FSLM Women's Health 2023

Four States Living

2023 FOUR STATES WOMEN’S HEALTH

Four

ON THE COVER

The

Dr.

TOUGH

PUBLISHER

Dr. Robin Rogers

EDITOR

Ellen Orr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Darby

ACCOUNT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ellen Orr

Katie Stone

Sarah Vammen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dr. Robin Rogers

Shane Darby

Erin Walker

From the Publisher

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

As women, we look to other women for direction. My mother is the person who has taught me the big life lessons. First, she taught me to put family first. She learned that from her own mother. Then, she taught me to squeeze a dime and not have credit cards that I couldn’t pay off at the end of each month. She taught me safety; be careful, and that means everything from crossing the street to riding with someone after alcohol has been consumed. She taught me how to be respectful and kind to others. And, I learned tolerance from her; we all walk different paths in this life. There were also some things that she never lectured me on, but I got because of her modeling. Thanks to her, I have never smoked. I wear big crazy hats to protect my skin. I inspect my fruits and vegetables, even smell them, before taking them from the store’s bins. I wear sunscreen, change the sheets regularly, and keep a full pantry; you never know who will show up and when. Always take care of stray animals. Be nice to elderly people. Worry. (That last one is the only bad trait I think we share, although we have other bad traits, too.)

Finally, one of the most important lessons I got from Mom was the non-negotiable of the annual exam. Every year, without fail, as females, we should go see a doctor for a Pap and a mammogram. I remember my first mammogram, and the embarrassment only lasted a few minutes. The “pain” was nothing like people had said (it is not that big of a deal, ladies). I just kept my eyes closed the whole time. If I didn’t actually have to see it, maybe some technician wasn’t actually arranging my breasts in some machine. Sounds crazy, but whatever tricks help you get through those intimidating girl appointments, you have to do it.

I hold my breath during pelvic exams. The doctor is always amazed that I have had three children and still can’t manage to get through the appointment without squeezing the blood out of the nurse’s hand. Thanks so much to wonderful nurses who deal with people like me.

So, with all this rambling, what am I trying to say? Look at your mother. As none of us are perfect, she has given you life and influenced you in ways you rarely reflect upon. Check on her and make sure she is taking care of herself now like she always took care of you. Schedule your appointments. Women have to stick together. I have never heard a man say, “Honey, make sure you schedule your gynecologist appointment next month.” Catching problems early increases your likelihood of a long and happy life. For most, doing this will just bring peace of mind.

Life is short. Show the people you love how much you care about them. Take care of you. No regrets. Live that way.

Please support the Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Race. They are providing mammograms and care for people who need them and can’t afford them. Please participate. Wheel. Walk. Run. Give. Talk it up. Remember, we gotta stick together. And if you cannot afford to pay for a mammogram, call me. Yes, call me. I will call my friend Katina and get you where you need to go.

Looking forward to seeing you at the race! As always, thanks for reading this special edition of Four States Living Magazine

TAMING THE TIGER

Centenarian Thelma Bryant Fletcher is the 2023 Survivor of the Year

BY ELLEN ORR

FIVE GENERATIONS OF THELMA’S FAMILY GATHERED TO CELEBRATE HER 100TH BIRTHDAY. THELMA IS PICTURED HERE WITH DAUGHTER JOYCE PREJZA, GRANDSONS MICHAEL AND DAMON BRUCE, GRANDCHILDREN JAVONTE’ AND GIANNA BRUCE, AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN NEVAEH AND DARNESHIA BRUCE.

On October 26, 2023, longtime Texarkana resident Thelma Bryant Fletcher will turn 101 years old. Over the last century, she has survived many hardships and celebrated great joys, though her shy nature has prevented her from being recognized publicly for her triumphs—until now. This month, she is being honored by the Tough Kookie Foundation as their Survivor of the Year.

