Toyota raffle raises $150K for SETX men's health

More than 100 guests enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and fun at 5 Under Golf for Gift of Life’s 2022 Toyota Highlander Raffle Campaign Draw Event benefitting the organization’s Men’s Health & Prostate Cancer Program.

Raffle Ticket Co-Chairs Emily Patrizi Brackin and Lauren Bebeau; Underwriter Chairs Brad Klein (prostate cancer survivor), Heather Petkovsek and Tim Sudela; and Cancer Cruise-Aiders Chair Rodney Robichau, served as dedicated ambassadors for the Raffle Campaign and Gift of Life’s mission.

“Gift of Life is so grateful for the tremendous efforts of our co-chairs and underwriters,” said Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers. “The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the sustaining force of our compassionate community. The results of this raffle will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of men residing in our seven-county service area.”

Gift of Life prostate cancer survivors José Hernandez and MacArthur English, who shared the lifesaving importance of the program’s provision of free screenings, put a face on the statistics.

“I am alive because of Gift of Life,” Hernandez said. “I didn’t have any insurance or any money. I didn’t have any family here. I wasn’t sure what to do. But then I found Gift of Life. They took care of me and helped me get the care I needed to survive. Today, my prostate cancer is in remission.”

“Gift of Life is a wonderful program for men,” English said. “When caught early, prostate cancer can be treated and cured. Today, I am cancer free because my prostate cancer was found early enough to do something about it. Now, I encourage all men to get checked, and get involved with Gift of Life. We support each other at this organization!”

“Thanks to the generous support of our Raffle Underwriters and Ticket Purchasers, Gift of Life raised $150,000 in gross proceeds for its lifesaving men’s health initiatives,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson. “Our clients will receive vital health care screenings, medical consultations and cancer prevention education to Southeast Texans who cannot afford health insurance or with prohibitively high deductibles.”

This year, more than 500 Gift of Life clients will access the organization’s “no-charge” health care in small, group screening sessions conducted throughout the year at regional sites with a comprehensive scope of services, including primary care and prostate cancer screenings, HIV and Hepatitis C tests, along with on-site physician consultations.

During September, National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Gift of Life will host screenings for eligible men on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Industrial Safety Training Council (ISTC) in Beaumont from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 17, at Baptist Hospital Orange from 8 a.m. –1 p.m. Appointments also can be made for sites in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange in November. For additional information or to register, contact Gift of Life at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.