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The Gift of Life champions the spirit of survivorship, for more than two decades the program has supported many in Southeast Texas and will continue to do so. As a regional community event celebrating life, courage and camaraderie, the annual Gift of Life’s Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, in downtown from 8 a.m. to noon. Put on your costumes and grab your treat bags and help advance the organization’s breast and ovarian cancer initiatives.
Generously underwritten by Presenting Sponsors Robin Dauphin, Optimus Steel, Provost Umphrey Law Firm and Quality Mat Company and Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli, this spooktacular event will feature a Celebration of Hope Ceremony at 8 a.m. with “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist and star vocalist Christina Wells, 5K Trick or Treat Route, costume contest, candy galore and many more fun activities for all. Additionally, the Wellness Village will offer enchanting booths filled with spellbinding goodies and information.
Sponsors are encouraged to “lace up to save lives” now by pledging support of this important cause. The event is an extraordinary occasion to show support of local women’s health issues.
Participants can register at golribbonrun.org for $35 and begin fundraising for the organization. Breast, ovarian and gynecological cancer survivors, as well as children 6 years old and younger, can particpate at no charge.
The occasion also provides an opportunity for Gift of Life to recongnize 2023 Angels Among Us Honorees, exceptional women commended for their outstanding community service in Southeast Texas – Gina Crenshaw, owner of For Heaven’s Sake; the late Allison Nathan Getz, Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector; Gerri Giglio, Director of Todd Christopher Legacy of Love; Claire Broussard Jackson, Motiva Manager of Social Responsibility and Community Affairs; Vernice Monroe, President of Mental Health America of Southeast Texas; and Cathy Zummo, community advocate.
Crenshaw remembered when Regina Rogers first instituted the Pink Shopping Card. “That’s how I really got to know her and witness first-hand the many services the Gift of Life provides,” said Crenshaw. “I am in awe of her and the entire network she’s created.”
When you attend the Ribbon Run, there is an electrifying feeling as you walk from your car, described Giglio. “I love seeing the costumes and the smiles,” she said. “We’re all there with a purpose. Gift of Life assists so many underprivileged people. It is all about community and reaching out to those that need help.”
Speaking of community, Broussard Jackson noted that she loves to participate in the festive Ribbon Run because of the community spirit. “I love to see the community come together to support the survivors and their families. It is such a festive event to bring awareness to breast and ovarian cancers,” she said.
“Cancer, that insidious disease, leaves scars for loved ones who must heal and forge ahead,” said Monroe. “I lost my husband at age 33 to cancer, as well as my father, father-in-law, and four uncles. I also lost one aunt to breast cancer. Awareness, early detection, and intervention are imperative.”
The Ribbon Run, named for Procter, a beloved Gift of Life board member and local attorney who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2011 at the young age of 51, raises funds for Gift of Life’s women’s health program, which has heightened awareness and provided information to thousands of Southeast Texans about ovarian and breast cancer, in addition to having helped extend the lives of 275 women (throughout seven Southeast Texas counties) who were diagnosed with breast cancer through the program’s free preventative screenings and diagnostic tests and navigated through treatment and healing.
“Ribbon Run is so much fun,” said Zummo. “It’s a time to see old friends, new friends, and learn how we can help those we know and those we may never come to know. Gift of Life truly makes a difference in so many people’s lives. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to love our neighbor.” This year’s Ribbon Run Event Chair is Elaine Henderson and Ribbon Run Sponsorship Chair, Roni Stephenson Gillespie.
Gift of Life especially appreciates the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) for adopting the Ribbon Run as the group’s community project along with Gift of Life’s October Pink & Teal Ribbon Campaign as the men installed 8-ft ribbons throughout Southeast Texas. These extraordinary volunteers play an integral role in the orchestration of the Ribbon Run and annually contribute funds to the organization’s free breast health medical services.
For event information, sponsorship opportunities or to register to participate in the event, please call Gift of Life at (409) 833-3663 or visit golribbonrun.org.