FSLM Women's Health 2022

Four States Living

WOMEN’S HEALTH

2022 KATINA R. LEVINGSTON TOUGH KOOKIE BREAST CANCER RACE

Kim Yingling Survivor of the Year

Four States LivingWomen’s

Yingling,

Tough Kookie

and now she’s ready

From the Publisher

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

s women, we look to other women for direction. My mother is my 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 or driving after alcohol has been consumed. She taught me how to be respectful and kind to others. And, I learned toler ance 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 appoint ment 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. Ride. 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.

THRIVING &

SURVIVING

Kim Yingling, the Tough Kookie Survivor of the Year, has faced the beast, and now she’s ready to celebrate

BY ROBIN ROGERS

hemo’s a beast,” says Kim Yingling, the 2022 Tough Kookie Survivor of the Year. “I was originally supposed to have 16 rounds of chemo every two weeks,” she says. “I lost all of my hair, lost my appetite, and lost a lot of weight. Chemo zapped all of the energy I had. After round 14, my body said, ‘enough is enough.’”

After chemotherapy, Kim worked to build back her strength, and on January 24, 2022, she had a single mastectomy. Radiation followed in May of 2022, and for six weeks, Monday through Friday, Kim had thirty, yes thirty, rounds of radiation.

Breast cancer is really the beast. And Kim admits that she wasn’t getting an annual mammogram or check up before she discovered the 3.7 centimeter sized tumor located in her right breast.

“I found the lump myself,” Kim explains, “It felt like a walnut in my right breast. I was in denial at first, so I had my husband feel it, too. Once I saw the look on his face, I knew it was not good. It broke my heart.”

Diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer, Kim found her team of doctors and nurses at Collom & Carney Clinic to be aggressive and proactive in her treatments, which she is thankful for. On top of finding a smart, strong team of doctors, Kim says that having a positive attitude is a big part of healing.

“Surround yourself with loved ones. Keep your sense of humor. You will have some bad days, but you will also have some good days,” she says, “Embrace the good days! You are allowed to cry and have a pity party sometimes, but don’t dwell on that. I truly believe that a great attitude during this battle is a big part of the healing process.”

“C

Without a doubt, Kim credits her family and friends for helping her care for herself when she was too weak and helpless to do for herself. Jim Yingling, Kim’s husband of 46 years, was her steadfast person, and he took care of her every single day during her cancer journey.

“He was my rock,” Kim says. “He never left my side. The worst part about having cancer is having to depend on someone else to help with everything, and I have never been one to ask for help. But I swallowed my pride and let others do for me.”

Jim can’t imagine spending a day without Kim. “We met when we were 12- and 13-years-old in shop class,” he says, “and we’ve been together ever since.” Kim laughs, “I was the first girl allowed to take shop class in school. We have now been together for over 50 years.”

Tough Kookie and Katina Levingston, in particular, have also played a part in Kim’s healing. “Tough Kookie is a great organization! I emailed them the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Kim. “The next day, Katina and her husband Joe came to my house and told me her breast cancer story. I did not feel alone, and she made me feel like I could fight this! Before they left. Katina said a prayer for me; I needed that spiritual boost.”

The last eighteen months have been a whirlwind for Kim Yingling. In April of 2022, Kim and Jim took a little vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama. “We were sitting on the beach, when my oncologist called,” Kim says. “All of my tests came back, and I was cancer free! That was the best phone call I have ever received!”

Now the 2022 Tough Kookie Survivor of the Year, Kim hopes that by telling her story, other women will be encouraged to get an annual mammogram. Mammograms save lives. The sooner cancer is found is always better.

LEFT: Kim recently rang the bell after completing her radiation therapy. Her husband Mike is always her biggest champion.

BELOW: Mike, Kim, and Jim Yingling at last year’s TRAHC Art Wall.

Kim Yingling at a recent chemotherapy appointment.

Kim’s tribe has stood behind her through it all.

ABOVE: Kim Yingling’s team from last year’s Tough Kookie race.

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 dis play art wall panels created by breast cancer survivors and their family members. Throughout the month of October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness, 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.

