Casa Ole co-sponsors "Gift of Life" Inaugural Ribbon Run/Walk

The “Gift of Life” Program is pleased to announce that its inaugural October Ribbon Run/Walk will be held at 8:00 am on Saturday, October 1, in Downtown Beaumont and will be named by the program in loving memory of the late Julie Richardson Procter with the support of her beloved husband Beau Procter, who is generously funding an ovarian cancer educational awareness.

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, and to empower individuals to become better advocates of their health.

Featuring title co-sponsors Casa Olé and H-E-B, the 5K Fun Run/Walk is chaired by “Gift of Life” volunteers, Ron Espinosa and Christine Stetson, with the Host Committee chaired by “Gift of Life” board members, Patti McSpadden and Melody Parsons. Other committee members (to date) are Jane Barron, Jill C. Bee, Judy Black, Claire Crews, Pat Dubea, Aileen Larson, Sharon Parker, Betsy Rayle, Michele Smith and Suzanne Wolfrom.

The Run/Walk will be followed by an exciting program, All That Jazz and Tony, a New Orleans- hemed luncheon and production featuring nationally renowned performer Tony Orlando and complimented by the rhythm n’ blues Houston vocalist, Yvonne Washington and her band. The
pink and teal event will culminate with a celebratory Promenade of Courage, an inspiring moment when cancer survivors take center stage as warriors against the disease.

A devoted “Gift of Life” board member and volunteer and a well-respected Southeast Texas attorney, Julie Richardson Procter passed away in April, 2011, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, a silent disease with vague symptoms that will this year affect more than 25,000 women, over half of whom will lose their lives. Although Procter’s cancer was diagnosed at an advanced stage, she approached each day with optimism and grace, hoping that her illness would
serve as a meaningful platform to educate more women about the risks and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

“We look forward to commemorating the life of Julie, whose extraordinary story of strength will inspire bravery and hope among those who are suffering and provide comfort for them and their families,” said Regina Rogers, “Gift of Life” founder and chair. “She was a remarkable woman with a generous and caring heart, giving much of her time to support local causes and help people in need. We envision the Julie Richardson Procter Ribbon Run/Walk becoming an annual
event that will establish an everlasting legacy.”

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 is 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 232,620 new cases expected in 2011. The “Gift of Life” Breast Cancer Program annually makes available 1,800
or more 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 120 women have been extended since the inception of the organization’s free Mammogram Screening Initiative in 1994, and already this year, six clients have been
diagnosed with breast cancer and are being navigated into treatment.

Early 5K Fun Run/Walk registration fees (now through September 19) are $25 with Student rates (18 and under) at $5 and Race Day registration at $30. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available for All That Jazz and Tony Orlando.

For more information about the Julie Richardson Procter Ribbon Run/Walk or All That Jazz and Tony, please call the “Gift of Life” at 409-833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.