Southeast Texans rallied in pink and teal Oct. 25 for the Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash, proving that neither rain nor last-minute changes could dampen the community’s determination to take a stand against breast and ovarian cancer.
More than 2,200 participants converged to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones, and support lifesaving programs through the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program, which provides free screening mammograms, diagnostic testing with treatment navigation for uninsured women, and cancer prevention education across Southeast Texas.
With a forecast calling for heavy rain, organizers adapted by relocating portions of the event inside the Beaumont Civic Center. By race time, the skies cleared, allowing the event to proceed.
A standout feature each year is the event’s start/finish structure, provided by Mike Roebuck, principal and CEO of Echo Group, with support from Industrial Specialty Crafts and BPH Equipment Scaffold Rental & Sales.
The 2025 event also introduced chip-timed race bibs, providing participants with more accurate results and an enhanced race-day experience.
“We are so grateful for the incredible support of the community, along with the Young Men’s Business League members, who dedicate time, resources and energy to ensure the Ribbon Run is a successful event each year,” said Norma Sampson, Gift of Life executive director. “The 2025 Ribbon Run Monster Dash once again proved that together, Southeast Texans can weather any storm in their fight against cancer.”
Inside the Civic Center, participants enjoyed an atmosphere filled with music, food and activities. The Wellness Village featured interactive health and fitness booths — from Active Living After Cancer and helmet safety education to yoga and mindfulness sessions.
The Survivor Parade followed, leading into the Ribbon Run ceremony, hosted by emcees Macy Meyers, Jade Moreau and Albert Nolen, who introduced the morning’s honorees and supporters.
Among those recognized were the Angels Among Us: Deborah Drago, Kellie Fowler, Margueritte Humphrey, Alison Low, Emily Mellen and Michele Smith — six women honored for their compassion, leadership, and advocacy in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.
The festivities continued with recognition of the event’s sponsors. Presenting Sponsors Robin Dauphin, ExxonMobil, Optimus Steel, Provost Umphrey Law Firm, and Quality Mat Company (Linda and Joe Penland) joined Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli in receiving awards acknowledging their commitment to Gift of Life’s mission and the Southeast Texas community.
The morning saw a performance by Christina Wells, America’s Got Talent semifinalist. Her performance was followed by testimony from Tricia Ducote, a Gift of Life breast cancer survivor who shared her story of early detection and recovery, crediting the program’s services for giving her a second chance at life.
Over the past decade, Gift of Life has diagnosed 144 women with breast cancer and supported each one through treatment and recovery.
“This year proved once again that Southeast Texans are extremely generous and deeply committed to the program’s awareness and education initiatives,” said Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais, Gift of Life medical director. “By increasing understanding of the risks and symptoms of breast and ovarian cancer, we empower women to take proactive steps for their health and save lives through early detection.”
The event honors the legacy of Julie Richardson Procter, an attorney and Gift of Life board member who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2011.
For more information about the Gift of Life Program, call (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.
