Breast cancer survivor organizes skydive fundraiser

Marian Sparks, a Baytown resident who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, recently hosted a fundraising event for The Rose breast cancer organization.

Sparks took her love of skydiving and organized a fundraising event for The Rose, where she was diagnosed. "Jump for the Rose," the two-day event held last month, raised more than $11,000. She and dozens of other skydiving enthusiasts from Houston and around Texas participated.

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was going through a rough time in my life," said Sparks. "I had just gone through a divorce and had no health insurance. I was terrified, but The Rose was there for me. I knew I wanted to show my gratitude toward The Rose and Dr. [Dixie] Melillo; the only way I could think of was through skydiving."

Sparks says that "Jump for The Rose" will be an annual event.

The Rose, a Houston-based nonprofit mammography organization, provides breast cancer screening and treatment to women who have no insurance or resources to pay for treatment.

For more information about “Jump for The Rose,” visit jumpfortherose.com. For more information about The Rose, visit www.therose.org or call 281-484-4708.