Darlene Taylor and Katina Levingston

Addysyn Burris and Lora Burris

UNSTOPPABLE

A survivor of childhood cancer, Erika Roberts is a potitive force

BY ELLEN ORR

Before her first birthday, Erika Roberts underwent seven rounds of chemotherapy and one round of cryotherapy to fight the 74 tumors that were attacking her eyes. Erika, now 18-years-old and a freshman at Sam Houston State University, still has the two (small, dormant) tumors in her right eye, but the 72 malignant tumors on her left eye proved to be too aggressive for even the best treatment.

Bilateral retinoblastoma, or retinal cancer in both eyes, is an incredibly rare pediatric cancer; according to St. Jude, fewer than 100 children in the United States are diagnosed with it each year. Though sometimes it is caught in routine eye exams, parents often notice the signs just as Erika’s did. “Before I was diagnosed, my parents noticed that

PHOTO BY CADY

I would not react to or follow toys meant for visual stimulation, and my cousin, who is the same age as me, would react to them,” Erika said. In addition, Erika’s grandmother recognized something peculiar in photographs of her granddaughter. “When young kids who have retinoblastoma are photographed [with flash], there will be a white glare in their eyes, and not a red one like most people have,” she explained. “My Grammy noticed [this].”

After diagnosis by a local ophthalmologist in February 2004, Erika was treated at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. “My parents have always told me that I got blessed with the best staff I could have asked for, and I am lucky because of that,” she said.

The chemo and cryotherapies were no match for the tumors in Erika’s left eye, so it was removed and replaced with a prosthetic. Erika progressed typically for the next year, but at age two, her parents realized that another of Erika’s senses was developing atypically: “I was not hearing things as well as I should have been,” she said.

An audiologist diagnosed her with hearing loss in both ears, caused by the chemotherapy. (The chemo drugs used most frequently to treat retinoblastoma are known to cause hearing loss in about 20 percent of patients by damaging inner-ear cells.) Erika was fitted with hearing aids for both ears, which she has worn ever since.

Though her hearing loss was near-severe at the time of diagnosis, her hearing continued to degenerate, and at 16, local audiologist

Dr. Kelly Pack informed her that her hearing loss had progressed to severe in both ears. “Dr. Pack has worked with me for the last few years, making sure that I am hearing everything that I need to by using new hearing aids with updated speakers, microphones for when I may need them during class, and making sure my hearing has not continued dropping,” Erika explained.

Though she counts herself as lucky not to remember her cancer experience or the onset of her disability, the long-term ramifications of both do not evade her. “Cancer has forever impacted me and the way that I have lived,” she said. “It is not easy being a cancer survivor. It is traumatic on someone no matter what kind of cancer you have or at what age you had it. One way that it has impacted me is that it took away my ability to have children.”

Though Erika is physically able to bear children, she has made the decision not to, as there is a high chance of passing “the cancer gene” to any offspring. “I’ve known since I was young that I was meant to be a mom, and to know that I have to sacrifice that hurts my heart,” she said, “but I would not want my children to go through the same things I’ve been through. I’ve also seen how [my cancer has] affected my parents throughout the years, and that played a big part in my decision not to have kids.”

Beyond this, being a cancer survivor is an experience rife with trauma and grief. Erika has experienced more death and illness among her friends than many people twice her age have had to go through.

Even still, Erika sees all of the beauty in her life that has come from her cancer experience. One major silver lining has been that of Camp Dreamcatcher, a camp for childhood cancer survivors who were treated at Baylor Scott & White, located at Camp For All in Burton, Texas. “I went to Camp Dreamcatcher from ages 5 to 16, and it was the happiest time of my life,” she said. “I’ve always called it ‘my Disneyland.’ I’ve made lifelong friendships at camp. It was one week with people who related to what you had been through and accepted you with open arms.” Though the camp has been closed due to COVID for the past few years, Erika looks forward to being a counselor there when they reopen.

In the meantime, the significance of camp has influenced Erika to become a counselor at another camp—one that serves adult campers with developmental disabilities. “I know what it feels like to be ‘different,’” she reflected. “[People with disabilities] just want to be treated like normal people, because we are normal people. I am a very passionate person and will always love teaching [disabled campers] that they are just as amazing as anyone else.”

