Brunch for Champions: Sisters for Sisters of Southeast Texas Celebrates Breast Cancer Survivors
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on a recent episode of Knowledge Is Power Podcast Live, Tony Renfro sat down with two women who spend the whole year making sure no one in Southeast Texas faces breast cancer alone.
Barbara Daniels and Alexis Markin of Sisters for Sisters of Southeast Texas joined the show to talk about their organization, the woman who started it, and Brunch for Champions, their celebration of breast cancer survivors coming up on Saturday, October 17.
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
A mission that started with one woman's journey
Sisters for Sisters was founded by the late Kathy Hunter Lee. When Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found that the information she needed simply was not easy to get. That frustration turned into a mission.
The group began its work in 2014. Kathy wanted to serve more people close to home, so the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today it serves women across Southeast Texas, from Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange out to Silsbee and beyond.
Barbara shared that she and Kathy were family, and that the group still talks to her before every event. "Kathy, we think you'll be pleased," she said. This year's brunch will include a special moment in Kathy's honor.
Tony, who knew Kathy personally, closed the episode with a tribute: Kathy may no longer be physically with us, but her name, her vision and her commitment to women facing breast cancer are still making an impact throughout Southeast Texas.
More than a brunch
Why "champions"? As Barbara put it, champions are winners. They are survivors, and beyond surviving, they are thriving. At last year's brunch the group celebrated 75 survivors with gifts, recognition and a lot of love. This year they are honoring survivors again, along with women who are currently in treatment. Some of those women already have their tickets.
The event also raises money for the organization's BCAP assistance program. Through BCAP, Sisters for Sisters helps people in active treatment with real costs: rides and money to get to the doctor, co-pays, food and other essentials. People apply, and a committee reviews each request. The group also pays for mammograms when needed, and its volunteers walk door to door in housing complexes to share breast health information and resources.
Knowledge is power, for women and men
Alexis's message to anyone who has just been diagnosed was simple: you are not alone. Sisters for Sisters can help with rides, information and support, and she encouraged people to stay prayerful and build a strong support team.
Barbara added a point she did not want anyone to miss: men get breast cancer too. Both her uncle and her brother went through it. Early detection matters for everyone, so pay attention to changes in your body and talk to a doctor.
What to expect on October 17
The lineup mixes gospel, strings, poetry and local talent:
Mama Sue Roseberry, gospel vocalist and Top 5 finalist on BET's Sunday Best
Kiana Smith, violinist
Derek Hughes, poet
Corey Rice, mime ministry
Dancers from the fine arts and dance program at Beaumont United
Survivors will get a surprise as soon as they show their ticket, and there will be a gift presentation later in the program.
Event details
What: Brunch for Champions, celebrating breast cancer survivors
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon
Where: Cathedral of Faith Family Life Center, 3755 Fannett Road, Beaumont, Texas
Tickets: $40 donation per person
Tickets and sponsorships: call 409-658-2691 or 409-553-5658. Business sponsorship packages are available.
Supporting Sisters for Sisters year-round
You do not have to wait for the brunch to help. Membership is $30 a year. Members meet monthly, mostly on Zoom, and hear guest speakers on topics from health to personal finance. Donations are welcome any time by mail at P.O. Box 20795, Beaumont, TX 77720.
KIP TV is proud to share stories like this one. Local organizations doing this kind of work are exactly why the network exists.
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