DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — The Southeast Health Foundation will host the 16th annual Champions of Hope on Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Plant in downtown Dothan, honoring the lives of four community members lost to cancer this year while raising funds to strengthen local patient care.
This year’s event will also honor the memory of four local champions — Molly White, Bill Adams, Bob Theune and Emily Roberts — who were remembered in a tribute as individuals whose lives and dedication continue to inspire the community.
Proceeds from the 2025 Champions of Hope will go toward purchasing a blood irradiator machine for Southeast Health Medical Center’s Laboratory Services. The equipment will provide critical protection for cancer patients and premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, who often require irradiated blood to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GvHD).
Until now, patients in need of irradiated blood products have had to leave Dothan for treatment.
“Thanks to Champions of Hope, those patients will no longer have to travel out of town to receive irradiated blood,” event organizer Amanda Byran told WDNews.
The event will feature a chip-timed 5K and 10K through downtown, as well as Molly’s Mile, a non-competitive walk. Participants will receive commemorative T-shirts and finisher medals, with additional activities planned for families, including local vendors, entertainment and motivational speakers.
Since its inception in 2008, Champions of Hope has raised more than $1 million to expand cancer services, patient programs and community support across the Wiregrass.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Southeast Health Foundation at 334-673-4150 or [email protected].
