OUR MISSION
WINGS mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to women in Central and South Texas who are uninsured…because everyone deserves a lifetime.
About WINGS
Founded in 1999 by a breast cancer patient and her surgeon, WINGS (Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Antonio, Texas. WINGS is the only non-profit program of its kind in the region to provide no-cost comprehensive breast cancer treatment services to under or uninsured women in South-Central Texas. These services include physician visits, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, labs, scans, medications, rehabilitation, prosthetics, wigs, and more! WINGS also provides continuum care for uninsured breast cancer survivors for five years after remission. Additionally, the organization offers educational workshops, support groups, resource referrals, survivor events, and activities. Once enrolled and the patient remains eligible, benefits are offered for a lifetime. WINGS is currently serving over 800 women, providing over 1.3M in healthcare services per year.
What We Do
WINGS bridges the gap that exists between breast cancer detection and treatment. For hundreds of uninsured South Central Texas women, WINGS is their only option for potentially life-saving breast cancer treatment and care. WINGS partners with a network of physicians and treatment centers to provide these individuals with a real chance at fighting this deadly disease. Beyond treatment, WINGS works in concert with organizations dedicated to breast cancer education and outreach.
Fast Facts
- Since its inception in 1999, WINGS has provided support to over 15,600 South Texas women with breast cancer.
- Provided over $21.4 million in healthcare services to women with breast cancer over 24 years.
- Over 95% of the women treated through WINGS are still living because of the program.
- WINGS has seen fifteen-year survival rates for the women it serves increase from zero (untreated breast cancer) to 100% for Stages I-III disease.
- Received the GuideStar Gold Seal, demonstrating a commitment to transparency.
- Maintains an efficiency rating of 95%, which is above that of the average nonprofit. This means only 5% of WINGS fundraising income goes to overhead. The majority of funding is invested directly to serve qualifying participants’ treatment and services.
Programs and Services
- WINGS I-Active Care offers comprehensive breast cancer care and treatment, including covering the cost of physician visits, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, labs, scans, medications, prosthetics, wigs, etc. (traditionally a two-and-a-half-year journey).
- WINGS II Continuum Care offers women who have graduated from WINGS I (diagnosed cancer-free), no-cost annual mammograms, labs, scans, medication, and physician visits for five years following remission.
- WINGS for Life is a survivorship program featuring follow-up care for those still under or uninsured, providing education workshops, support groups, resource referrals, survivor events, and activities.
Funding Resources and Contributions
- WINGS is 100% privately funded by individuals, corporations, churches, schools, and foundations.
- All financial support received strengthens our mission to provide lifesaving care and treatment…because everyone deserves a lifetime.
For more information, visit www.texaswings.org or follow WINGS on Facebook , Instagram Twitter Youtube.
Team:
Ruth M. Gonzales – Executive Director
Vickie Miller – Accounting Manager
Yomara Garza – Patient Advocate
Maria Castillo – Patient Care Services Assistant
Bonnie Pargas – Community Outreach Coordinator
Board of Trustees
Jeanne Conger, President
Nellie Tijerina, Vice President
Eric Dupre, Treasurer
Bertha Gonzaba, Secretary
Members at large
Tiffany Wong Bernhausen
Mari Gomez
David Martinez
Brianna Jolla Scallion
Dora Ann Verde
In Loving Memory of Terri Lynn Bronocco Jones
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our beloved Co-Founder, Terri Lynn Bronocco Jones. Terri ascended to heaven on February 8, 2024, and received her wings. Terri’s remarkable journey began 30 years ago when she faced her own battle with breast cancer, a pivotal moment that ignited her unwavering determination to fight not only for herself but for countless others.
Five years later, Terri, along with Dr. Kathryn L. Safford, her oncologist and surgeon, also a breast cancer survivor, in partnership and support of Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Methodist Healthcare System, formed Women Involved In Nurturing, Giving, Sharing, Inc., (WINGS). WINGS bridges the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing access to comprehensive breast health services and life-saving treatment.
October 2024 marks WINGS’ 25th year anniversary as the only non-profit in Central and South Texas serving those who have been diagnosed with the disease, are uninsured, living at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, denied Medicaid benefits, and ineligible for government programs with no-cost care and treatment.
Through Terri’s vision, resilience, and compassion, WINGS has touched the lives of over 15,000 women in Central and South Texas since 1999. Her unwavering dedication over the past 25 years has been a beacon of hope for those carrying on her legacy, providing those facing breast cancer with customized guidance and support, breaking all financial barriers to ensure everyone served receives first-class-quality care from a network of physicians and medical providers with the promise of eradicating the disease and living a brighter tomorrow.
Terri’s passion for helping others was fueled by the love and support of her cherished friends, family, community, and her beloved husband, David Jones, who stood by her side every step of the way. Together, they formed a circle of strength and steadfast support, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity.
As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, leader, and friend, let us also celebrate the legacy of love, compassion, and hope that Terri leaves behind. Her light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts, inspiring us to carry forward her mission and make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer… because everyone deserves a lifetime!
Terri’s Celebration of Life Services
visitation will be held at the Angelus Funeral Home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 5:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm. The graveside service will take place on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, her family kindly requests that donations be made to WINGS in honor of Terri’s memory. Contributions can be made directly to WINGS at www.texaswings.org
View Terri’s journey and the beautiful legacy she left for us.
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WINGS Mailing & Office Address
2929 Mossrock #205
San Antonio, TX 78230
Phone
210-946-9464
Tax ID Number:
74-2920912
© 2016 WINGS
Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing