News Taffy

As you will soon find out in the July issue of Jonesboro Occasions, the Runway to the Cure Fashion Show and Luncheon on July 21 is quickly approaching. Recently, Occasions was lucky enough to meet all 11 stars of the runway show at a photo shoot with photographer Amy Long. More of these amazing photos will be included in the July issue, but until then, we wanted to share a bit more about these incredible survivors and the show itself. 

Betty L. Carter, Trumann
Occupation: Retired
Hobbies: Golf
I have been a survivor for 20 years.
My inspiration comes from: God.
Favorite quote: “What goes around comes around.”

Tami Chandler, Jonesboro
Occupation: Real estate agent
Hobbies: Art, music, travel
I have been a survivor for 7 ½ years.
My inspiration comes from: honest, down-to-earth, strong people.
Favorite quote: “As a man thinketh, so is he.” -Jesus

Kerri Cooper, Jonesboro
Occupation: Dental assistant
Hobbies: Going to concerts and spending time with my girls.
I have been a survivor for 1 year.
My inspiration comes from: my twin daughters.
avorite quote: “I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me.”

Donna Hicks, Jonesboro
Occupation: Receptionist, Ridgefield Christian School
Hobbies: Working in my yard, shopping
I have been a survivor for 3 ½ years.
My inspiration comes from: my friend, Fran Tomlinson, a breast cancer survivor who has been fighting for 13 years.
Favorite quote: “Sometimes you’re a bug and sometimes you’re a windshield.”

Heather Rohlfing, Jonesboro
Occupation: Pharmacy tech, Gibson’s Pharmacy
Hobbies: I’m up for anything! I have been a survivor for 4 months.
My inspiration comes from: my parents – both survivors. Favorite quote: “Live life on your terms and no one else’s.”

Linda Ray, Jonesboro
Occupation: paralegal for Attorney Joe Barrett
Hobbies: I love hanging out with my wonderful husband and my three beautiful children. I have learned to cherish every moment I have with them.
I have been a survivor for 1 year.
My inspiration comes from: Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Favorite quotes: “Nothing is impossible with God.” “My God is bigger than cancer.”

Leisa Reese, Trumann
Occupation: buyer for Roach Manufacturing
Hobbies: Reading, shopping and dinners with my family.
I have been a survivor for 1 year.
My inspiration comes from: God, my husband, kids, parents and best friends.
Favorite quotes: “This too shall pass!” “God is good all of the time!”

Tracey Smith, Jonesboro 
Occupation: Second grade teacher, Valley View
Hobbies: Reading and spending time with my family.
I have been a survivor for 9 years.
My inspiration comes from: God and my family.
Favorite quote: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Natalie Teague, Jonesboro
Occupation: teacher
Hobbies: Reading and spending time with my son.
I have been a survivor for 4 years.
My inspiration comes from: God and family.
Favorite quote: “If God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it.”

Allecia Tribble, Pocahontas
Occupation: Nurse
Hobbies: Fishing and lazy days at the river.
I have been a survivor for 2 years.
My inspiration comes from: my family and my co-workers.
Favorite quote: “Life is not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.”

Runway to the Cure Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held Thursday, July 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Bernards Auditorium.

The event is sponsored by St. Bernards Healthcare, Dillard’s and Occasions Publishing Group; proceeds from Runway to the Cure benefits the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Eleven survivors from Jonesboro and the surrounding area will be among those modeling the latest fashions in this year’s show. Dillard’s provides clothing and accessories for the annual event.

“The survivors, both those participating in the show and those in attendance, are what makes this event so powerful,” said Audrey Lott Poff, CEO and publisher of Occasions Publishing Group. “Watching each of these women celebrate life with their family and friends as they participate in the show provides inspiration for everyone in attendance. Runway to the Cure not only raises funds for a great cause, it also reminds you of the importance of celebrating each day that we are given.”

Kiss the Cook of Paragould is catering this year’s luncheon, with Cutie Pie Cupcakes of Jonesboro donating the desserts for the event.

Advance tickets are $25 each or $160 for a table of eight through July 15 and may be purchased at the St. Bernards Development Foundation office, 400 East Street, or online at stbernardsfoundation.org. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 336.5009. Ticket sales close July 19.