Thelma was born in Marshall, Texas, in the midst of the Great Depression. She was the fourth-born and final child of her parents. Her father, Charlie Bryant, worked for the Texas & Pacific Railroad as a freight hauler, and her mother, Bessie Fields Bryant, worked from home as a launderer. The couple also ran a general store on their property, from which they “gave away more food than they sold,” said Thelma’s daughter, Joyce.

When Thelma was 20, she relocated to Texarkana and began working at the Lone Star Ammunition Plant. She would go on to become a custodian at Texarkana Independent School District, Commercial National Bank, and City Hall of Texarkana, Texas. She also worked in the homes of various Texarkana families.

While Thelma took great pride in her professional pursuits, her true life’s work has been that of building a large, flourishing family. In 1945, at the age of 23, she married her only husband, Lonnie,

THELMA WITH DAUGHTER PATSY DAVIS.

who was 27 years her senior. They were married for 41 years, until he died in 1986. The couple had five children, one of whom died in childbirth.

When Thelma’s youngest child, Joyce, was born, both mother and baby suffered serious illness, but they did not have the money required to go to a doctor or purchase medication.

“We were both very, very ill,” Thelma recalled. “But [God] healed us.”

Thelma’s faith would pull her through many additional medical challenges in the future, including two separate occurrences of breast cancer.

In late December 1990, at age 69, Thelma happened to notice a tiny anomaly in her right breast. “I felt an itch, so I went to scratch and felt this little lump, about the size of a black-eyed pea,” she said. On December 23rd, with the encouragement of a friend, she scheduled a biopsy, unbeknownst to her family, whom Thelma did not want to upset before Christmas. On the 27th, the biopsy revealed the tiny tumor as malignant.

At the time, Thelma was employed by Dr. C. Jack Smith, who referred her to Dr. Richard Turnage for a mastectomy. Dr. Turnage successfully completed the surgery on January 8th, 1991. Thelma required no chemotherapy or radiation, though she did take tamoxifen, an endocrine therapy drug, for many years. This drug is used to treat early breast cancer and prevent breast cancer in people with family histories of the cancer.

Though Thelma took tamoxifen for many years as treatment, she likely would have been a candidate for its preventative application, as breast cancer has afflicted many members of her family: two of her sisters, a maternal aunt, a niece, and a great-niece all fought the disease.

For years following her first cancer occurrence, Thelma took her tamoxifen regularly and underwent annual mammograms. However, at some point in her 90s, she stopped getting mammograms. Women 75 and older are severely underrepresented—virtually unrepresented, one might say—in breast cancer research today, and this was even truer 20 years ago. There were no evidence-based guidelines for older survivors regarding annual mammography. And so, she stopped making the appointments.

In 2016, Dr. Thomas Hillis ordered routine bloodwork for Thelma, and the results alerted him to the presence of a new breast cancer, unrelated to the first. Though this tumor was also removed with a mastectomy alone (no chemo or radiation was needed), Thelma regretted her decision to cease her mammograms, understanding that she could have endured a much worse fate.

“If I had had a mammogram, I would have known about my condition before I did,” Thelma said. “It’s very, very important.”

“As long as you breathe—I don’t care what your age is—you still need to get [an annual] mammogram,” Joyce added. “It’s vitally important.”

Beyond breast cancer, Thelma also suffered from diverticulitis. She was made aware

AT THE TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION, INC.’S 13TH ANNUAL NONAGENARIAN AND CENTENARIAN CELEBRATION, THELMA WAS RECOGNIZED AS A CENTENARIAN. HER AWARD WAS PRESENTED BY RUTH BLACKWELL AND MARY WARREN.

of her condition in a dream. In it, she saw a tiger growling at her, as if it was about to attack and kill her. Then, the tiger began to back away from her slowly, receding into the distance.

“I considered that [tiger to be] death,” she said. “And when he backed away, I knew I was gonna be alright.”

When she awoke from the dream, she went straight to the emergency room, where it was discovered that her colon was perforated. She had emergency surgery, after which she required a temporary colostomy bag. Her dream, which she believes was a message from God, may have saved her life.

