-
Gift of Life Youth Council members -
Neches Credit Union representatives -
YMBL representatives -
A PAPD vehicle with a Gift of Life centric graphic
The Gift of Life’s 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash is returning to downtown Beaumont this month to offer Southeast Texans the sweetest run in the Lone Star State, which also allows participants to raise money for lifesaving treatments for local cancer survivors.
Set for Saturday, Oct. 29, registration is open and fills fast for the fan favorite fundraiser. Register now at https://www.giftoflifebmt.org/monster-dash-5k-ribbon-run/.
This year, the Ribbon Run will feature a 5K Trick or Treat Route, Pink n’ Teal Pumpkin Patch, costume contest and more. All proceeds stay local and benefit Gift of Life’s breast and ovarian cancer initiatives.
As always, the run will keep in remembrance the legacy of Gift of Life’s Julie Richardson Procter, a Southeast Texas attorney and Gift of Life board member who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2011 at the age of 51.
“Julie’s wish was that her brave battle would serve as a meaningful catalyst to educate other women about the risk and symptoms of the disease and help save their lives,” the Gift of Life shares.
Gift of Life was established in 1994 by Regina Rogers, in loving memory of her mother, cancer survivor Julie Rogers.
“Originally, the program was created only to provide free mammograms for medically underserved women,” the Gift of Life historical account recites. “However, over time, the organization’s services have multiplied in response to the needs of the region. Today, it is one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its kind in the state of Texas.”
Gift of Life’s mission “to help save the lives of underserved Southeast Texas women and men through the provision of free cancer screenings, diagnostics and navigation through treatment, integrated with preventative education and awareness for all” has sparked a rolling chain of endeavors supported by individuals and businesses alike.
With the days drawing nigh to the Ribbon Run, supporters throughout Southeast Texas are assisting in the setup that spans the area’s bustling corridors.
Neches Federal Credit Union coordinated with the Gift of Life as the financial institution launched its October Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, with promotions that benefit Gift of Life. The Neches team will also be volunteering with Gift of Life at several October awareness events, and they will be one of the nonprofit’s “Super Sweet” Candy Station Sponsors during the Ribbon Run.
The gentlemen of the Young Men’s Business League, better known by their moniker YMBL, are keen to assist with getting the community pumped and ready for the Oct. 29 run, as well.
“The compassionate YMBL members voted to adopt Gift of Life’s Ribbon Run as one of their community causes in Southeast Texas,” Gift of Life’s Holli Petersen shared. “If you are wondering how dozens of large Gift of Life pink ribbons appeared magically throughout Southeast Texas over a single weekend in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is through the tremendous efforts of wonderful YMBL volunteers.”
The YMBL Gift of Life Pink Ribbon Project is orchestrated by Chair Gary Wallace and Co-Chair Brad Penisson, under the leadership of YMBL Executive Director Chris Colletti, as a reminder of free screenings and other services provided by the Gift of Life.
Not to be left out on the other side of the county, the Port Arthur Police Department teamed up with Robert Blackwell of Image 360 Beaumont, who designed and donated mobile graphics for several patrol vehicles.
“It is an amazing organization and we are proud to show our support,” PAPD shared when showcasing photos of the honorary art.
Added to the event coordinating efforts of the Gift of Life’s Youth Council, the Boo Crew, Hocus Pocus Event Chairs, and a host of others, the Monster Dash Bash is billed as a labor of love for many that brings the community together for a Saturday of swag, sprinting, spooky sport and survivor support.
Contact the Gift of Life at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflibmt.org to learn more about the nonprofit’s local efforts, to register for cancer screening assistance, or to volunteer.
Jennifer Johnson is The Examiner’s managing editor. She can be reached at (409) 434-8821, Ext. 231, or jenniferjohnson@theexaminer.com.