On your mark, get ready, get set, Rejoice!
Registration and check-in for the 2024 Rejoice Run and Mom’s Mile event starts at 6:15 a.m. at the historic Fire Station facility on Woolfork Avenue. The One-Mile Fun Run/Walk will start at 8 a.m.. The 5K Run will start at 8:30 a.m., and the awards presentation will immediately follow the 5K.
The 2024 Rejoice Run and Mom’s Mile event’s speaker will be cancer survivor cancer survivor Kristi Albritton. The official Rejoice Run 5K and Mom’s Mile race starter will be cancer survivor Desiree Harrell.
Kristi’s and Desiree’s story follows at the end of the article.
The purpose of the event, as in each of the previous runnings of its predecessors is to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer here in Seminole County. Steffey’s mom, the late Anne Coirini, is the namesake for Mom’s Mile. Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2004 after a routine mammogram.
“This annual fundraiser directly benefits our community by providing FREE Mammograms at Donalsonville Hospital every October,” added Vines.
A sincere thank you goes out to the following their support: Corporate sponsors: Tahoma Plantation, First Port City Bank, SunSouth, The Osceola Event Company, Piggly Wiggly Food for Less, Thomas Truck Lines, American Peanut Growers Group, LMC, Mr. Pips, Clover Leaf Gin and Warehouse, and Donalsonville Hospital.
Sponsors include Ace Hardware, Bishop’s Jewelers, Broome Interiors, Davis Jewelers, Doc and Jeanie, Donalsonville Woman’s Club, Friendship Methodist Women, Georgia Community Bank, Holman Land Surveyor, Jo’s Family Restaurant, Mims Farms, NAPA Auto Parts, Riverside Veterinary Clinic, Roberts Pharmacy, Rushing Oil, Seminole Fitness, Signs & Stuff, Stone’s, The Flower Basket, Seminole Auto Parts and Worsham Forest Management.
Supporters include Mr. Ed’s Package Store, Dr. Michael Hampton DDS, Amanda Palmer and State Farm, and Seminole Hartzog Pharmacy.
Kristi and Desiree’s story . . .
Kristi Albritton is a one-and-a-half-year cancer survivor. In April 2023, Kristi’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and treatment within a month of diagnosis. Instead of allowing fear to dictate her journey, Kristi has become an advocate for awareness, sharing her story to inspire others facing similar struggles.
Kristi is married to Wilton and they reside in Donalsonville, Georgia. They have two children, Christian and Lydia. She is the daughter of Linda and the late Phil Hodges. She enjoys teaching third grade at Seminole County Elementary School. She is also very active with the children and many other activities in her church, Donalsonville Church of God.
Kristi considers herself very blessed through this entire process to have the love and support from her colleagues, church, community and family. She wants to remind everyone to get regular health checks and listen to your body!
Desiree Harrell was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer at age 46 in October 2016. In 2017, she had a bilateral mastectomy. She was prescribed letrozole and did not undergo chemo or radiation. In April 2019, she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer with metastasis to the liver. At that time Desiree was prescribed Ibrance, a pill taken for 21 days followed by a seven day break, and Faslodex, an infusion shot taken every 28 days.
It has been eight years since her early stage diagnosis and almost five and a half years since her stage IV diagnosis.
Desiree commented, “I’m still on my first line of treatment. My tumors are stable. I have been able to see my oldest graduate from college and start her career and to see my youngest graduate from high school and join the Army. I enjoy traveling with friends, attending college football and softball games, going to the beach and the mountains, reading and spending time with our dog. My husband and I are learning how to be empty nesters.”