“He has healed me more than once,” she said.

While Thelma cites her faith as the main factor in her health and longevity, she is a strong advocate for seeking out and receiving medical care whenever possible. Thanks to Medicare, CHRISTUS’ financial assistance programs, and support from her children, Thelma was able to access the diagnostic support, treatment, and preventative care she required—and, thankfully, she took full advantage.

“I considered that [tiger to be] death, and when he backed away, I knew I was gonna be alright.”

“I wanted the condition to be taken care of,” she said, explaining that her attitude was one of, “Whatever [needs to be done]—go ahead, let me know when you’re ready.”

“The way she’s gone through it has been remarkable,” Joyce added. “Her attitude has been part of the success. She didn’t dote on the cancer. Whatever was necessary—she had a positive attitude about it.”

THE TOUGH KOOKIE FOUNDATION NAMED THELMA THE 2023 SURVIVOR OF THE YEAR. HERE, SHE IS SURROUNDED BY FELLOW SURVIVORS RHONDA DOLBERRY, LISA CAIN, KIM YINGLING, KATINA LEVINGSTON, AND TONI HENRY. JOE LEVINGSTON IS ALSO PICTURED.

The Pink Wall

Breast cancer survivors enjoy telling their personal stories through art

The Art Wall, located in downtown Texarkana at 4th and Main Streets, will display art wall panels created by breast cancer survivors and their family members. Throughout the month of October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, these art wall panels are showcased, reminding everyone that care, research, community, and action are of the utmost importance in the fight against breast cancer.

CAN’T KEEP HER DOWN

Toni Henry fought for her annual mammogram screening, and it saved her life

BY KATIE STONE

According to the CDC, about 240,000 women and 2,100 men in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In 2021, Toni Henry was one of those women.

Toni Henry scheduled her first mammogram in 2018, at the age of 40, as recommended by her doctor. She didn’t do one the following year, and in 2020, appointments were very hard to schedule due to the pandemic. When she finally called to schedule her appointment in January 2021, they were booked until late March of that year. She explained that she hadn’t had one in two years, so the office fortunately managed to get her in. Toni’s persistence in scheduling the exam likely saved her life.

The day after her mammogram, she received a phone call from her doctor, who asked her to come back for a second look via ultrasound. Toni remembers hearing a clicking noise from where the ultrasound tech was sitting. “In my mind,” she said, “I knew [the tech] was measuring something.” The tech left the room and then returned with the doctor who recommended a biopsy. They did it that day.

Despite the events that had played out, Toni was surprised to find out that she had invasive mammary carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for up to 80 percent of all breast cancers.

Toni made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, to be completed by June of that year. She was determined not to let cancer rule or end her life.

“Cancer slowed me down for a little bit, but I didn’t stay down,” Toni said. “In between surgeries, I was in the TexRep productions of The Addams Family and Sense and Sensibility.”

“If it had not been for me getting a mammogram, my cancer would not have been found so early. I am a walking, talking testament to early detection.”

Shortly after her implant procedure in November 2021, she acted in TexRep’s production of Something Rotten! A performer through and through, Toni is also a member of the 4-States Fusion barbershop-style chorus, as well as the Pink Quartet of Texarkana.

With two grown children away at college and another attending Pleasant Grove High School, Toni finds herself at every PG football game and traveling to see her older two as much as she can. Besides working as an accountant, she is also the secretary at Richmond Road Baptist Church. Additionally, she serves as the secretary of the PG Band Boosters and as the secretary on the TexRep board. She also is on the Tough Kookie Foundation committee.

Through her experiences with Tough Kookie, Toni knows the value of early detection. Her mastectomy was 100 percent successful. “About a week after my mastectomy, I was told that all margins were clear and that all evidence of breast

cancer was gone,” she said. Neither chemotherapy nor radiation were required.

