It's not every Fiesta medal that's designed by a cancer patient, but the group WINGS is selling its new medal to benefit its effort to provide low income women with top quality breast cancer treatment, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Former State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, a long-time activist for women's health and a board member of Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, and Sharing (WINGS) unveiled the medal, and stressed the importance of the group's mission.
"As we celebrate Fiesta in San Antonio we also can help women who will need the services of WINGS to live full productive lives. Buy a beautiful Fiesta medal and help families affected by breast cancer,” Van de Putte said.
Bonnie Land, the medal designer, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, the same week she was laid off from her job of 25 years.
“My inspiration for the WINGS Fiesta Medal came from several aspects,” said Land. “One from the love shown by WINGS to their cancer patients, the other from the love of my family. A heart was perfect to symbolize both sources.” She said, “One of my granddaughters loves hot pink, another bright green. I thought these two colors would symbolize the brightness and hope WINGS brings to their patients who don't always have any hope.”
For women who are uninsured and under insured, WINGS works through its network of physicians and treatment centers to make sure they have access to top quality cancer treatment.
She says selling her medal will help raise money to pay for that lifesaving care.
“We are so honored to have WINGS patient, Bonnie Land design this year’s Fiesta medal,” said Kim Hinze, executive director. “This medal is an inspiring representation of our mission and the amazing, strong breast cancer patients who make our organization unique.”
The medals are available at the Fiesta Store or at www.texaswings.org/wings-store