The track around Peoples Bank Stadium was decked out in pink as approximately 60 Frenship staff, students, and community members joined together for the breast cancer Awareness Walk. This event, hosted by the Frenship Wellness Committee, aimed to promote health and wellness while honoring those affected by breast cancer, bringing the community together for a meaningful cause.
“Events like the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk allow Frenship the opportunity to show our support. Saturday's participants showed up to celebrate, encourage, share hope and support to those who have been personally impacted by breast cancer,” said Ashley Fortner, Frenship’s Human Resources Coordinator. “By hosting these events we hope to raise awareness, promote healthy habits, build relationships, encourage fitness, and mental health just to name a few. We really enjoy the opportunities where both Frenship staff and their families can participate!”
A total of $500 was raised to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The money was raised through t-shirt sales for the walk.
“We wanted to find a local organization to help by raising money for prevention, treatment, cures, and support services for those impacted by breast cancer,” said Fortner.
Lisa Libre, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent participated in the walk in honor of her late mother who had metastatic breast cancer. She shares that the walk helped her reflect on the memory of her mother and allowed her to celebrate the beautiful life her mother lived.
“It meant so much to walk in memory of my mom and I loved it that Ashley opened up the event to include pictures of the people we were walking in honor or memory of,” said Libre. “Everyday life gets so hectic that you sometimes feel too busy to stop and reflect. And sometimes reflection can be really sad or depressing and you focus on your loss. Walking on the track last weekend and seeing her lovely picture projected on that huge scoreboard every few minutes just gave me time to reflect and celebrate her life. My mom passed away from metastatic breast cancer in December of 2012. It’s true that nobody loves you like your momma, and I was fortunate to have one of the best ones!”
Libre fondly remembers her mother's spirit and resilience, recalling her unique qualities that made her so special.
“She was kind and so sweet, but she was tough! She continued to drive a bus for Plainview ISD after her initial mastectomy and first bout of chemotherapy treatment,” said Libre. “She missed very little work during her treatments because ‘her kids’ depended on her to get to and from school every day.”
The influence of her mother's kindness continues to inspire Libre today.
“No offense to other mothers out there, but she was THE BEST MOM! She never met a stranger. During my awkward teenage years (to which I have returned to the awkward stage, lol), I would be so embarrassed when she would stop and talk to everyone. Later, of course, I realized what a gift she had for never meeting a stranger. People loved my mom! She accepted you wherever you were and despite your circumstances,” said Libre.
Fortner shares that the sense of unity and support among participants was the most meaningful part of the walk.
“My favorite part about the walk was watching how supportive the people that attended were. I love that the employees showed up with their co-workers, friends, moms, children, and spouses,” said Fortner. “It's so encouraging to see how unified our Frenship family is by showing up to support each other. Not only our work family but also our personal families came together.”
Libre feels thankful for the Frenship Family and how they provided unwavering support during one of the most challenging times of her life.
“I was a secretary at Willow Bend Elementary when my mom went through her recurrence of cancer that ultimately took her life. My Frenship family supported and loved me through each phase, and there was nowhere else I could imagine working that would have had my back in the same way. This district is truly special,” said Libre.
Through shared experiences and unwavering support, the Frenship Community continues to stand united in the fight against breast cancer, honoring the past while inspiring hope for the future.