Gonzales Health System hosts Pink Out luncheon

The Gonzales Health System hosted its annual Pink Out Luncheon Thursday, Oct. 12 at the THRIVE Center.

Many organizations around the community gathered, attired in all pink, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We are so grateful that you are here with us as we gather to raise funds for one of the most cherished causes within our Foundation — the unfunded mammography program,” said Holly Danz, GHS Director of Marketing.

The program started several years ago with the purpose to allow women, and also men, to receive their annual mammography screening for those who can’t afford it, Danz said.

“If we have learned anything about breast cancer over the years, it’s that early detection is key to treating it. And no one should go without this essential, and potentially life-saving, screening if they don’t have to,” Danz said.

In 2019, GHS was able to pay for 75 mammogram screenings; last year they paid for 200 screenings.

Every year the Gonzales Health System partners with the Gonzales ISD cheerleaders to sell Pink Out shirts and host other functions in the month of October, with all the funds going towards the foundation.

“Any other function the Foundation puts on during the month of October benefits this fund. So we can continue to offer these screenings to all who need them. Together, we are saving lives. And we are blessed that you all here and are helping to contribute to this effort. This fund is being utilized more and more,” Danz said.

Patients come from all over the area for the mammogram screening, including Gonzales, Waelder, Shiner, Hallettsville, Yoakum, Moulton, Port Lavaca, Goliad, Victoria, Seguin, and Schulenburg, Danz said.

“These patients could go to facilities that might be closer to them, but they make the decision to come here because of the care and compassion that Kristy [Garcia], Kasey [DuPree], and Crissie [Siebert] show them. They are the reason. They set us apart from the rest,” Danz said.

The Gonzales Health System not only wants to spread awareness of breast cancer, but also the importance of getting screenings to detect breast cancer.

“Early detection is the key to treating breast cancer. While we raise funds to help the unfunded in our area, our message to all is to make that appointment. Get that screening. The life you save may just be your own, but Gonzales Healthcare Systems is here with you,” Danz said.

“To care for you, to support you, our facility, these ladies, and all of our staff, are dedicated to the health of our entire community. And for that, we should all be so grateful,” Danz added.