Toni takes preventative medication and attends regular oncology checkups. She encourages everyone to do routine self-checks, and, most importantly, to get regular mammograms. “If it had not been for me getting a mammogram, my cancer would not have been found so early,” she said. “I am a walking, talking testament to early detection.”

Toni believes that God chose this path for her for a reason; if her story can help even one person, then it was all worth it, she said. To anyone who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, Toni recommends calm and connection. “Just breathe,” she said. “A cancer diagnosis is super scary. Don’t be afraid to feel all of the feelings, but don’t live there. Seek out someone who has been through it, because being around and talking with people who are on the other side of it is very encouraging. If she made it, you can too.”

TONI AND HER HUSBAND, BRAD, HAVE THREE CHILDREN: MATHIEU, BRENDAN, AND ASHLYN. (PHOTO BY ERIN WALKER)

KEEPING THE FAITH

When a breast cancer diagnosis transitioned Dr. LaShundra Watson from physician to patient, she relied on faith to carry her through it

BY SARAH VAMMEN

As an emergency medicine physician, Dr. LaShundra Watson knows how to manage a crisis. She is calm, collected, and ready for anything. But no amount of medical training could prepare her for becoming a patient. “Nothing will prepare you for having breast cancer. Nothing in life—not even being a physician,” LaShundra said.

A native of Texarkana, LaShundra knew she wanted to become a doctor at a young age. “In second grade I remember telling my teacher there weren’t any doctors who looked like me, so my teacher said, ‘Just color yourself in,’” LaShundra recalled. With that advice in mind, LaShundra pursued a career in medi-

cine, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Central Arkansas and a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is licensed to practice both family and emergency medicine.

LaShundra had recently relocated to be closer to her Texarkana family when a health crisis changed everything.

“In December 2020, my mom was diagnosed with COVID-19, so I stayed in Texarkana to care for her,” LaShundra said. Despite following all CDC guidelines and taking precautions, LaShundra caught COVID as well, along with multifocal pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.

DR. WATSON RINGING THE BELL DR. WATSON WITH HER DOG SHEBA, WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY.

“I felt like I was going to die,” she said. “I knew there must be something else going on, so when the ER doctor told me there was an ‘area’ I needed to get taken care of, I instantly knew it was breast cancer, despite never feeling a lump.”

LaShundra’s experience as an ER doctor immediately kicked in. “In the ER, we employ the ABC method— airway, breathing, and circulation—when assessing patients,” she explained. “I knew that my airway and breathing were compromised and could kill me faster. So, I prayed, was hospitalized, and received appropriate treatment.”

Once she recovered from COVID, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, LaShundra was able to focus on the next problem. She received her official diagnosis the day after her birthday in March 2021—stage 2B breast cancer.

Following a battery of tests, biopsies, bone scans, and second opinions, she was ready to begin treatment. LaShundra’s treatment consisted of 13 rounds of chemotherapy, two lumpectomies, and 33 rounds of radiation.

Between her port implantation procedure and first chemotherapy session, LaShundra worked a few shifts in the ER. “I really thought I could be a patient and a doctor at the same time,” she said. “But, after that first day of chemo, I said, ‘Superwoman is sitting down.’”

This was a huge change for which she had not planned. “I have had a job since I was 14 years old,” LaShundra said. “It was foreign to me to sit down and not work. But after that first day of chemo, God let me know I couldn’t be a doctor and take care of everyone if I didn’t take care of myself. I had to sit down and let other people take care of me.”

LaShundra assembled a strong support network to surround her throughout her journey. “My mom, Anita Watson Block Link, put her whole life on hold to care for me. I couldn’t have done it without her or my dog, Sheba,” she said. Additionally, LaShundra received invaluable weekly support from fellow breast cancer survivors Helen Williams and Kyla Randall, as well as support from many family members, friends, and the Tough Kookie Foundation.

As a physician suddenly thrust into the role of patient, LaShundra came to understand firsthand how important it is to have the right medical team.

