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Kathleen
Bailey (left) accepts a Metro "Pink Pass" from her
boss, Amy Selig, Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation Houston Affiliate, as a unique awareness initiative, created
by Memorial Hermann, kicks off for the month of October.
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Houston,
Texas, September 29, 2003 – In October, Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, three Houston area organizations are collaborating to eliminate
a major obstacle that blocks many women from getting mammograms—lack
of transportation. In fact, transportation is cited second only to
fear when women explain why they don’t get the routine, life-saving
test.
Responding to the need, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Houston Affiliate, and METRO have designed
a unique program intended to drive all women to get tested. During the month
of October, anyone who schedules a mammogram also
has the opportunity to help someone without transportation do the same.
The
new program features a “Pink Pass”, underwritten by Memorial Hermann.
For every woman who calls 713-222-CARE (2273) to schedule a mammogram at a Memorial
Hermann facility and says “Pink Pass”, Memorial Hermann will donate
to the Komen Houston Affiliate a special one-day METRO travel pass. Komen will
then allocate the passes to organizations that provide free mammograms to underserved
women.
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To help spread the word METRO is producing and placing posters and
fliers at all 25 Park and Ride locations as well as at all 15 transit
centers.
According to the American Cancer Society, one out of eight American
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. Annual
mammograms after the age of 40 can lead to early detection and increased
cancer survival rates.
 This October women who take
care of themselves by scheduling their mammograms can also help to
remove one of the primary obstacles preventing
other women from getting their life saving screening mammograms – lack
of transportation.
Who says there’s no such thing as a free ride? Remember to
call 713-222-CARE (2273) and say “Pink Pass”.
For more information, contact Media Relations.
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