiology at the hospital. “Sometimes twice a month, we will have a day where we do mammograms for the Gift of Life Program.”

Orange County Commissioner Pct. 3 John Banken said there were not enough words to express how much the program was appreciated.

“You [Gift of Life] do great work. My prayers are with you,” Banken said. “It takes special people to do what you are doing. God has called you.”

Orange County Commissioner Pct. 2 Barry Burton said Commissioners Court had the easy part.

“You bring us the proclamations and we sign them,” Burton said. “We support you and the vital service you provide. Thank you for the opportunity to help. You are the ones touching, changing and saving lives.”

Regina Rogers said there is still a need for the program in the area.

“We have to get the word out to every single woman,” Rogers said. “I don’t want one woman to die because she did not know she had an option.”

Gift of Life offers support service to women diagnosed with breast cancer, including childcare, transportation, and translation assistance.

To find out if you qualify for a mammogram, please call (409) 860-3369 or toll-free at (877) 720-GIFT (4438). Appointments are necessary as space is limited.