Erika channels her passion in other avenues as well. Raising awareness of both childhood cancer and ocular and audiological disabilities is important to her. In high school, through Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), she created a project to increase childhood cancer awareness. After presenting to her local organization, she took the project to a state competition, where she won first place and qualified for the national competition in San Diego in summer 2022. “My project opened people’s eyes to the reality of childhood cancer, and that was my goal of the project, so I could not be more happy about how it all turned out,” she said.

“Cancer has forever impacted me and the way that I have lived.”

Wendy and Chris Roberts, Erika’s parents, have always been her biggest champions.

Though her FCCLA project was academic and professional in nature, Erika engages in community education through more casual means as well. “In my opinion, the best way to cope with anything you go through is with a sense of humor, so, when I got [a TikTok account], I incorporated my life story and my sense of humor into one,” she said. Erika, whose TikTok bio reads, “eyes: 1/2, personality: 10/10,” creates a variety of videos, including some that address her disabilities. In one video, she casually and surprisingly removes her prosthetic eye and both hearing aids, inspiring shock and hilarity among TikTok viewers from around the world. The video currently has over 13,000 views. Erika understands that not everyone with visible disabilities feels as confident about their differences, but she would encourage them to get comfortable with the qualities that make them special. “The ‘differences’ that you might hate are the reasons that you stick out from others, and that is a great thing, although it may not always feel like it,” she said. “These differences make you stronger and more amazing than you will ever realize. Embrace these differences, because once you do, you will be unstoppable. Of course, there have been a lot of struggles throughout my life and a few missed opportunities due to my disabilities, but despite everything, I am where I was meant to be, and that is all that matters to me. It’s not easy, but the best thing to do is to not let anything hold you back, and that’s how I have made it this far. I survived something terrible and came out a better person because of it.”

Simple Self

Care TO NOURISH THE BODY & SOUL

As the general population ages, many women begin searching for non-surgical aesthetic options and services to feel more energized.

Yoga

These days, many people are practicing yoga for its health benefits. Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago and continues to grow in the U.S. Yoga uses postures, focused concentration on specific body parts, and breathing techniques to combine the body with mind and mind with soul.

HydraFacials

If fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, oily skin or enlarged pores are your skin nemesis, HydraFacial is for you. Delivered in as little as 30 minutes, HydraFacial is tailored to your specific skin type and removes dead skin cells while extracting impurities and bathing the skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums simul taneously. This facial treatment leaves your skin feeling soothed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural oils typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. Often used in aromatherapy, essential oils are usually either inhaled or diluted then rubbed on the skin. Each essential oil has its own unique smell and potential health benefits.

Massage

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The benefits of massage include reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. Common types of massage are: Swedish massage, deep massage, sports massage, and trigger point massage. If you have a specific health condition or need a stress reliever, be proactive with your health and well-being by checking into the benefits of massage.

KEEP GOING

Li-fraumeni syndrome caused Kyzia Johnson to have multiple cancers and make adult choices before she was even eighteen

BY ROBIN ROGERS

At two-years-old, most little ones are gearing up for preschool, playing at the park, and experiencing all things inquisitively and with a child’s mind. For Kyzia Johnson, doctors, nurses, and hospital rooms were her actuality. Kyzia was two-and-a-half-years old when childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, was discovered in the deltoid

As it turns out, Kyzia has a rare genetic disorder called li-fraumeni syndrome that causes her to be susceptible to different cancers throughout childhood and young adulthood. Li-fraumeni syndrome is a mutation in the P53 gene which can significantly increase the chances of developing multiple cancers beginning in childhood; however, the pattern of specific cancers seen in affected family members is different.

With her first cancer diagnosis in her deltoid, Kyzia was taken to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where her treatment was chemotherapy and radiation. Then, Kyzia was in remission for eight years. Rhabdomyosarcoma, however, is a specific type of cancer that occurs specifically throughout childhood, and it was to raise its ugly head

At age ten, the cancer came back in the same spot - the upper left arm. Again, the doctors prepared Kyzia and her family for more chemotherapy and radiation. For the next 18 months, Kyzia stayed home from school and was diligent about treatments. Immunocompromised because of the chemotherapy, Kyzia couldn’t be around other people.

“I couldn’t be around a lot of people my own age because I had no immunity,” Kyzia says.

One day, while playing inside the house, Kyzia slipped and fell, and her arm broke. Because the cancer was spreading and the chemotherapy wasn’t working, doctors recommended amputating Kyzia’s left arm; Kyzia agreed, and her family stood behind her decision.

