In October, Southeast Texans will rally to take a stand against breast and ovarian cancer at the Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash. It’s time to “Lace Up To Save Lives” on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Downtown Beaumont for a celebration of courage and community that unites survivors, families and supporters.
This year’s event is supported through the incredible generosity of Presenting Sponsors Robin Dauphin, ExxonMobil, Optimus Steel, Provost Umphrey Law Firm, and Quality Mat Company along with Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli, community partners whose financial contribution helps provide free breast health services and education outreach to thousands across the region.
A morning filled with celebration and purpose
Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. inside the Beaumont Civic Center, where participants explore the Wellness Village featuring health resources, giveaways, and interactive exhibits. At 7:45 a.m. breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancer warriors will take center stage during the Survivor Parade, followed by the uplifting Ribbon Run Kickoff Celebration Ceremony at 8 a.m., a highlight of the morning that honors survivors and recognizes the sponsors and partners who make this life-changing mission possible, with live entertainment by featured performer Christina Wells, powerhouse vocalist and America’s Got Talent semifinalist. At 9 a.m. runners and walkers will fill the streets for the 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash.
Extraordinary Honorees and inspiring stories
This year’s Angels Among Us honorees include Deborah Drago, Kellie Fowler, Alison Low, Emily Mellen, Margueritte Humphrey and Michele Smith, six remarkable women whose leadership, compassion, and advocacy strengthens Gift of Life’s mission of saving lives in Southeast Texas
For Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais, Gift of Life Medical Director, the event’s purpose is deeply personal. “Early detection saves lives,” she said. “When cancer is found at an early stage, survival rates can exceed 90%. That’s what this event makes possible, access to screenings, diagnostics and treatment for women who might otherwise go without care.”
One of those lives is Anita Dowers of Vidor, who was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in 2022 after receiving free mammograms and diagnostic tests through Gift of Life. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here today,” Dowers said. “They gave me the chance to live.”
Over the last decade, Gift of Life has diagnosed 144 women with breast cancer, walking beside each one through every step of treatment and recovery.
A legacy that inspires every step
The 5K honors the memory of Julie Richardson Procter, a beloved attorney and Gift of Life board member who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2011. Her legacy continues through this annual event, which unites the community in hope, awareness, and action.
Registration is now open, and sponsorship opportunities remain available. All breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancer warriors are invited to participate free of charge and may bring one complimentary guest to join the celebration. To register, sponsor, or learn more, visit golribbonrun.org or call (409) 833-3663.
Together, Southeast Texans are transforming every step into strength and every mile into a movement that saves lives.