The "Gift of Life" marked a momentous occasion on Thursday, August 18, 2005, when Vidor resident Arlene Conn received the program's 10,000th free mammogram. It's not every day that a woman receives balloons, flowers, and gift certificates totaling more than $2,000 after her annual mammogram, and Conn got the surprise of her life when she did.

Chair Regina Rogers, Board President Nell McCallum Morris, along with "Gift of Life" officers, staff members, and media greeted Conn with an incredible prize package including a four-night, three-day cruise to Cozumel provided, in part, by Carnival Cruise Lines and Cameo-Sabine Travel; a new outfit complete with shoes, bag, and jewelry from Foley's; pampering from Jeneal International, composed of a facial, relaxing body massage, and professional makeup application; hair services, a manicure, and pedicure at Alden House; a $250 gift certificate from Dillard's; lunch for four at Bando's; and a dinner for two at Poblano Grill. Conn said, "Winning the prize package was just a blessing. You only dream about getting something like this."

Rogers funded the first 500 mammograms in 1994 in honor of her mother, Julie, a breast cancer survivor. "This is such an important achievement for our program and is made possible by the loyal and steadfast commitment of many caring individuals, corporations, and foundations who continue to help those who are medically underserved by serving as donors each year," she said.

"I try to have a mammogram every year," said Conn. "I think that it is very nice, what the 'Gift of Life' does. Women need to take advantage of it. The 'Gift of Life' is a precious thing."