“At the end of my chemo treatments, I switched oncologists,” LaShundra said. “I recommend to anyone that it’s okay to get second and third opinions and make a change if you need to. For me, I had to go with the medical team who treated me like a human being—not just a breast cancer diagnosis.”

LaShundra’s cancer experience has helped her become an even better doctor. While her faith and steady hand have always benefited her in the ER, her cancer journey has given her a new level of insight.

“People with cancer have a lot of pain that is difficult to pinpoint, but I’ve learned that if someone with cancer [says they have] pain, believe them,” she said. “I know how much strength it took just for them to get out of bed and get to the ER.”

Today, LaShundra is cancer-free. She is taking muchneeded time to slow down, heal, and enjoy her life. “God is faithful,” LaShundra reflected. “The only way out of breast cancer is to go through it, and keeping God first got me through it. I can honestly say that today I am happy, and I thank God.”

“It was foreign to me to sit down and not work. But after that first day of chemo, God let me know I couldn’t be a doctor and take care of everyone if I didn’t take care of myself.”

FEMALE URINARY INCONTINENCE

BY DR. RUSSELL STANLEY

Female urinary incontinence does not have to be simply a normal part of aging. Do you ever go for a run and have a small amount of urine leak? Or start driving down the road and an urge hits you, and you cannot make it to the bathroom in time? Many women experience urinary incontinence at one time or another in their lives. Some of this incontinence is due to childbirth and trauma to the pelvic floor, but much is due to age. However, just because urinary incontinence can worsen with age does not mean that urinary incontinence is something you simply must deal with throughout your life. There are several options to address female urinary incontinence.

TYPES OF INCONTINENCE (Incontinentia vesicae)

First, it is important to understand that there are two main types of urinary incontinence. The first type of urinary incontinence is stress urinary incontinence, which is the type of incontinence that occurs with coughing, sneezing, and laughing. This is the type of incontinence that is due to a weakened urethra. Second, there is urge urinary incontinence, which comes from strong bladder contractions and contributes to overactive bladder. This is the type of incontinence that comes when you cannot make it to the bathroom in time and you leak urine. This is the type of incontinence where you feel like you have to go all the time to the bathroom and have very little control over your bladder.

The options for treatment are different for each type of urinary incontinence. For stress incontinence, the treatment is mostly surgical, including the placement of bladder slings and the injection of a periurethral bulking agent in the urethra. To learn more about these options, Google “midurethral slings” and “bulkamid.” For overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence, the treatment is mostly behavioral, including a timed voiding regimen, OAB medications, and reducing the intake of caffeine and bladder irritants. However, there are also other advanced bladder therapies to consider, including percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, Onabotulinum botox, and sacroneuromodulation. These safe and effective treatments for overactive bladder help reduce the strong urges caused by bladder spasms/contractions.

For more information, please give Dr. Russell Stanley’s office a call and make an appointment to visit with us about urinary incontinence and all of the various options that are available to you.

DR. RUSSELL STANLEY WITH HIS WIFE, LAUREN

Paint the Town Pink!

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Tough Kookie Foundation will sponsor its city-wide Pink Out Texarkana Day on Friday, October 13. All banks, schools, hospitals, businesses and Texarkana residents are urged to “pink out” their offices, inside and out. Churches are encouraged to pink out on Sunday the 15th. Help make Pink Out Day a pink success by showing your support for breast cancer survivors!

OCTOBER 13 13

FINDING THE POSITIVES

Ewing sarcoma couldn’t stop Garrett Garvin

BY SARAH VAMMEN

Day by day, moment by moment. That’s the mindset that powered Texarkana-native Traci Garvin through the unimaginable—her son Garrett’s cancer diagnosis.

Traci was no stranger to advocating for her son and doing everything in her power to help Garrett survive and thrive. At three years old, Garrett was diagnosed with autism, as well as speech and developmental delays. Traci immediately sprang into action.