There was a respite in treatments for the next few years, although like most cancer patients, Kyzia visited her oncologist in Little Rock twice a year for checkups.

As a teenager, Kyzia had a gynecology appointment, and the doctor taught her to do a self-breast exam.

Many people who are diagnosed with li-fraumeni syndrome are genetically susceptible to developing multiple cancers, most notably soft-tissue and bone sarcomas, breast cancer, and adrenocortical carcinoma,

so Kyzia was always on guard. In

April of 2017, Kyzia had a breast screening that revealed nothing.

Three months later, Kyzia found a lump in her breast that was rock hard, and she knew it was cancer.

Seventeen-year-old Kyzia had decisions to make quickly. Her great-grandmother had passed away because of breast cancer, and Kyzia’s invasive ductile carcinoma was aggressive.

By the time Kyzia went in to prepare for surgery, doctors discovered that she not only had one type of cancer in her breasts, but she had two.

She says, “With the breast cancer, I was also diagnosed with a phyllodes tumor that favored malignant two different types of breast cancer.”

Without hesitation and to make sure they got all of the cancer, Kyzia chose to do a bilateral mastectomy. High school became a thing of the past. While Kyzia finished high school at home, and was even able to walk across the stage with her class, the normalcy that most teenagers experience as a senior

in high school was basically unknown to Kyzia. Hospitals, treatments, and back and forth trips to doctors’ offices was Kyzia’s reality. Kyzia warns others who have li-fraumeni to be cognizant of all the ways to prevent cancer.

Kyzia explains, “Early detection of LFS through genetic testing can be the key to limit the risks of accidentally overexposing oneself to medical treatments that enhance the chance of further development of cancer.”

Many young women would be angry at the hand that was dealt in Kyzia’s circumstance, but Kyzia, after battling multiple types of cancer, stays positive and encouraging to others.

To others fighting cancer, Kyzia says, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be sad. Even if it’s not a good outcome, don’t ever lose faith.”

Five years have passed, and Kyzia is in the clear of the cancers that invaded her youth. Working on her college degree at Texas A&M University-Texarkana in kinesiology, Kyzia knows more about the human body than most. Not many people could carry on like Kyzia has, but with a little faith and a lot of love and great doctors, the future’s looking good for her.

“Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be sad. Even if it’s not a good outcome, don’t ever lose faith.

HEART DISEASE

KNOW THE SIGNS, WHAT TO DO AND REDUCE YOUR RISK

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for 20% of female deaths.

Coronary artery disease, also commonly known as coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis, is the most common type of heart disease. More than 6% of women over the age of 19 are afflicted by it, which can lead to a heart attack or heart failure.

Heart conditions for which women are at higher risk than men include cardiac syndrome X, angina (chest pain) and bro ken heart syndrome (stress-induced cardiomyopathy). Women can also be affected by several other heart conditions. These include heart failure, heart valve disease, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and atrial fibrillation (Afib).

HEART ATTACK SIGNS

Women can experience all the same symptoms as men. Of ten, however, women experience heart attacks differently. Most notably, women don’t always experience crushing chest pain. Instead, they may feel tightness or pressure in their chest. As a result, symptoms can go unnoticed or are easily brushed off. If the pain or discomfort goes away and then comes back or lasts for more than a few minutes, it could be a symptom.

PREVENTION

Several risk factors for heart disease cannot be modified. Fam ily history, race, gender, menopause and age all play a role in heart disease. Still, many risk factors can be changed, according to Cleveland Clinic. To reduce your risk for disease:

• quit smoking

• lower your total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides

• increase your HDL (good) cholesterol

• reduce your blood pressure if it is high

• keep diabetes under control

• maintain a healthy body weight

• eat heart-healthy foods

• exercise regularly

• reduce your stress

Also, a drink a day may offer some benefit to your heart by increasing your HDL cholesterol. But medical experts caution against more than one drink per day. Studies have found high al cohol consumption can damage the heart. Although some stud ies suggest alcohol may be beneficial in moderation, others have shown the opposite. Cleveland Clinic recommends if you don’t already drink alcohol, not to begin.

