Houston, TX, October 2, 2017 – The Rose @ The Ensemble will once again fill theatre seats with Houstonians passionate about saving the lives of African American women.

On Sunday, October 8, 2017, The Rose buys “out the house” of the Ensemble Theater for an afternoon of entertainment, refreshments, great door prizes plus a chance to impact the lives of women. The Reception starts at 1:30pm, followed by an exclusive showing of Sassy Mamas, a romantic comedy about three women who confidently pursue their hearts desires. The play starts promptly at 3pm.

National studies show African American women are 45 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women. However, in Houston that rate is even higher, spiking to 60 percent. Awareness and access to mammography are keys to reducing these alarming statistics and the reasons behind The Rose @ The Ensemble.

Three years ago, Chris Noble of The Rose and Kim Roxie, owner of Lamik Beauty, wanted to create an event that would increase mammograms among African American women and would also drive home the appalling message of the higher death rate.

“Awareness is important. African American women need to know they have a higher risk for more aggressive disease and being detected at an earlier age,” said Chris Noble, Director of Corporate and Business Relations at The Rose. “Without access to mammography, we will never change the outcomes for women. That’s why The Rose @ The Ensemble is so important. It brings screening mammograms to women through our mobile program and makes sure those women have diagnostic follow-up and access to treatment when needed.”

This year, Nobel and Roxie are joined by Ashley Turner, First Daughter of the City of Houston and Chief Operations Officer of Bee Busy Wellness Center and Zawadi Bryant of NightLight Pediatric Urgent Care, who with Yemi Sholotan, Cheryl Turner, Carl Davis, Kim and Zawadi, create the Dream Team Host Committee.

Noble said the goal this year is to fund 400 mammograms for uninsured women. “Last year, The Rose cared for 5,552 African American women of which 733 were uninsured. While many received screening and had good results, 200 uninsured also needed diagnostic work-ups including ultrasounds, biopsies and physician consultations- a total of 991 procedures were provided. More care was needed by 23 women who were diagnosed and moved into treatment. The youngest was 38 years old.”

Explaining her passion for being involved since the event’s inception three years ago, Kim Roxie said, “I know the toll that breast cancer takes on a family. My mother suffered from breast cancer and my hope is to honor her legacy while raising awareness about this disease that takes so many lives each year.”

The Rose offers healthcare to women regardless of their ability to pay and relies on a model of three insured women support screening for one uninsured. Events and donations provide the funding for diagnostic work ups, ultrasounds and biopsies and patient navigation into treatment. Keeping the tradition 3 support 1, event tickets will also be sold in groups of three.

“Three guests directly impact the life on one woman. What a special way to spend an afternoon with friends and help The Rose save lives.” Roxie added.

Top sponsors include Presenting Sponsor, Merrill Lynch and Community Sponsor, Fort Bend Church. Other underwriters include Lamik Beauty, Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care and Bee Busy Wellness Center.

The Rose @ The Ensemble comes on the heels of the unveiling of The Rose’s new, 40ft 3D Mobile Mammography Health Coach which arrived a week before Harvey devastated Southeast Texas. The Coach was immediately put to use for relief efforts and is available for booking starting in November. The advanced technology of 3D mammography imaging and clinical examinations offers tools for the earliest detection of suspicious areas and the best chance any woman has to survive breast cancer.

To join The Rose in the fight to save lives while having a great time and enjoying a wonderful show, buy your ticket at http://www.therose.org. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. Email events@therose.org for more information. The Ensemble Theatre is located at 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.