GARRETT LOVED WHEN HIS SISTER, PRESLEY WAS ABLE TO VISIT HIM AT THE HOSPITAL. HE ESPECIALLY LOVED WHEN IT WAS TIME TO BE WHEELED TO THE CAR AND GO HOME!

“The thing I always say is, ‘Be that parent,’” Traci said. “If you think something is wrong, then don’t stop. Keep researching and getting new opinions until you find your answer.”

After tireless research, she and three other women trained with experts to run an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program from their homes. ABA is the most common autism intervention and targets communication, social, academic, and life skills. According to Traci, this program was game-changing for Garrett.

Fast forward to 2018: Traci was called to action again. One day, Garrett, who was then 13, slipped while getting out of the tub and hurt his arm, causing it to swell. After a doctor’s visit, x-rays, and ice packs, Garrett’s arm seemingly returned to normal. However, months later, Garrett’s arm swelled again. This time there was no precipitating fall or injury. Something was wrong. Traci and her husband, Will, took Garrett to Healthcare Express.

GARRETT’S ARMSALVAGE SURGERY WAS PERFORMED ON JULY 11, 2019, AND THE GARVINS WERE ABLE TO GO HOME ON JULY 13TH.

“It was the wildest thing, seeing that gray mass on the x-ray,” Traci said. “I noticed it immediately and asked the x-ray technician what it was. I knew she wouldn’t be able to tell me, but I had to ask.”

The doctors suspected it was a bone cyst, but Traci and Wili took Garrett to Arkansas Children’s Hospital the next day to be sure. There, Garrett was diagnosed with stage two Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer found in bones or the soft tissue surrounding bones. Though this discovery was devastating, it was also incredibly lucky.

“Thank God Garrett’s tumor was in a location you can see,” Traci said. “A lot of patients with Ewing are written off as having growing pains because the tumors are in places you can’t see as well on imaging.”

After the diagnosis, everything moved very quickly. Within weeks, Garrett began his treatment protocol—14 rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove the diseased

part of the bone. In a single hospital visit, Garrett had a bone marrow biopsy, a chemo port implanted, and his first round of chemo.

“If you had asked me before the diagnosis, I would have said, ‘I have no idea how to handle this,’” Traci said. “But once treatment started, there was no thinking about it. I just did what I needed to for Garrett.”

Garrett would endure five more rounds of chemo, an emergency airlift, and a nine-day hospital stay for neutropenia before a twoweek break. Then, it was on to surgery to remove 15 centimeters of Garrett’s radius and replace it with a cadaver bone. Following the surgery, Garrett continued his remaining rounds of chemo, as well as occupational therapy at CHRISTUS St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital.

Finally, 10 months after beginning his treatment, Garrett was declared cancer-free. He rang the bell, a rite of passage for cancer patients at the end of their treatment, in April 2020. Though the experience was harrowing for all involved, Garrett modeled a peaceful temperament throughout his journey, which helped his loved ones endure as well.

“The way Garrett handled his cancer and treatment got us all through this,” Traci said. “He was a very calm chemo

patient, and that helped the rest of us.”

Traci and Will worked hard to find the positives within a sea of negative. “What got us through was always looking for the best-case scenario in every moment— something to be grateful for,” Traci said. “During Garrett’s treatments, we would be like, ‘Look at the fact that we’re both able to be here for him.’ When we would worry about him refusing food, we would stop and be grateful he was still taking fluids.”

Traci relied heavily on a Facebook group for Ewing sarcoma patients and caregivers. It is the main resource she recommends to any family also facing this cancer. “Outside of the actual hospital, this group was the best thing for us,” she said. “I could turn to this group online, day or night, and get the information or support we needed for Garrett from people who had been there before.”

Today, Garrett is thriving. He is 18, taking life-skills courses through his at-home ABA program, and enjoying trips to the beach with his family. He is still cancer-free and has regained full motion in his right arm. The Garvin family continues to look for the positives and just keep taking everything “day by day.”

