Woman's Raises Over $12,000 In First Year for Pink Ribbons Project

In its first year to organize a team of riders, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas (TWHT) raised more than $12,000 in donations for the annual Tour de Pinkbike ride in Houston. 

The hospital’s Tour De Pink Team of 25 participants included physicians, staff and their family members.  Cyclists could sign up to ride from 12 to 100 miles and each participant was asked to raise $125 in pledges.  Dr. Susan Hardwick Smith, an OB-Gyn at TWHT, cycled the full 100 miles.

 Some participants rode in memory of loved ones who had battled breast cancer, said Donna Roth, organizer of The Woman’s Hospital Team and executive assistant to CEO Linda Russell.  Roth herself is a 3-year survivor of breast cancer.

All funds raised will benefit the Pink Ribbons project, an organization that promotes breast health awareness through the arts in the Greater Houston area.

“The focus is now to dispel some myths about breast cancer, like the idea that if it is not in your family history then you are not at risk,” Roth said. “Providing access to mammograms to those who can’t afford them is also a big issue.  The $125 requirement in fundraising reflects the cost of one mammogram.”

 An article about the Woman’s Tour De Pink Team will appear in the upcoming edition of YOU Magazine, an HCA publication.

Other events at TWHT  for Breast Cancer Awareness Month included a “Girls Night Out” Community Event— in which one lucky winner received an Apple iPAD—and an inaugural Cancer Survivor’s Luncheon for employees on Oct. 18.

The hospital has also extended hours for employees to get mammograms.