Frisco’s Extraordinary Women of Hope

Last month, some extraordinary women were announced as the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s 2019 Women of Hope Award Winners. These outstanding women epitomize optimism, service, advocacy, and community spirit. They were nominated based on their significant leadership and contributions to the North Texas community.

The 2019 winners and nominees were honored at the Women of Hope Award Luncheon last Thursday at Verona Villa with Joan Lunden as the inspirational keynote speaker. The luncheon, hosted by National Breast Cancer Foundation, celebrated the achievements of Frisco’s leading ladies in the fight against breast cancer.

Lifestyle Frisco is thrilled to congratulate each of these remarkable women and share their inspiring achievements.

2019 Award Nominees and WINNERS

SURVIVOR OF THE YEAR Awards Finalists – A survivor who has faced her diagnosis with courage & strength

WINNER – Sandra Gonzales

Sandra is a pastor at First Hispanic Assembly of God in Garland and she is also a family and marriage counselor. Any chance she gets, she tells people how breast cancer has impacted her life and how God gave her this platform to tell her story and help others.

WINNER – Michelle Mattie

Michelle is the founder of DermScience Naturals which she created to develop skin care products that help the skin recover from the harmful effects of radiation. She is also passionate about giving back to cancer patients in the community by providing healing yoga methods and meditation.

WINNER – Jana VanAntwerp

Jana is the Sr. Vice President of Human Resources at ACE Cash Express and a founding board member & Treasurer of Women with Promise. The vision of Women with Promise is to empower women in needto build a future filled with independence and success in the North Texas community.

ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR Awards Finalists – Someone who publicly supports the cause of breast cancer

WINNER – Patryce Sheppard

Patryce contributes to the community by sharing her personal journey with breast cancer, as well as, educating others about the importance of performing self-breast exams. Patryce’s mission is to reach one million women with the message that “Self-Breast Exams Save Lives” and she is doing that one woman at a time.

Aidee Granados

Aidee is the Founder and CEO of Rosa Es Rojo, Inc., a non-profit educating Latinas on wellness and cancer prevention. Being an immigrant to the U.S. and being a cancer survivor herself, she decided to share her wealth of knowledge and experience with others in the community.

Evelyn Hairston

Evelyn is a radiologic technologist registered in mammography and breast sonography and is the manager of the Sue A. deMille Women’s Diagnostic Center at Texas Health Resources Presbyterian of Plano. She is also a NBCF Community Ambassador providing resources and potentially life-saving information to women in the community.

CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR Finalists – A caregiver who puts the needs of others ahead of their own

WINNER – Tina Withrow

Tina is a patient navigator for those who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis. She has been performing this compassionate work in the DFW area for the last 18 years.

James and Jana Bell

James and Jana, mother and daughter, serve the North Texas community at the daycare facility Little Servant Christian Academy in Lewisville and have opened their home and acted as caregivers for many family members and friends.

Sherri Jansing

Sherri is a realtor with Ebby Halliday and spends countless hours volunteering her time to those who are affected by breast cancer, including those who are currently battling and those who have passed.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Finalists – A medical professional who goes above and beyond for their patients as they face one of life's greatest challenges

WINNER – Kim Keely

Kim is an experienced, passionate oncology social worker at the UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to patients and caregivers impacted by breast cancer.

Dr. Elizabeth Jekot

Dr. Jekot, Medical Director of the Jekot Breast Imaging Center, is passionate about the early detection of breast disease. She is a 16-year breast cancer survivor and understands the disease from both a medical and an emotional perspective.

Dr. Amelia Tower

Dr. Tower is a Board Certified Breast Surgical Oncologist at JPS Health Network/Acclaim Physician Group. She is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each patient by developing individualized breast health and cancer care.

LEGACY OF THE YEAR Finalists – Someone who has passed away and left an honorable legacy

Kathy Gail Carr (June 13, 1955 – July 30, 2014)

Kathy Gail Carr lost her battle to breast cancer on July 30, 2014. For 33 years, she was a devoted teacher who loved seeing her children progress and shine like stars in the sky.

Her son, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr, founded the Carr Cares Foundation in her memory to improve childhood literacy by helping young students become proficient readers by third grade. Along with the literacy initiatives, the foundation also encourages children to live a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition and being physically active.

In addition to these winners, two individuals were honored with special awards from NBCF Founder & CEO, Janelle Hail.

FOUNDER'S AWARD

WINNER – Angela Carmichael

Angela is the VP, Treasury Management Sales Officer at PlainsCapital Bank. As a survivor, she is passionate about educating others about breast cancer, giving back to those that have been affected,and has spent countless hours volunteering on behalf of NBCF in the community.

Angela came to NBCF with so much energy to help others. Though still going through treatment, she never put the focus on herself and instead wanted to engage in projects that would reach women across the country. She hand deliveredHOPE Kits to breast cancer patients at local hospitals and her service towards others in the midst of her own journey embodies hope and positivity. Her perseverance, integrity, and drive demonstrate her commitment to this cause and I am honored to present herwith the Founder's Award.” ~~ Janelle Hail, NBCF Founder & CEO

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

WINNER – Dr. W. Phil Evans III

Dr. W. Phil Evans is the Division Chief of Breast Imaging at UT Southwestern Medical Center and is the lead physician responsible for both the Parkland Breast Center and the UT Southwestern Center for Breast Care.

For forty plus years, Dr. Evans has devoted his career to improving the health of women. As a diagnostic radiologist, he has fought tirelessly to screen and diagnose women early while serving on the medical staff and also as a leader at one of our most prestigious partner hospitals, Parkland. Dr. Evans has compassionately provided breast health care to thousands of women in the North Texas community and we are honored to present him with the NBCF Lifetime Achievement Award.” ~~ Douglas Feil, NBCF Chief Programs Officer

The 2019 Women of Hope Award luncheon was an inspiring and heartfelt celebration of the award winners, nominees, families and supporters who all contribute to the fight against breast cancer. The afternoon at Verona Villa was a special time for the women of Frisco and all those impacted by breast cancer.

“Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ~~ Helen Keller

In the fight against breast cancer, there's so much to be done and so much need for hope and confident action. We're very fortunate as a community to have these extraordinary Women of Hope.