As this year's annual Houston Texans Pink Ribbon Day presented by Kroger approaches, I find myself in awe of the resilience and strength of the many women who have and continue to fight the battle against breast cancer. One survivor is especially dear to my heart - my grandmother. She is my daily inspiration and reminder of how to face any adversity with optimism, courage, and fearlessness.
My grandmother, Sylvia, has always been a big part of my life and one of my biggest supporters. From childhood, she would take care of me while my parents had to work. Wherever and whenever I was performing, from dance recitals to college football games, I could count on my grandparents being front row cheering me on. As my time in college was coming to an end, I expressed my aspirations of becoming an NFL cheerleader, and I could not have imagined her not being there to support me in my next possible chapter.
However, in November of 2019, after an annual mammogram, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the following months, she had to have surgery and undergo intense radiation treatments. While this was a scary time filled with uncertainty, she was filled with hope and selflessly continued to put her family's needs over her own. After a hard fought battle, fortunately, my grandmother is now a breast cancer survivor and has been in remission for over a year and a half!
Because of early detection, as a local Houstonian, my grandmother is now able to be a season ticket holder and together we can experience my rookie season as a Houston Texans Cheerleader. I am so thankful to be a part of the Houston Texans as the organization honors individuals who have been affected by breast cancer. Even outside of the game, the Texans are committed to bringing awareness, education, and providing breast cancer screenings to the community. This impact by the Houston Texans in partnership with the NFL and the American Cancer Society will be lifesaving to so many other grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
I am so excited to see NRG stadium filled with pink at this Sunday's game. To my grandmother and all breast cancer warriors - On October 10th, with the HTC pink uniform on and pink poms in hand, I will be dancing in honor of you.
HTC Jovonne
The McNair family, TORO and Texans Cheerleaders delivered letters of encouragement and welcome kits to the Hope Lodge on Founder's Day. Hope Lodge Houston, will provide free lodging and support for those traveling to the Houston area for cancer treatment, is the largest facility of its kind in the U.S. The 64-suite facility will be open year-round and include a shared kitchen, dining spaces, a pantry, daily linen service and patient laundry facilities, as well as a library and computer access. Support groups and social activities will also be available for residents.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
An image from the Oct. 6, 2021 Houston Texans Founder's Day at Hope Lodge in Houston, TX.
