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INSPIRATIONAL
MEDICINE
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“The patients we treat are wonderful to work with,” Lang said. been turned away from regular treatment programs for one reason
“Most are incredibly grateful and compliant. They always show up or another. The first thing the WINGS staff will do, Lang said, is
for their treatments and when they are done many want to give back try to get them qualified for Medicaid because that will cover more
in some way by volunteering. It is some of the most gratifying work medical issues than just breast cancer.
that I do.”
In recent years, WINGS has expanded to assist women who lose
After treatment is completed, patients are moved into what is their jobs with COBRA payments and to help women who can’t af-
called WINGS II, where they are monitored and will be covered ford to pay their insurance premiums.
should they need further medical attention.
Lang said even as much good that the program has accomplished
WINGS is a one-of-a-kind program unlike anything else in the there is still more that can be done. “We are still a secret in San An-
country, Hinze said. The most unique aspect is its commitment to tonio,” she said. “There are still women who are uninsured who do
the women in its program long after their initial treatment is com- not know about us and we need to get the word out.”
pleted. Studies have shown the survival rate of WINGS patients far
surpasses national averages according to the National Cancer Society The funding for WINGS comes mainly from private donations
statistics. Since its inception, WINGS has seen five-year survival rates and grants from organizations including Susan G. Komen for the
for the women it serves increase from zero for untreated breast cancer Cure and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
to 100 percent for Stage I disease. More than 95 percent of the women
treated through WINGS are still living as a result of the program. For more information about WINGS call 210-946-9464 or visit
the website at www.texaswings.org.
In addition to treatment, WINGS provides opportunities for ed-
ucation and outreach. Women who come into the program have Mike W. Thomas is the director of communications for the Bexar
County Medical Society.
22 San Antonio Medicine • November 2016
