Mission Statement
To provide Southeast Texans extensive educational outreach that focuses on breast, prostate, testicular, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers; free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings with access to follow-up treatment for medically underserved women and men; and a tobacco prevention program, which targets both adults and children.
Description
The Julie Rogers "Gift of Life" Program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Beaumont, Texas and serving seven Southeast Texas counties. The organization has funded more than 26,000 free mammograms and nearly 8,000 free prostate cancer screenings, and has conducted more than 1,000 educational outreach encounters since its inception, reaching more than 100,000 children and adults since inception. In addition, the organization has helped extend the lives of more than 200 individuals who have been diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and provided access to treatment through its efforts. The Gift of Life takes a holistic approach in the fight against cancer by focusing on education, detection, access to treatment and follow-up support.
ps_picHaving been recognized as using "best practices" by UTMB, the organization received the prestigious Harold P. Freedman award from the American Cancer Society in 2003 "for showing outstanding efforts in providing cancer control activities to the underserved populations in the State of Texas."
Additionally, the Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF) presented its 2011 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award to the Gift of Life, recognizing the program for its outstanding contribution to Texas public health through its holistic approach to fighting cancer.
As the largest cancer screening and prevention program between Houston and New Orleans, the Gift of Life has succeeded in raising the awareness levels of breast, prostate and testicular, ovarian and other gynecological cancers; conveying the important message that early detection is the best protection in the fight against cancer; communicating the negative effects of tobacco; and providing a support system for survivors.