“THE WAY GARRETT HANDLED HIS CANCER AND TREATMENT GOT US ALL THROUGH THIS. HE WAS A VERY CALM CHEMO PATIENT, AND THAT HELPED THE REST OF US.”

GARRETT CELEBRATING HIS LAST DAY OF A 5-DAY ROUND OF CHEMO.

GARRETT AND PRESLEY PARASAILING DURING HIS “MAKE A WISH” TRIP IN JULY 2023.

PRESLEY, GARRETT, TRACI, AND WILL GARVIN (PRE CANCER DIAGNOSIS) AT THE LSU/A&M GAME IN NOVEMBER 2018.

GARRETT AT ONE OF HIS CHECKUPS WITH DR. COREY MONTGOMERY.

2023 Tough FoundationKookieBoard

From the Founder From the Director

This year’s slogan is “Stronger Together.” Together, we are a stronger community and foundation committee. We continue to change the lives of people affected by breast cancer and childhood cancer, one patient at a time. We have also made a great impact in the lives of men, women, and children by promoting early detection, in the hopes of catching cancer in its earliest stage. God has truly shown his love to us by allowing the Tough Kookie Foundation to continue to provide educational resources, financial support, emotional support, mammograms, care packages, meals, and more to Texarkana and our surrounding communities.

I am so excited for our third annual breast cancer race. The number three represents divine wholeness, completeness, and perfection. We invite you to come out and enjoy a great day in our community. We look forward to seeing you all on October 21st, 2023, on the campus of Texas A&M University–Texarkana.

Katina R. Levingston Founder/President

Katina R. Levingston is the founder of Tough Kookie Foundation. The mission is to establish extraordinary levels of effectiveness and support, encouragement, resource, education, and advocacy for breast and childhood cancer patients and survivors.

October Calendar of Events

OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 12

It is with immense joy and gratitude that I invite you to participate in the third annual Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie 5K Run/Walk for Breast Cancer and Childhood Cancer. As the race director, I have been delighted to witness the incredible growth of our organization over the past three years. Today, I want to share our journey and the impact we’ve been able to make, thanks to the support of our community.

When we embarked on this mission three years ago, our goal was clear: to stand together as a community and support those who have faced or are facing the challenges of breast cancer and childhood cancer. Our vision was not just to raise funds but also to create a platform where survivors, warriors, and their families could find strength, hope, and solidarity.

The Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie 5K Run/Walk, hosted at the beautiful Texas A&M–Texarkana, has been a testament to our collective spirit. Each year, we have seen more participants, more volunteers, and more support from local businesses. Each step we take on this course represents a step towards a world without cancer, and your presence here today reaffirms our commitment to this cause.

One of the most significant achievements of our organization has been the support we’ve been able to provide to those in need. Through your contributions and the funds raised from our previous events, we’ve been able to extend our support to various avenues. We have established support groups to create a nurturing community for cancer survivors, ensuring they have the emotional support they need on their recovery journeys. We’ve also been able to offer free mammograms to women in our community, making early detection more accessible than ever. Additionally, we’ve provided essential aid to families battling breast cancer and childhood cancer, helping them navigate the financial and emotional challenges that often accompany the diagnosis.

Today, as we lace up our running shoes and gather to take part in the Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie 5K Run/Walk, we do so not only to raise awareness and funds but to celebrate the incredible resilience of those who have triumphed over cancer and those who continue to fight. Our participants aren’t just runners and walkers; they are imperative to the success of our organization and, even more importantly, the fighters to find a cure for cancer. Hope to see you on October 21st!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Saul-Sehy, Tough Kookie Race Director

OCTOBER 13

There will be individual registration, individual pickups, and team pickups at Racquet and Jog, 3435 Richmond Rd, Texarkana, Texas, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Or register online at www.toughkookie.org. To be guaranteed a t-shirt, register before October 13, 2023.

