Thanks to the extraordinary support of BBVA Compass, 40 medically underserved Southeast Texas women received free clinical breast exams and mammograms from the Gift of Life.
“BBVA took a real active involvement in this several years ago when we recognized how important it is to assist those who can’t afford healthcare on their own,” said Will Leonard, BBVA Compass Area President of Commercial Lending. “We’re very active in volunteering and the Gift of Life fundraisers. We are proud to support generous underwriting through our foundation, because we do recognize, having employees that live and work in this area, how important this cause is and how needed it is by the people it serves.”
BBVA Compass is a flourishing financial institution ranked as the fourth largest bank in Texas. For the past 15 years, BBVA Compass has annually supported the Gift of Life Women’s Health Program, which provides uncompensated healthcare services throughout seven Southeast Texas counties, including the provision of free clinical breast exams, mammograms and diagnostic testing, when needed. Through the support of BBVA Compass, the Gift of Life has been able to provide nearly 600 free clinical breast exams and mammograms at BBVA-sponsored sites and help extend the lives of numerous women who were diagnosed with breast cancer through these efforts.
“Anything like this has to have the financial support as well as the ability to reach out, touch people and make them aware of what is available,” commented Orange County Commissioner Barry Burton. “That is probably what is the biggest and most important things that the business community and government can do for the public. BBVA Compass’s involvement, not only financially, but to get the word out is critical to the success of the Gift of Life and to treating people.”
Gift of Life clients benefit from support services that bridge disparities limiting the deliverance of lifesaving care. From childcare, transportation and translation assistance, each client is individually navigated through the organization’s corridor of compassionate care. Upon the diagnosis of breast cancer, Gift of Life clients are provided a case manager who will accompany them throughout their healing journey and facilitate services to alleviate the emotional, financial and medical pressures accompanying every cancer diagnosis. Since its inception, the Gift of Life has diagnosed nearly 200 medically underserved Southeast Texas women with breast cancer and navigated them into treatment.
The altruistic support of BBVA Compass illuminates the company’s commitment to helping enhance healthcare services for individuals who cannot afford medical care or insurance.
