Sisters Inspiring Hope

Sisters Transform Personal Battles into Community Triumph as Golf Tournament Raises Record $15,000 for Breast Cancer Screenings

Borderplex rallies behind Swing Fore Hope tournament, expanding access to life-saving care through Texas Tech Health El Paso partnership

When Jennifer Rau celebrated her five-year milestone since her breast cancer diagnosis — symbolizing victory over the disease — her older sister Kristin Sizemore received a phone call that would forever change their family's story. 

Sizemore had just received her own diagnosis of breast cancer. 

What could have been a devastating twist of fate instead became the foundation for something extraordinary. In that moment, both women embarked on a mission to ensure no woman in our Borderplex is denied access to early detection.

Their nonprofit organization, The Sisters in the Fight Breast Cancer Foundation, completed its third annual Swing Fore Hope Charity Golf Tournament at El Paso Country Club on May 5. The event turned a difficult chapter into a celebration, raising a record-breaking $15,000 for Texas Tech Health El Paso, compared to $10,000 raised last year.

The achievement showcased the increasing support for the sisters' vision that no woman should face cancer alone.

“One thing that really resonated with me during my cancer journey is that you can't do it by yourself,” reflected Kristin Sizemore, the foundation's co-founder and a breast cancer survivor since 2018. “Part of our healing process is surrounding ourselves with people who support and lift us, and that's why we're extremely excited about what Texas Tech Health El Paso is doing for our Borderplex community.”

This year's donation will support three of Texas Tech Health El Paso’s breast cancer programs. The funds are equally divided among the Breast Care Center, BEST (Breast Cancer Education, Screening and Navigation Program), and a general breast cancer screening fund that supports various initiatives, including the Medical Student Run Clinic (MSRC). The MSRC offers essential medical screenings and treatment to underserved and uninsured women across the El Paso area, addressing crucial gaps in health care access.

The tournament's growth mirrors the expanding partnership between the foundation and Texas Tech Health El Paso, which began in the event's second year. It has transformed into a powerful force for preventive care, where financial barriers often prevent routine health maintenance.

“It should never be a situation where you have to choose between taking care of your family or taking care of yourself,” emphasized Sizemore, whose journey from 30-year apartment industry veteran to cancer advocate is a powerful example of turning personal challenges into community solutions.

With breast cancer screening costs ranging from $150 to $180 per person, the tournament's contribution will enable no-cost screenings for dozens of women who might otherwise postpone or forgo this life-saving care. For many in Far West Texas, this support removes the impossible choice between family financial stability and personal health.

Jennifer Rau, Sizemore's younger sister and co-founder, brings her perspective as both a cancer survivor and educator to the foundation's mission. As an assistant principal at Canyon Hills Middle School in the El Paso Independent School District, she understands the ripple effects a cancer diagnosis creates within families and communities.

“I believe partnering with Texas Tech Health El Paso to make that vision of eliminating cancer a reality is a wonderful thing for our community. Their focus is on finding cures, discovering treatments, and doing everything they can to extend people's lives,” says Rau, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

The four-person scramble tournament has become an annual attraction on the first Monday of May. A total of 20 teams come together at the El Paso Country Club in a celebration that combines competitive spirit with community purpose.

What makes the sisters' cancer story especially compelling is the lack of genetic markers for inherited breast cancer in their family history. This fact motivates their dedication to education about early detection and supporting families facing cancer diagnosis — understanding that their experience could happen to anyone.

“It's amazing to me how generous people are. Whether it's $5 or $5,000, our community really rallies around the needs of its fellow members, neighbors, and friends,” said Sizemore, acknowledging every golfer, sponsor and volunteer in the tournament.

“When you're clear about your vision, people will support it.”

The foundation has set an ambitious goal for continued growth. Next year's tournament aims to raise $20,000.

As Texas Tech Health El Paso continues to expand its comprehensive cancer services, including the forthcoming Fox Cancer Center, the foundation's support will help ensure that world-class cancer care stays accessible to all Borderplex residents. Once complete, the Fox Cancer Center will also elevate life-saving research and bring opportunities for innovative clinical trials here in the community we call home.

“When you're sick with cancer, you want to be at home. You want to be surrounded by the people you love, who love you, and who will care for you,” explained Rau. “Having those more advanced, cutting-edge options available right here in our community will be amazing for families.”

The Sisters in the Fight Breast Cancer Foundation continues transforming personal battles into community triumphs, one tournament, one screening, and one life at a time.

About Texas Tech Health El Paso

Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 counties in West Texas and is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.

Focusing on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,600 professionals since 2013, including its first cohort of dental graduates in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.