The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program will honor nearly 150 breast and prostate cancer survivors from Southeast Texas during its annual Valentine Survivors’ Celebration on Thursday, February 11, from 10:00am to 11:30am, in the Parkdale Mall Garden Court.
The event, which is generously sponsored by TOTAL Port Arthur Refinery, will recognize the strength and courage of those who have fought valiantly in the battle against cancer. TOTAL’s critical assistance, both individually and through its partnership with BASF FINA Petrochemicals, LP in Miracle Match for Life, has made available nearly 800 free mammograms and helped extend the lives of 22 individuals who were diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer through “Gift of Life” screenings and provided access to follow-up care.
“The Total Port Arthur Refinery is so proud to have played a part in prolonging 22 lives in our community by helping provide free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings to those in need. What better gift – than the gift of life,” said Pat Avery, TOTAL Human Resource and Communications Manager.
Guest speakers Ania Bender, a breast cancer survivor, and her husband, Stephen, and Hal Clarke, M.D., a prostate cancer survivor and dedicated community physician, will share their heartwarming stories of hope and healing. In recognition of the “Gift of Life” surpassing 16,000 free mammograms provided since inception, Dillard’s Store Manager, Sandy Drake, will present a special gift to the 16,000th mammogram recipient.
Angel San Juan, Fox 4 News Director, will emcee the program that will recognize TOTAL, The Avon Foundation for Women, Plastic Surgery Associates/Dr. and Mrs. Mark Larson, Capital One Trust Department, and Jasper’s Walk of Hope. Philanthropist and breast cancer survivor, Sallye Keith, and “Gift of Life” advocate and loyal supporter, Aileen Larson, will be honored as “Gift of Life” Sweethearts.
The celebration will culminate with an inspirational song by vocalist Nolan Thornal. Guests will enjoy refreshments from Beaumont Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Blue Bell Creameries, L.P., Chick-fil-A Parkdale, Great American Cookies, and Something Special Bake Shoppe. Door prizes will be distributed.
In conjunction with the event, the “Gift of Life” will host a mobile mammography van site, also sponsored by TOTAL, from 8:30am to 3:30pm, outside of Dillard’s at Parkdale Mall. Nearly 35 medically underserved Southeast Texas women have been scheduled to receive free mammograms on the UTMB van, with clinical breast exams being provided inside Dillard’s.
In 2009, 11 people were diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer following free “Gift of Life” screenings, seven of whom were provided access to treatment during the year and four who are scheduled to receive treatment in 2010. Since the program’s inception, nearly 150 men and women have been impacted after receiving cancer diagnoses through “Gift of Life” screenings.
To find out if you qualify for a free “Gift of Life” mammogram, please call the program’s mammogram hotline at (409) 860-3369. For more information about Survivors’ Celebration, call the “Gift of Life” at (409) 833-3663 or toll-free (877)720-GIFT (4438).
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