Gift of Life, BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals partner to provide cancer screenings

With the support of BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals LLC, Gift of Life provided lifesaving breast health services March 4 that included screenings and diagnostic tests for medically at-risk women at Riceland Diagnostic Health in Port Arthur. BASF TotalEnergies Community and Government Affairs Manager Shelly Vitanza, along with Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers and Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson, visited the site to warmly welcome clients.

Since 2000, BASF TotalEnergies has been a committed champion of Gift of Life Women’s Breast Health and Cancer Prevention Initiatives, generously contributing essential funds to help the organization provide free breast health screenings and diagnostic tests for medically underserved women. Each year, the company sponsors four medical sites: two locations through BASF TotalEnergies, with an additional two sites underwritten by the annual Miracle Match for Life golf tournament, a partnership of BASF and TotalEnergies.

Benevolent support from BASF TotalEnergies and funds raised from Miracle Match for Life have made available nearly 3,000 free clinical breast exams and mammograms and helped extend the lives of 16 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and navigated into treatment by Gift of Life. BASF TotalEnergies also endorses Gift of Life Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer Program that provides prostate cancer screenings and cancer educational outreach for Southeast Texas men who cannot afford health insurance.

Gift of Life is committed to addressing the health and wellness of Southeast Texans with its community-based strategies that target vulnerable individuals in its seven-county service region. Research indicates health disparities are costly and that prioritizing equity is vital for the future well-being of everyone. By continuing its services, the organization redirects patient care from overtaxed emergency centers, while also decreasing hospitalization and mortality rates with early disease detection.

“We are deeply grateful for the lasting and positive impact our Women’s Breast Health Initiative sponsors have made on Gift of Life through philanthropic funding of our program’s health and educational services,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson. “Together, we can build a healthier, happier community with the help of these ‘champions of our cause.’”

With the assistance of BASF and other generous donors, Gift of Life has helped extend the lives of nearly 350 Southeast Texans who have been diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and treated through its efforts.

For more information about Gift of Life or to determine if you’re eligible to attend an upcoming screening site, please contact the organization at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.