OCTOBER 2

In conjunction with the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, the Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Foundation will unveil the 2023 Breast Cancer Survivor Art Wall at 5:00 p.m. at the TRAHC ArtWall, located in the ArtsPark next to the TRAHC building, located at 321 W. 4th Street in Texarkana, Texas.

The 4th Annual Tough Kookie Pink Out Day for Texarkana and the surrounding areas. Businesses, show your support by asking all of your employees to wear pink, and tag the Tough Kookie Foundation on Facebook with your photos.

OCTOBER 15

The 3rd Annual Tough Kookie Pink Out Sunday is happening for all individuals and churches. Churches, show your support by encouraging congregants to wear pink in honor of breast cancer awareness.

OCTOBER 21

The 3rd Annual Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Breast Cancer Race takes place on the campus of Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

Vital Race Information

October 21st Texas A&M - Texarkana Campus

7 a.m. - 8 a.m. - Late Registration (no shirts day of race)

7 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. - VIP Breakfast for Survivors, Top Teams and Sponsors

7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Team Pictures

8 a.m. - Opening Ceremonies

8:15 a.m. - Survivors’ Parade

8:30 a.m. - 5K Competitive Run

9:00 a.m. - Breast Cancer Walk

10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Closing Ceremonies, honoring the Survivor of the Year, presenting the Team Award

SURVIVORS’ ACTIVITIES

7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. - Survivors’ Registration

8:15 a.m. - Survivors’ Pictures

TOP TEAM FUNDRAISER, VIP

The top five teams to raise over $1000 will receive VIP treatment on race day.

COMPETITIVE 5K AWARD

The first place male and female runners in the competition 5K will receive running apparel from Racquet & Jog. Medals will be awarded to the overall winners.

PINK HONOR WALL

There will be a Pink Honor Wall available on race day. You can make a $5 donation to honor a person on the day of the race. The honoree can be a breast cancer survivor, co-survivor, or just a special person who does a lot to support the Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Breast Cancer Race.

RACE BIBS

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR THEIR RACE BIBS AT ALL TIMES WITHIN THE RACE GROUNDS, ON THE COURSE, AND AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY.

TIMING CHIPS

Timed runners who pre-registered will be given disposable chips, the cost of which was included in the registration fees. A limited number of timing chips will be available, for an additional charge, for race-day registrants at the reg istration table. Timed competitive runners will be eligible for awards in multiple age groups.

DOGS FOR THE TOUGH KOOKIE CURE

One dog will be allowed to register with an adult par ticipant for $25. Proof of rabies vaccination must be provided on the race day, and a release form must be signed by the adult participant. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Owners must clean up after their dogs at the race grounds and along the race course. All dog joggers and walkers will participate at the back of the group of participants along with the walkers. Dogs

will not be allowed in the 5K competition run. There will be one dog water station at the race. Be aware that there will be a large crowd at the race, and dogs may react differently in a crowd situation. Anyone in violation of these rules will be asked to leave. Dogs can only be registered if accompanying a registered adult. Entrance arm bands and bandanas will not be distributed unless signed releases and proof of rabies are presented.

KIDS FOR THE TOUGH KOOKIE CURE

Activities will take place in the kids’ area. If you are participating with a baby stroller or wagon, please position yourself at the end of the line behind all of the walkers.

PARKING

Arrive early, as parking is limited. A limited number of accessible spaces will be available.

SAFETY

Bicycles and in-line skates are prohibited.

CANCELLATION STATEMENT

The event will occur rain or shine. We reserve the right to cancel in extreme circumstances. In the event of cancellation, there will be no refunds, and your entry fee will be used as a donation to the Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Breast Cancer Foundation.

RESTROOMS

Portable restrooms will be available for use on race day.

MEDICAL PERSONNEL

A first aid station will be available for use on race day.

INFORMATION AND LOST AND FOUND

The Information Tent will be located near the VIP breakfast area.

PLEASE VISIT THE SPONSOR TABLES

annual Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Breast Cancer run/walk