TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | j u n e 2 0 1 5 35 Knowledge truly is power. I think of all of the women who don't even know the questions to ask. That's a scary thing. — KAREN JACKSON Founder & CEO of Sisters Network Inc. Homes by Houston's leading builders from the $ 200s – $ 800s COMING SOON TO 288, A PREMIER LUXURY COMMUNITY LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN! No warranty or representation of intended use, design or proposed improvements are made herein. All plans for land or facilities are subject to change without notice. Nothing presented in this advertisement shall obligate the owner, or any other person or entity, to construct facilities or develop land as shown. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of Equal Housing Opportunity in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. South of the Medical Center off 288, past Highway 6 a wondrous new community is taking shape. It's called Meridiana and it's more than just an amazing place to live — it's a community infused with the spirit of exploration and discovery. — Details about Meridiana's unprecedented amenities will be revealed soon! Don't miss the excitement. Sign up at MeridianaTexas.com today to receive the latest info and updates. • • MERCO-031 TMC PulseAd June 4.6875x12.25 MECH.indd 1 5/13/15 3:24 PM organization has extensive ties to the Texas Medical Center, with many prominent oncologists, radiologists and other cancer experts serving on the board or as medical advisors. Through their various outreach pro- grams and initiatives, Sisters Network helps African-American women gain access to comprehensive medical care and social support while also raising awareness of the staggering prevalence of breast cancer in the community. Their faith-based educational out- reach program, called the Pink Ribbon Awareness Initiative, reaches women through their churches to heighten general knowledge and boost the num- ber of individuals obtaining mammo- grams. Affiliate chapters also host Gift for Life Block Walks in which survivors and volunteers canvas door-to-door in African-American communities, dis- tributing educational materials while sharing personal stories about diagno- sis, treatment and survival. In April the organization hosted their 6th annual Stop the Silence walk at Discovery Green Park. Breast cancer survivors and supporters from across the U.S. came to Houston to participate in the only national breast cancer walk/ run for African-American women to raise money for the organization's Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP), which helps women facing financial challenges gain access to much-needed services. "The BCAP program helps cover a mammogram and ultrasound for women who can't afford them, because we know that early detection saves lives, and we also know that just getting a mammogram is not enough," Jackson explained. "We promote the ultrasound as part of the yearly checkup because it is not done by everyone and we want women to know to ask for it—you want to have 100 percent information if you are at risk for breast cancer, not 85." In addition to helping women who qualify obtain screening, the BCAP program can also help cover medical expenses related to lodging and travel, office visits, prosthesis equipment and more. "We're not always successful in pro- viding for each individual, but we are always making an effort to align our- selves with what's best for the patient," said Jackson. "There was one instance here in Houston a few years ago where a young lady who didn't have any insur- ance needed a bone marrow transplant. I ended up going on the radio and just sent out a plea to help her, and some anonymous donor paid for the entire procedure at MD Anderson. We never found out who it was." Inspired by stories like these, Jackson's mission remains vibrant, reaching more cities, age groups and walks of life than ever before. One of their newest projects, called Teens 4 Pink, trains teen girls to become breast health "Pink Ambassadors." The program educates girls ages 12 to 16 about the importance of early detection and the resources and support services available in their communities to assist their family members. The goal is that these young ambassadors will "break the silence" about the disease and begin conver- sations that could lead to increased screening, early diagnosis and a better chance at survival. "It's phenomenal," said Jackson. "The teen Pink Ambassadors are so receptive to learning and they are impacting their families. What better way for a mother, an aunt or a grand- mother to hear about breast health than to have their teen ask them, 'Have you had your mammogram this year? Do you do breast self-exams? Here's infor- mation about an organization that pro- vides free services and mammograms.' That is power that evokes change."

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