Veterans Disability Attorney Jennifer Byrd is the 2020 American Cancer Society Making Strides of South Alabama Chairperson. This is a huge role in any given year, but in 2020 with COVID-19 and extreme decrease in charitable giving, it is a big task. Jennifer and the committee have proven they are up for the challenge. She and the Committee put together an entire new social distancing appropriate event. Yes, we all love the annual walk thru downtown Mobile, but this year is even better! The pirate themed “Protect the Chest” car drive thru on October 31st at 8 a.m. will be at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. There will be a “Best Decorated Car Contest”, pictures of you and your mates in your car in front of the USS Alabama as you drive by and live music by Symone Gabrielle French. The Azalea Trail Maids will also be there. There is no cost to participate in the car parade so dress up and join us.
The parade will be led by four incredible women, this year’s Portraits of Hope: Donna Mackin, Jennifer Patton, Lara Sherer and Jenny Hunt. All of these women are survivors who are willing to share their personal cancer journey. Their stories are stories of hope and community.
Immediately following the Portraits of Hope will be the 2020 Real Men Wear Pink team. These community leaders have been working with the American Cancer Society raising awareness and funds to help prevent breast cancer. Thank you to each of these men who look magnificent in their pink.
Managing Partner, Colin Kemmerly, says “As a former member of Real Mean Wear Pink, and as a sponsor of the Making Strides Tribute Garden, I encourage everyone to join our team, the Pirates of the CURE-ibbean, or form your own team, donate, or buy a tribute flower. I am proud of Jennifer Byrd for Chairing this Committee. I am also proud of Laura Holland, Ryan Seanor, Christine Cumbie, Noell Espaillat and Nikki Jackson for their dedication to this event. COVID has caused delays in over half of those in need of cancer resources. We can’t let COVID delay the Making Strides event-there is too much to gain for our community.”
For more information about the event, go to our event page for Pirates of the CURE-ibbean (Pirates) or the Making Strides of South Alabama Facebook page (Strides). You can also call our office at 251-343-1111.