Although some studies suggest alcohol may be beneficial in moderation, others have shown the opposite.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE HAVING A HEART ATTACK

Call 911 immediately and have them dispatch emergency medical services (EMS). This is usually faster than having someone drive you to the hospital.

Also, if you’re in a public place, such as work or a store, a defibrillator may be available. Ask whoever you see first to check. Defibrillators come with easy instructions and could save your life.

Finally, take an aspirin, says Anthony Komaroff, MD, editor-in-chief of “Har vard Health Letter.” He recommends a standard dose of 325 mg that isn’t coated. “Chew it, and then swallow it with a glass of water,” says Komaroff, to quickly get it into your system. This can slow blood clotting and limit damage to your heart.

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 7. 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 9th. Help make Pink Out Day a pink success by showing your support for breast cancer survivors!

Collom & Carney Clinic Farmers Bank & Trust

CHRISTUS St. Michael Imaging Center Eternal Beauty

Total Medical Supply

2022 Tough Kookie Foundation Board

LEFT TO RIGHT: Dewitt Fortenberry, MD, Keri Young, Cheryl Saul-Sehy, MD, Rita Cooksey, Elodia Witterstaetter, Erica Ramage, Joe Levingston, Jr., Katina R. Levingston, Kayla Howard, Rose Criner, Debra Maxwell, Natasha Starks, Debbi Jones, and Cynthia Henderson.

ONE TOUGH KOOKIE

When every curveball is thrown at the same time, there’s just no way to dodge them all

BY ROBIN ROGERS

F

or Rhonda Dolberry, when she was diagnosed with Stage IIIB Breast Cancer, she felt like she was in the line of fire and the balls wouldn’t stop coming. Rhonda’s husband was fighting NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma, her daughter was pregnant with her second child, and her sisterin-law was pregnant with her first child. How was she supposed to handle all of the things that she was accustomed to doing for others with a cancer diagnosis of her own?

A social worker for the Texas Department of Human Services, Rhonda’s motiva tions come from being able to help others. Strong and full of energy, Rhonda was help ing her husband fight his cancer, so a diagnosis of her own was inconvenient. “I was preparing to return to the hospital to visit my husband when I found a lump in my left armpit,” Rhonda says.

After a trip to her doctor, Rhonda was referred to a specialist who ordered a series of tests; immediately, she was advised to have a mastectomy with chemotherapy and radiation.

She says, “Everything was just moving too quickly. I thought surely I was going to wake up any minute. I just kept saying, ‘I want my old life back again.’” But, with the help of her adult children, her church family, and strong sister support, Rhonda moved forward and had the mastectomy that was medically necessary.

“I remember when I came out of the recovery room, they wheeled me in to see my husband. In and out due to all of his medications, he simply said, ‘you’re going to be okay.’” A few days after my mastectomy, Rhonda’s husband passed away.

She says, “After my husband’s death, after my surgery, after my treat ments, I never thought that I would be happy again and didn’t imagine that I would ever feel joy or peace again. But by the grace of God, little by little, I saw sunshine, and my life had meaning again. I was alive.”

One of the ways that Rhonda has found meaning has been through sharing her story, encouraging others affect ed by breast cancer, and educating people about breast cancer. “This is a serious disease,” Rhonda says, “and there are still a lot of people who need assistance and resources.”

Last year, Rhonda was selected as the Tough Kookie Survivor of the Year. She spent an entire season speaking about the Tough Kookie Foundation and advo cating for breast and childhood cancer survivors.

Now over fifteen years cancer free, Rhonda Dolberry lives every day with a positive attitude, hoping to help oth ers. Her advice to others going through cancer ranges from having a sense of humor, to keeping a journal to praying - a lot. She says, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your diagnosis, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take one day at a time, and know that you are never alone. God loves you.”

Proud to be a part of the Tough Kookie Founda tion, Rhonda knows that the race does more than raise money for necessary care and resources for patients; more than those important things, the Tough Kookie Race brings awareness to fighting cancer. If cancer has ever touched your life, then you know how true knowledge is, and we are all in it together!

A Letter from the Founder A Letter from the Race Chair

This year’s motto for the Tough Kookie Race is “Together We Can.” Together, we can bring more community awareness while continuing to assist breast and childhood cancer patients in Tex arkana and the surrounding areas. We are in the fight against cancer, and “together we can” win.

