Houston, TX (Top40 Charts/ Lester Smith Pink Well Challenge) Disco superstar
Gloria Gaynor joined well-known
Texas philanthropists Lester and Sue Smith and over 200 breast cancer survivors and supporters in a colorful, surprise dance tribute set to Gaynor's live performance of "
I Will Survive" at the
Houston Galleria mall Saturday, June 4. The event had a single goal --to celebrate the survivor in all of us and raise awareness about breast cancer, a disease that strikes one in eight women nationally. The glitzy, upbeat video was released Sunday in conjunction with
National Cancer Survivors Day and is rapidly gaining viewers on YouTube.
The Smiths are two-time National Latin Dance Champions and Lester Smith, a two-time cancer survivor, often refers to "I Will Survive" as his personal theme song. "As a two-time cancer survivor, I wanted to celebrate the strength and courage of cancer survivors in a fun, unique and colorful way," said Smith. "My hope is that this tribute will create awareness about a disease that strikes so many women and families and invite participation in the Pink Well Challenge, so that more breast cancer organizations can get the support and funding they need." Click here to learn more about Lester Smith.
Many participants said it was especially meaningful to have Gaynor personally deliver her inspirational survivor song. "I am honored to be part of a tribute that celebrates cancer survivors everywhere," said music icon Gaynor. "My hope is that the message of 'I Will Survive', performed with these wonderful breast cancer survivors and supporters, brings strength to anyone touched by this difficult disease."
The event also launched the Smith's Pink Well Challenge, a national campaign symbolized by an active pink pump jack located in the heart of West Texas. Through Pink Well Challenge, The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation will give away up to $1 million in matching funds to eligible breast cancer organizations. Applications are being taken at www.pinkwell.org until July 1, 2011.
When it comes to fighting cancer, the Smiths are known for putting their money where their hearts are. The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation has donated in excess of $50 million to support cancer research and treatment at many organizations. Lester is the author of the book "You Gotta Dance Like No One's Watching," which features life lessons on "living, giving and never missing a beat." All proceeds support breast cancer and genomic research worldwide with The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation matching all funds raised from book sales.
