Mission Statement
Hope Through Grace, Inc. (HTG) works to eliminate colorectal cancer through prevention and early detection. We seek to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality rates resulting from individuals who are uninsured, medically underserved or at risk for developing colorectal cancer. Through education and financial assistance with baseline colonoscopy screenings, the organization has made substantial strides in the pursuit of this mission.
HTG has adopted a positive action program to raise cancer awareness, increase prevention efforts, confront mistrust of the health care system, and connect more people to colorectal cancer prevention and early detection services. The organization has designed, developed and adopted a mechanism to prevent cancer before it is found. Scientific evidence indicates that screening saves lives. In 2007, HTG implemented a CRC Education & Screening Program (CCESP), which has now been pilot tested for six years. The aim of CCESP was to provide the uninsured or underinsured access to baseline colonoscopy screenings at no cost. The required education seminar ensures follow-through and empowers participants to make better health choices regarding colorectal cancer risk reduction.
Hope Through Grace envisions a community and a society in which the incidence and the mortality rates of colorectal cancer are diminished and ultimately eradicated. Through our programs and services, HTG participants adopt health promoting behaviors and attitudes, resulting in the significant reduction in the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer.
Our target population includes persons who are medically underserved, uninsured, underinsured, survivors and all others who wish to live healthier.
We are proud to offer cancer screening for early detection, education, advocacy, and services to underscore the importance of colorectal cancer prevention, early detection and cancer care.
Description
Our education programs are designed to ensure the public is provided with an understanding of colorectal cancer, risk factors that increase potential of the disease, and measures that can be adopted to lower one's risk or to prevent the disease. Tens of thousands receive our education messages. Participants adopt life changing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that promote wellness and healthy living.
We also work to remove financial barriers to screening participation by providing low-cost baseline colonoscopy screenings for the uninsured, underinsured and medically underserved. We assist with exorbitant co-pays and deductibles for persons who are insured but cannot afford these costs. Well over one hundred asymptomatic persons received financial support from HTG; over half had colon problems and one had stage III disease. Each person received recommended clinical care (polyp removal, pathology examinations, reports, etc.). The costs of baseline colonoscopy screenings are underwritten by donations and other funding sources.
It is our intention to continue broadening colorectal cancer awareness and increasing screening participation throughout the Greater Houston community.
In March 2014, HTG will be hosting its 9th annual walk-a-thon, which will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about colorectal cancer, in addition to raising funds so that we may continue providing colorectal cancer prevention, awareness and early detection services to our target population.