Katina R Levingston Tough Kookie Foun dation offers free mammograms, wigs, bras, ho tel stays, gas cards, food, Angel Flight (round trip air flight appointments for free), and Angel Fund handmade quilts from local churches in Texarkana for free with care packages.

Some people have asked why I started the Tough Kookie Foundation. I started the Tough Kookie Foundation to be able to help other women, men, and children feel good about themselves, provide education, and support the community that is faced with cancer.

As a six-year breast cancer survivor, I know how it feels going through treatment and follow-ups. I also remember hearing the words, “You have cancer.” God gives us all gifts and talents, and I know my gifts and talents while on this earth are to serve, love, and give support to others.

This race has become a race of hope, where we can get to gether each year and raise money for our family, friends, and com munity. Truly, we would love your support, and hope you come out to the race and join us on October 15.

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

There will be individual registration, individual pickups, and team pickups all at Racquet And Jog, 3435 Richmond Rd, Texarkana, Texas from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Or register online at www.toughkookie.com

To be guaranteed a t-shirt, register before October 8, 2022.

OCTOBER 5

In conjunction with the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. the Katina R Levingston Tough Kookie Foundation will unveil the 2022 Breast Cancer Survivor Art Wall at the TRAHC ArtWall, located in the ArtsPark next to the TRAHC building, located at 321 W. 4th Street in Texarkana, Texas.

Building on the passion and excitement that fueled our inaugural race last year, we’re excited to announce that “Together We Can” is this year’s theme. “Together We Can” helps fami ly, friends, and community realize the support, assistance, teamwork, and love that every person suffering from cancer — whether it be breast or childhood — needs to succeed.

About the Foundation: The Tough Kookie Foundation was formed to be part of the team needed to beat cancer. Offering support to the warriors currently fighting breast cancer and celebrating the survivors, we hope that each person can find a place in our organization. For those fighting cancer, we help by offering mammo grams, wigs, transportation to appointments, or a care package for a family in need. We also help people find solace through our monthly support group and walking group. If you’re a community-minded individual, we hope that your role is to volunteer or fundraise to uplift the warrior in your life.

After a successful first race last year, we’re excited for everyone in Texarkana to join in the fun of our second annual Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Breast Cancer run/walk. We hope you will join our celebration in October and use this event to reflect on the courage of community survivors and the battle of those still in treatment. Any support you can offer in any role is invaluable. Your participation boosts the spirits of your loved ones and friends completing our circle of togetherness! Thanks for helping us spread the word and the love to those in need!

Dr. Cheryl Saul-Sehy Race Chair

OCTOBER 7

The 3rd 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 9

The 2nd 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.

OCTOBER 15

The 2nd Annual Katina R. Levingston Tough Kookie Breast Cancer Race takes place on the campus of Texas A&M Univer sity-Texarkana campus.

Vital Race Information October 15th Texas A&M - Texarkana Campus

7 a.m. - 8 a.m. - Late Registration and Race Day Packet Pickup

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

8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. - 5K Competitive Run

9:30 a.m. - Breast Cancer Walk

10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Closing Ceremonies; Honoring the Survi vor of the Year; 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 fundraise over $1000 will receive VIP treat ment 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.

“IN HONOR OF” AND “IN MEMORY OF” BIBS

The “In Honor Of” and “In Memory Of” Bibs will be available at the registration tent or information tent. There will be a limited number of extra safety pins available race morning. You may want to bring your own safety pins for bibs.

TIMING CHIPS

Timed runners will be using disposable chips which are included in the registration fees. Timed competitive runners will be eligible for awards in multiple age groups. A limited number of timing chips will be available, for an additional charge, for race day regis trants at the registration table. Awards for competitive runners will be held following the completion of the race results.

DOGS FOR THE TOUGH KOOKIE CURE

One dog will be allowed to register with an adult participant 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 on a leash 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 ac companying 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, wagon, or a dog, 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 handicap spaces are also available.

SAFETY

Bicycles and in-line skates are prohibited. For the safety of all par

ticipants, please make sure your dogs are registered properly and kept on a leash. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

Port-O-Potties will be available for race day.

MEDICAL PERSONNEL

A first aid station will be available for race day.

INFORMATION AND LOST AND FOUND

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