HHS's "Gleam Team" Steps Out to Support Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
December 10th, 2010
On the morning of November 7, 2010, a group of HHS employees based in Austin, Texas, teamed up to form The Gleam Team and walk in the 2010 Austin Race for the Cure. The Gleam Team members included Jenna Lewis, Amanda Thomas, Scott Thornton, Ben and Corina Sims; and Sam Lewis, his step-son, Austin Pollack, and mother, Mary Ellen Lewis.
The team's goal was to raise $1,250 (the cost for providing mammograms to 10 Austin-area women). Prior to the race, $685 was generously donated by HHS executives, employees, friends and family members. That amount was later matched by HHS, bringing the grand total raised to more than $1,350.
"We are proud to support The Gleam Team, and honored to have the opportunity to match their fundraising efforts," said HHS CEO Ryan Williams. "As a company, we value community involvement very highly, and we are thrilled to be able to support our staff in getting involved and giving back."
HHS Corporate Receptionist Amanda Thomas stepped up to the plate, taking on the role of captain of The Gleam Team.
"Acting as captain of The Gleam Team was very exciting, and I am so glad I was able to do it," Thomas says. "It was a great feeling walking with the team, knowing that we were helping to make a difference."
Thomas was supported in large part by HHS Business Development Associate Jenna Lewis, who volunteered with the Austin-based Komen affiliate this fall as the Marketing & Communication intern, making her a huge asset to the HHS team.
After Lewis learned that her sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of 2010, she became motivated to get actively involved in helping Texas women fight this devastating disease. Lewis participated in the Houston Race for the Cure in October and her team, "Ma'ammary Clan," came in 80th among the top 100 fundraising groups.
"Breast cancer affects everyone, which is why it's so important for everyone to get involved," says Jenna Lewis. "I am so proud of my sister-in-law for her bravery and perseverance, and I am thrilled to announce she is no longer a victim, but a survivor-her final radiation treatment was in December, and she is now in remission!"
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since its inception in 1982. As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Komen encourages people to work together to save lives, empower others, ensure quality care for all, and help find a cure.
If you or someone you know has been touched by breast cancer, and you would like to offer your support through a donation, please take the time to visit the Susan G. Komen Austin webpage at http://www.komenaustin.org/make-a-donation/. If you would like to find your local affiliate's website to contribute in your area, go to http://ww5.komen.org/findarace.aspx.
