Kourage Health To Host Women’s Health Luncheon

May 17, 2023

On Wednesday, June 14, area woman are invited to “Put Your Best Foot Forward” at Kourage Health’s second annual women’s health luncheon.  The inspiring and informative event will take place at the Potpourri House restaurant, 3320 Troup Hwy., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Guests are asked to wear their favorite pair of shoes – whether those are hand-tooled boots, stylish sneakers, or sky-high heels.

“Marilyn Monroe famously said, ‘Give a woman the right pair of shoes, and she can change the world,’” noted Jennifer Selman, Kourage Health executive director.  “In that spirit, Kourage Health is encouraging women to foster positive change in their life through the power of medical exercise.  We’re here to help everyone – especially individuals with serious health conditions – move forward in confidence.”

Created in 2001, the nonprofit organization united its former names (Cancer Foundation For Life and FitSteps for Life) under the Kourage Health identity this year.  The “K” in Kourage honors the organization’s founder – the late Gary T. Kimmel, MD – while the name reflects the connection of kinetics (bodily movement) with emotional courage.  

Event chairs for the “Put Your Best Foot Forward” luncheon are Janie Clapp, Katherine Crow, and Carrie Caton Smith.  Health messages especially tailored to women will be provided by Dr. Barbara Haas, Dr. Sasha Vukelja and Johnna Fullen.  In addition to the program, attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch, summer fashions, giveaways, and shopping.  

Individual tickets for “Put Your Best Foot Forward” are $25 and may be purchased online at www.kouragehealth.org/bestfootforward.  In addition, event sponsorships are available; call  903-561-0149 for information.

Since its inception in 2001, Kourage Health has provided personalized medical exercise – at no cost – to thousands of individuals with serious health conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and heart disease.  There are 18 Kourage Health medical exercise centers located in East Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and other Texas sites, plus online Zoom classes and resources.  

“Our participants gain physical strength, endurance and flexibility, while reducing fatigue and pain,” explained Selman.  “Of equal importance, patients experience decreased depression and isolation as emotional health improves in a community of people who care – from the Kourage Health exercise specialists to their fellow participants.  This social connection is invaluable to people dealing with serious health conditions.”

Kourage Health networks with medical professionals, who provide “exercise prescription” referrals for their patients.  The nonprofit organization receives no reimbursement from private insurance, Medicare and other health coverage entities; instead, it is powered by philanthropy as individuals and organizations support its growing mission and outreach.