By Lustrous Public Relations | Photography by Luis Vazquez Photography
The WINGS legacy began in 1999 when a breast cancer patient, Terri Jones, and her surgeon, Dr. Catherine Safford, came together with a vision: to create a lifeline for uninsured and underinsured women facing Breast Cancer in Central and South Texas. What began as a hopeful idea blossomed into WINGS – Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing, Inc., the first and only Texas non-profit providing no-cost, comprehensive Breast Cancer treatment to individuals who must choose between life-saving treatment, or feeding their families.
The anniversary campaign, “25 Years of WINGS Milagros: Miracles for Uninsured Individuals with Breast Cancer,” embodies the heart of our mission. WINGS, located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, celebrates its 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, WINGS has assisted 18,000+ women living at or below poverty to bridge the gap between detection and access no-cost comprehensive breast cancer care, breaking all financial barriers, providing access to critical lifesaving treatment, educational, transportation, referral, and adjunct resources services.
These miracles are made possible by their dedicated team, a network of physicians, treatment centers, donors, volunteers, and community partners who work relentlessly to ensure everyone receives first-class quality care.
As we reflect on WINGS’ 25-year journey, we are proud to share some remarkable achievements:
Lives Touched: Since its inception, WINGS has provided life-saving treatment, resources, programming, and family support to over 18,000 individuals with Breast Cancer. The generational ripple positively impacts 50,000+ lives.
$21.4+ Million Invested in Life-Saving Care: With the help of the community, WINGS has raised over $21.4 million in private funds to invest in no-cost healthcare to provide immediate access to medical care ensuring survival for those served.
Above National Average Survival Rates: WINGS care outcomes reflect an astounding 15-year survival rate of 95%; 15% higher than the national average of 80%. WINGS 5-year non-metastatic survival rate of 97%; 7% higher than the national average and an astounding 90% metastatic 5-year survival rate; 59% higher than 31% of women across the United States.
Efficacies of Funds: WINGS’ evidence-based no-cost program eliminates financial barriers, reduces emotional stress, and provides critical healthcare, educational, referral services, and resources supporting participants with every step of their journey.
Celebrate 25 Years of WINGS Milagros, not only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but all year long. Support WINGS by becoming a donor or volunteer, and sharing their mission with family, friends, and circles of influence. Learn more at TexasWings.org.
“It is an honor to be a part of the WINGS legacy of saving lives. As a survivor, I’m humbled to serve and stand alongside each person who needs help accessing healthcare regardless of the stage of their journey. WINGS is their hub providing hope to survive and thrive giving those with no financial means and ineligible for any government program to have a faith and fighting chance. It is a privilege to walk with them every step of the way…because everyone deserves a lifetime!” Ruth M. Gonzales, Executive Director
