Exxpress Mart/Tricon gives $45,000 to Gift of Life, launches 13th Annual Reindeer Campaign

Exxpress Mart presented a $45,000 check to the Julie Rogers "Gift of Life" Program Tuesday morning, marking the kickoff of the 13th Annual Reindeer Campaign and celebrating the success of last year's fundraising efforts.

The check presentation took place during a manager’s breakfast at the Gift of Life office on Dowlen Road in Beaumont, where cancer survivors shared how the partnership's support saved their lives. Breast cancer survivor Tricia Ducote and prostate cancer survivor Michael Comeaux described the lifesaving care they received through the Gift of Life's free medical services for uninsured Southeast Texans.

“It all starts with you guys, because if you don’t do what you do, there’s no funds,” said Ducote to the donors. “Ladies like us that don’t have the money to go and run out for mammograms or ultrasounds, we tend to get in the background and put it behind us,” she said.

The funds raised in 2024 supported Gift of Life's cancer prevention programs and free medical services for women and men, including cancer screenings for individuals who cannot afford insurance. The organization relies on community partnerships and donations to maintain its services.

The 2025 Reindeer Campaign is now underway at participating Exxpress Mart locations throughout the holiday season. The campaign continues with support from Tri-Con owners, Exxpress Mart corporate management, store managers, and employees.

The National Cancer Institute monitors cancer cases by county. The latest five-year average study ended in 2023. Jefferson County had the highest average of our area with 1,243 average annual count. That puts it at 21st in the state. Here is the count for counties in our area:

• Chambers County 224
• Hardin County 322
• Jasper County 244
• Jefferson County 1,243
• Newton County 88
• Orange County 479
• Sabine County 89

For more information, contact Gift of Life at 409-833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.