Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook celebrated October with multiple breast health awareness events

"October is a time when we honor and support individuals who are on a personal journey with breast cancer," said Keith Barber, chief executive officer, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital & senior vice president, Houston Methodist. "Our goal is to provide education to the community about the importance of early detection and screenings. Bringing awareness to issues regarding breast health is something we not only focus on during the month of October, but all year long," said Barber.

All month-long the hospital exterior was lit pink nightly. Physicians and staff celebrated the beginning of breast cancer awareness month with a Pink Lighting Ceremony. The event included a blessing and prayer in honor of everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. Challenge Soccer Club presented Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital with a $5,000 donation, which the club raised in support of cancer education and programs at the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Willowbrook. Funds raised will support the center's "Starting Your Journey" program, which assists patients as they begin cancer treatment. Funds are still being raised for 2016 and Challenge Soccer hopes to meet or exceed the $10,000 mark.

"A lot of women still discover abnormalities in their breast even subtle ones and bring it to our attention, so it's really important that women continue monthly self-breast exams," said Loren Rourke, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist & director, Houston Methodist Regional Breast Program. "At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital there is a comprehensive breast care team, ready to handle any concerns patients may have about their breast health, whether it be a phone call or visit, we're here to support you throughout your journey," said Rourke.

Paint the Night Pink, a breast health awareness celebration for women held on October 13 at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, featured a strolling dinner, live music, photo booth, giveaways, free massages and guests received complimentary mini makeovers at the Nordstrom beauty station. Attendees were also able to schedule mammograms, participant in a physician panel Q&A session, tour the breast care center and meet the breast care center and cancer center team including physicians and patient care navigators. This is an annual event held in October at the hospital.

To learn more and to schedule a screening mammogram online visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook or call 281.737.PINK (7465).

About Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a 312 bed, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist. The hospital has expanded in Northwest Houston to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook is ranked No. 8 in the Houston metro area and No. 19 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Hospital" in 2016. 

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, Imaging Center, Infusion Center Sleep Center, Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates the largest Childbirth Center in the Greater Northwest Houston area.

For more information on the comprehensive services available on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook campus and to learn about upcoming events, please visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook To find a physician, call 281.737.2500.

About the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook

World-renowned services and advanced technology are available to you at the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook. Combine expert physicians and staff with Houston Methodist's distinct I CARE values – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence – and you can be confident you are receiving the best care available.

Recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, our state-of-the-art center has a spa-like feel – including comfortable amenities in a nurturing environment.

 Amenities offered:

• Dedicated Breast Care Center entrance
• Free reserved parking
• Soothing music
• Private changing rooms
• Warm robes and socks
• Coffee and tea bar
• Healthy, delicious refreshment options

The Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook provides advanced, compassionate and comforting breast care – right here in your community.

To schedule an imaging appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.737.2500.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/HMWB-Paint-the-Night-Pink-2016.mp4 
Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/HMWB-Pink-Lighting-Ceremony-2016.mp4 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161122/442180 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161122/442179

SOURCE Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital