Gift of Life continues providing lifesaving services throughout pandemic

With the support of “generous” industry and other corporate donors, Gift of Life has marshalled resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in order to continue providing lifesaving breast health services that include screenings and diagnostic tests for medically at-risk women across Southeast Texas at Baptist Hospital locations in Beaumont and Orange.

Among this year’s corporate sponsors that have assisted Gift of Life in sustaining its services are: BASF TOTAL Petrochemicals LLC; Cheniere Energy Inc.; Chevron Phillips; Entergy Texas; H-E-B; Miracle Match for Life; Motiva; Sempra LNG & Midstream; Quality Mat Company; TotalEnergies; TPC Group; and Valero.

Other sponsoring charitable organizations include: Gladys D. Bevil Charitable Trust; Wilton P. & Effie Mae Hebert Foundation; William C. and Sallye J. Keith Endowed Fund; Mildred Mount Manion Charitable Foundation; Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; St. Katharine Drexel Humanitarians; Temple Emanuel Sisterhood; Winners for Life; and the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL).

Gift of Life is committed to addressing the health and wellness of Southeast Texans with its community-based strategies that target vulnerable individuals in its seven-county service region. Research indicates health disparities are costly and that prioritizing equity is vital for the future well-being of everyone. By continuing its services, the organization redirects patient care from overtaxed emergency centers, while also decreasing hospitalization and mortality rates with early disease detection.

“These are uncertain times, and we must persist as stewards with servant hearts to help others,” affirmed Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers. “We know that cancer does not stop for a pandemic, and with the financial endorsement of these Southeast Texas companies and charitable organizations, along with many other benevolent donors, Gift of Life has been able to bridge the gap in medical care escalated by the increased rate of unemployment and economic hardships in the region.”

Since 2019, Gift of Life has diagnosed breast cancer in 29 clients who have been navigated through treatment with compassion and concern, and nearly 275 women since its inception.

“During the pandemic, I was diagnosed with breast cancer following Gift of Life’s free screenings and diagnostic tests,” said Gift of Life breast cancer client Debbie Burton. “The compassionate staff helped me through my treatment, and I’m now cancer-free and enjoying my 12 grandchildren. Gift of Life saved my life!”

“We are deeply grateful for the lasting and positive impact our Women’s Breast Health initiative sponsors have made on Gift of Life through their philanthropic funding of our program’s health and educational services for underserved women,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we know we can build a healthier, happier community with the help of these ‘champions of our cause.’”

For more information about Gift of Life or to determine if you’re eligible to attend an upcoming screening site, contact the organization at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.