Rita Leverkuhn, 63, of Vidor, believes friendship saved her life. Without health insurance, she often neglected her health until her dear friend, Charlotte, scheduled her for a “Gift of Life” mammogram. Happy to be sharing the experience with a companion, Rita was screened at Baptist Orange Hospital through the generous support of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation.
Though Charlotte’s mammogram was normal, Rita was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Having seen friends battle breast cancer, this mother of five and grandmother of nine worried that her diagnosis would rob her of valuable time with her beautiful family and sisterhood of friends.
With her steady return to health through follow-up care from UTMB-Galveston, Rita has discovered the lifesaving benefits of early detection. Today she looks forward to many years of watching her precious grandchildren grow to adulthood.
End of Year Campaign
The “Gift of Life” provides free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings for medically underserved women and men and offers extensive educational outreach throughout seven Southeast Texas counties.
In 2011, the “Gift of Life” diagnosed 13 women with breast cancer and 2 men with prostate cancer, all of whom have been navigated into treatment.
This Holiday Season, we extend our sincere gratitude to our supporters who have helped the “Gift of Life” save lives for 17 years. Ring in the New Year with a call to the “Gift of Life” and find out how you can make a difference!
Call 409.833.3663
