SDM – Sylvia, you’ve done this festival now for 25 years! Let me first congratulate you on this huge accomplishment! Did you think twenty-five years ago this festival would be as big as it is today?
Sylvia – I always saw the festival’s potential for growth, but over the past 25 years, it has become something even greater than I imagined. There is a special energy, a genuine spirit of unity and joy that fills the atmosphere each year. It has become a multicultural gathering rooted in pure sisterhood, bringing together everyone from professional runners to people participating in their very first 5K. We also have families walking in honor or memory of loved ones affected by breast cancer. I could envision the festival growing, but I never could have imagined the beautiful sense of harmony and connection that has developed. That is something you simply cannot manufacture it comes from the soul.
SDM -Looking back twenty-five years ago, what was your initial motivation to start the Sister to Sister Fitness Festival?
Sylvia -Twenty-five years ago, Giselle Fisher and I were working together and participating in health fairs throughout the community. We noticed that many of the conversations focused on diabetes and heart disease, which are extremely important, but breast cancer was not receiving the same level of attention. One day, we sat down and discussed creating an event that would address breast cancer while also promoting overall health and wellness. We wanted women to understand that caring for their health involves the whole person: physically, mentally, and emotionally. We also wanted to get the entire family out. That conversation became the foundation for the Sister to Sister Fitness Festival.
SDM – Of all the festivals you have done over the years, is there one festival that stands out?
Sylvia -Every festival has been special to me in its own way, and celebrating our 25th year is especially exciting. However, one unforgettable moment was having actress and comedian Kym Whitley join us. The 2020 festival also stands out because it challenged us to create a virtual experience, which opened the door for people in different cities and states to participate. It was incredible to see people walking in their own communities while still feeling connected to our mission. The virtual option was so successful that we have continued offering it as part of the festival. We even have a woman who travels from New Orleans every year to walk with us, and we welcome participants from across the country. Seeing the festival reach beyond our local community has been truly rewarding.
SDM – Tell us about the festival this year. I’m hearing you have a very special guest coming.
Sylvia -Yes! We are honored to welcome the iconic actress, author, and pioneering sportscaster Jayne Kennedy as our special guest. We will also have more than 50 vendors and several activities created especially for breast cancer survivors, including a Survivors’ Zoom and Survivors’ Corner. The festival will offer something meaningful and exciting for everyone, whether they are survivors, caregivers, family members, or community supporters. And I have to say—I think this year’s commemorative T-shirt is the best one we have ever had!
SDM– For those who have never been to the festival before, do they have to register or pay or can they just come out and enjoy the fun and fitness! Also, where is the festival located and what are the hours of the event? The festival is always the first Saturday in October, right?
Sylvia -Over the years, we held the festival on different dates, but we eventually decided to establish a consistent date so people could mark their calendars well in advance. The Sister to Sister Fitness Festival is now held on the first Saturday in October each year.
We strongly encourage everyone to register in advance so we can plan accordingly and make sure we have enough commemorative T-shirts and goodie bags. On-site registration will still be available, but we cannot guarantee that on-site registrants will receive a T-shirt. In addition, the first 400 participants to cross the finish line will receive a special commemorative medal. You can register on our website at www.celebratinglife.org. The registration is $45. However early on we always offer various specials, so it is beneficial to register early. We have a group from Houston that always registers about 20 people before the end of the year.
SDM– Are sponsorships or business booths available for those who would like to support this wonderful event? If so, how can they inquire?
Sylvia– Yes, we always welcome sponsors and vendors who want to support the Sister to Sister Fitness Festival. Sponsorships provide businesses and organizations with a meaningful opportunity to invest in breast cancer awareness, survivor support, and community wellness. Vendor booths are also available as long as space remains. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or reserving a vendor booth may contact us at clf@celebratinglife.org for additional information.
SDM– Sylvia, I can’t wait for this year’s event! Let me give you your flowers now for this remarkable festival that many look forward to every year! You are our local Superwoman! Is there anything you would like to share with our readers in closing?
Sylvia-Thank you so much for those kind words and for giving me my flowers. The Sister to Sister Fitness Festival is an exciting and joyful event, but it is also a fundraiser with a very important purpose. The funds raised help us provide critical assistance to breast cancer survivors who are actively undergoing treatment.
Last year, 150 survivors reached out to us for support. This year, we have already received requests from 375 survivors who need help with necessities such as gas to get to treatment, groceries to feed their families, utilities, and rental assistance. When people register, sponsor, donate, or participate as vendors, they are doing more than supporting a festival; they are helping breast cancer survivors and their families remain financially stable during one of the most difficult times of their lives. We truly cannot continue this work without the support of our community. Over 75% of our clients are single mothers so the support is making sure their families are supported.
