By Melisa Munoz
FLOWOOD – On Saturday, May 6, almost three dozen walkers and runners came out to the Flowood Nature Center to support Birthright of Jackson’s inaugural Mom’s Day 5K and 1-mile Stroller Stroll. Participants honored their moms, both living and deceased, and walked or ran in support of all women who may be struggling with unplanned pregnancies.
In the 5K Run, Sammy Lemonis was the male overall winner and Amber McKenzie was the overall female winner. In the 5K Walk, Larry Sykes was the overall male winner and Julia Gaines was the overall female winner.  All four overall winners were from Brandon.
The funds raised in the 5K are a true blessing to Birthright, which relies solely on donations and is staffed only by volunteers. The money goes directly to provide services and help Birthright achieve its mission to offer free, confidential and non-judgmental love, friendship and support to women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.  Birthright believes that “It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of every child to be born.” Its focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and ensuring her that she is not alone.
 Save the date for next year’s Mom’s Day 5K, scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 12, 2018.