Cultivating future community leaders by connecting with the leaders of tomorrow, Gift of Life Youth Council Group Facilitator Connie Berry, opened the new year by welcoming high school volunteers back after the holidays and thanking them for their important role as ambassadors and youth council members for the Gift of Life.
Youth Council students, representing area high schools throughout Jefferson, Hardin and Orange counties, earn community service hours for their participation in monthly meetings and special events – and are also privy to monthly guest speakers that assist the rising adults on topics relevant to their health and wellbeing. Serving as the honored speaker for January, Harbor Hospice and Gift of Life Program Medical Director Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais offered words of wisdom, as well as lessons hard learned throughout her years of life.
As she detailed for the young mentees, Lavalais entered the medical field in a non-traditional way, beginning her career as a nurse with a bachelor’s degree in the field. With the passing of the next decade, she became increasingly interested in the pathology of diseases and the diagnostic process, which motivated her to pursue medical school. Despite skepticism from colleagues about her decision to return to school after 10 years, dogged determination secured successful admission to multiple medical schools. Lavalais ultimately chose the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, citing the campus’ supportive environment for nontraditional students. She later completed her residency at Scott & White in Texas, all while balancing family life.
Initially specializing in internal medicine, Lavalais later pursued a fellowship in medical oncology, inspired by the resilience and gratitude of cancer patients. Today, she serves as the medical director of both the Gift of Life Program and Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.
Drawing on years of medical practice and of living life, Lavalais emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition, moderation in food choices and regular exercise for maintaining long-term health. She highlighted the benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, while minimizing processed and fried foods. She also discussed “MyPlate” guidelines, encouraging portion control and mindful eating habits. Exercise was strongly encouraged, with walking being highlighted as an accessible activity. She also addressed the growing prevalence of conditions like hypertension and diabetes and stressed the importance of establishing healthy habits early in life to prevent chronic diseases.
Lavalais shared the “Walk With A Doc” initiative, launched in June 2024 by the Gift of Life to encourage community members “Walk With A Doc” at Wuthering Heights on Saturday mornings twice a month. Lavalais, together with Dr. Mark Toups and his wife, Dr. Linda Ray, meet up with anyone who wants to improve their health through exercise and informal engagement with medical providers.
Avoiding habits like vaping was also a topic of discussion; Lavalais detailed the marketing strategies of the tobacco industry, which promoted vaping as a smoking cessation tool but ultimately enticed youth with appealing flavors and discreet designs. She explained that vaping is not harmless, as e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals and nicotine, which can lead to addiction, lung damage and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. She
highlighted the long-term health risks, including “popcorn lung,” nicotine poisoning and the potential for vaping to serve as a gateway to smoking.
But there was more – Lavalais knows how to make good use of an hour. In addition, students were encouraged to quiz themselves over the dangers of vaping while the doctor answered questions and spoke with the assembled youth about tips for losing weight and shared in a pizza meal provided by the Gift of Life. As usual, several students were awarded gift cards as door prizes for their attendance.
The stated goal of the GOL Youth Council is to increase awareness of health and wellness issues, as well as other relevant topics, such as financial education, while fostering community engagement. The Youth Council program launches youth into community involvement by putting them in touch with local community leaders, as well as offering volunteer opportunities and initiation in social awareness that students carry forward as they plan for their future college and careers.