Lacing Up to Save Lives: The Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk
to Spread Awareness and Hope throughout the Region
Beaumont, TX – Lace up and save lives at the “Gift of Life” Program’s 2nd Annual Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk to be held at 8:00 am on Saturday, September 29, in Downtown Beaumont adjacent to City Hall. Presented by Casa Olé and H-E-B, the Run/Walk is named in loving memory of the late Julie Richardson Procter, a respected local attorney and devoted “Gift of Life” board member and volunteer who passed away after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
As September and October are National Ovarian and Breast Cancer Awareness Months, respectively, the “Gift of Life” has combined these two important endeavors in the Julie Richardson Procter Ribbon Run to heighten awareness of breast, ovarian and other devastating gynecological cancers, which impact hundreds of Southeast Texans each year.
Serving as an everlasting legacy to Procter’s optimism and grace, the Run/Walk furthers this beloved community leader’s wish to have her illness serve as a meaningful platform to educate more women about the risks and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Immediately following the Run/Walk, there will be a lunch and show inside the civic center with celebrity guest and fitness guru, Richard Simmons. The electrifying program will be infused by Simmons’ feel-good approach to purposeful, healthy living. Complementing his performance will be the incomparable rhythm n’ blues vocalist, Yvonne Washington, who will once again lead the celebratory Survivors Promenade of Courage, an inspiring moment when cancer survivors take center stage as warriors against the disease.
“You won’t want to miss the incredible pairing of the vivacious Richard Simmons and the equally magnetic Yvonne Washington,” said, Regina Rogers, “Gift of Life” Founder and Chair. “We are thrilled to energize and inspire our guests, as we work to raise lifesaving awareness of breast, ovarian and other gynecological cancers throughout the region. Julie would be so proud of this gathering and our efforts.”
Participants will also enjoy the Pink and Teal Plaza, located at the Civic Center courtyard. Back by popular demand, the plaza boasts fun and activities for the entire family.
The 5K Run/Walk is chaired by “Gift of Life” volunteers, Tanya Hansen and Amber Woodard, with Honorary Co-Chairs, Patti McSpadden and Melody Parsons. Registration fees are $35 (adult) and $10 (21 and younger), with t-shirt, goodie bag, lunch and activities included. Tickets and sponsorships are still available.
A designated tent to facilitate the needs of the local media will be available, as well as the assistance of Marketing Representative, Kathy Catalano.
BACKGROUND
According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the public is still largely unfamiliar with ovarian cancer, which is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women and the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. Ovarian cancer has vague and common symptoms that are often misdiagnosed. An early, correct ovarian cancer diagnosis greatly increases a woman’s chances of survival so it is important for women to be aware of the symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain, and risk factors, such as family history and not taking birth control pills or hormone therapy.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women with an estimated 226,870 new cases expected in 2012. The “Gift of Life” Breast Cancer Program annually makes available more than 2,100 free mammograms and clinical breast exams for medically underserved women and extensive educational programming on breast health for young and adult women throughout Southeast Texas. The lives of more than 175 women have been extended since the inception of the organization’s free Mammogram Screening Initiative in 1994, and during the past 18 months, 25 clients have been diagnosed with breast cancer and navigated into treatment.
Don’t delay registering! Online registration will close on Thursday, September 27 at midnight, with registration still available at the “Gift of Life” office (2390 Dowlen).
For more information about the Julie Richardson Procter Ribbon Run/Walk please call the “Gift of Life” at 409.833.3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.
View the flyer here.
Celebrate and have a good time
with the “Gift of Life” on Saturday, no matter the weather!
In the event of major thunderstorms and lightning impacting the Run/Walk at 8:00 a.m. this Saturday, regretfully, we will be forced to cancel the first phase of the event.
However, we will continue inside with the remainder of our celebratory festivities and open the Beaumont Civic Center at 9:30 a.m. for fabulous rhythm and blues singer Yvonne Washington and her band, prior to the bedazzling Richard Simmons show and picnic lunch, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Please plan to be with us to celebrate survivorship and life and to have a good time, no matter the weather.