Blessing Brenda's Arbor

Aug. 8, the Southeast Texas Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program offered up a “huge round of applause” to Monsignor Kelly High School student and Troup 85 Scout Noah Sodolak, whose Eagle Scout project not only touched the hearts of the Gift of Life staff and volunteers, but also elicited a dedication ceremony attended by Bishop David Toups of the Diocese of Beaumont. The project piece, now on the grounds of the Gift of Life office on Dowlen Road in Beaumont, is dedicated as “a welcoming and peaceful place for cancer clients and survivors.”

Sodolak thanked his supporters and the team that helped him create an outdoor reflection space dedicated to the loving memory of Brenda Roberts, a Gift of Life crusader who died from cancer complications in 2017.

In addition to being an involved, loving mother and grandmother, Roberts is credited and remembered fondly as “an invaluable Gift of Life team member, community volunteer, cancer advocate and friend to all who knew her.”

The outdoor structure Sodolak created “will serve as a place of peace and reflection for Gift of Life cancer clients and staff – something we know would bring Brenda great joy,” Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson shared.

In remembrance of Roberts, the Gift of Life presented the project’s dedication attendees with “Brenda’s Blessing Bags,” and a message of prose from GOL founder Regina Rogers to the posthumous honoree: “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

“We continue to cherish the precious memory of our treasured friend, Brenda,” Rogers said. “She was known for her compassionate heart, and for always reaching out in love to those who were suffering, particularly from cancer. This arbor will perpetuate her legacy as it will serve as a welcoming respite for the many cancer clients and survivors who visit our office.”