Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women Making a Difference
It all started in late May 2009 at a beach party in Perdido Key.
Jimmie Sue Walters, chairman of Pirates of Lost Treasure’s American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life Team and a 13-year thyroid cancer survivor, and friends were talking about how to make a big impact and raise money for ACS. They decided a run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 31, would be a great fundraising event, as well as keeping it fun. The target audience is 125 fun, high-spirited women of the Redneck Riviera and any “sistas” who may live in other cities who have blessed their lives over the years.
Each participant is asked to raise $100 through self-support or by sponsorship. The overall goal is have fun, to get to know other “sistas,” and to raise a minimum of $10,000 for ACS. So far, the success has been overwhelming. The sisterhood has grown to more than 90 women.
Because of the generous support of local businesses and friends supporting the event, 100 percent of the participant registration will go directly to ACS.
The walk will include cancer survivors; women walking/running in memory or in honor of a loved one and women training for marathons. Some of the women are participating just because. In fact, men are even getting involved, with one man sponsoring 10 women.
The title for the run/walk was inspired by Suzy Toronto’s book, “The Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women.’’ The Redneck Riviera’s Chapter of “Wacky Women” want to share her information and enthusiasm with more women in their area and beyond.
“Who are these Wonderful Wacky Woman?” asks Toronto. “You know them. They are your friends, your sisters, your mothers, and your grandmothers. They are even you and me! They are the women who rise above all obstacles to turn tragedy into triumph and who answer the call to make a difference in the world.” For more information on Suzy Toronto, visit www.suzytoronto.com.
The Chapter of Wonderful Wacky Women (WWW) recently became aware of Jensen Byrd, a 4-year-old boy from Gulf Shores, Ala., who was originally diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma with liver and bone marrow metastasis, or mets, in 2007 at the age of 2 1/2. He has been through seven rounds of chemotherapy in addition to tumor removal, stem cell transplant, 12 radiation treatments and oral Accutane. In May, Jensen was told it was back with liver and adrenal bed mets. Jensen is currently going through chemotherapy in Birmingham, Ala., but will have to return to New York for more treatment. Cancer is devastating enough, especially when it happens to a child.
The WWW are also helping the Jensen Byrd Benefit Fund by holding a silent auction the day of the event. There will also be a 50/50 drawing benefiting the fund. The WWW are confident the event will be a win-win by helping a local boy and his family, as well as raising money for the American Cancer Society.
The public is invited to come out, pull together and support the community. If you are interested in helping the Redneck Riviera’s Chapter of Wonderful Wacky Women make a difference in the fight against cancer or to help support the Jensen Byrd Benefit Fund, call Jimmie Sue at (850) 525-1975. Auction items are much appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible.
WANT TO GO?
• What: One-mile fun walk, four-mile walk or run.
• When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
• Where: FloraBama, 17395 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key.
• Details: Pre-register only by calling (850) 525-1975.
