UTMB was awarded a $100,000 grant aimed at assisting underserved women who have abnormal mammograms by supporting them with patient navigators to aid through treatment and survivorship at the recent Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. UTMB was one of 10 Texas organizations awarded grants at the 12th annual event which raised more than $2 million to accelerate breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and educate people about breast cancer.

Eloise Caggiano, a breast cancer survivor and program director of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, announced the ten new grants to local breast cancer organizations, ensuring the funds raised immediately benefit the local community. “These grants represent only a portion of the funding that the Avon Foundation will distribute in Texas and across the country this year, but we want to make sure the impact of your Walk begins today. Every grant moves us closer toward our goal of a world without breast cancer,” said Caggiano.

More than 1,000 people participated in the 39.3 mile walk through the greater Houston area, supported by an all-volunteer crew and cheered on by supporters. The ten Texas organizations receiving grants on stage at the Avon Walk Houston Closing Ceremony thanked the walkers and crew for their commitment and spectacular fundraising achievements. Staci Adams, UTMB director of development and walk participant, accepted the $100,000 grant on behalf of UTMB.

“Thank you Walkers and Crew! When women get an abnormal mammogram, they are terrified and have no idea what to do. This grant will support our patient navigators to guide underserved women through treatment and on to survivorship! Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Adams said.