This article was originally published in The Mabel Bassett Balance out of Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. It won first place for Best Sports and Recreation Reporting in the 2026 American Penal Press Contest.
The weather was ideal for the Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness 5K Run hosted by The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) and Mabel Bassett Correctional Center’s Prison Health Initiative (PHI) program. Excitement was tangible on this Oct. 12, 2025, event held in honor of Sarkeys Scholarship Founder, former Oklahoma First Lady Kim Henry.
Henry, currently battling cancer herself, expressed appreciation for being remembered by the hundreds of residents in attendance. She highlighted the importance of “empowering ourselves to take our health in our own hands while raising awareness of breast cancer and domestic violence.” In addition to other issues, Henry advocates for and takes measures to improve the quality and availability of medical resources for Oklahoma’s incarcerated population.
“We realize what a privilege it is to run for a woman who has dedicated her life to bring awareness of us to others,” said PHI leader Cassandra Bray.
Before “Back in Black,’’ the popular 1980 hit by AC/DC, blared from speakers, TEEM Executive Director Kris Steele made opening announcements and welcomed participants and guests. TEEM and Sarkeys offer college scholarships and continued support of incarcerated students. “The idea to host the 5K in honor of Kim to demonstrate unity and support came directly from the women who reside at Mabel Bassett, which makes the endeavor all the more special,” said Steele.
Mental Health Administrative Assistant Kaytie Mouse, adorned in a bright pink tutu, and Physician Assistant Corey Green unfurled a run-through banner, created by MBCC Prison Fellowship members and mentors. With determination in the air, MBCC resident Ashley Abbott led the charge as the track transformed into a flood of orange, pink, green and purple. The colors, representing different MBCC programs, moved together like currents in a river.
Residents, staff and guests ran, jogged, walked and rolled. Colorful motivational messages were chalked on the asphalt, water dispensers were plentiful, and seating was available along the track for rest as needed. Shayla Hunter, her sign raised skyward, shouted words of encouragement and support to all passersby. Captains Robert Reed and Juan Sanchez each took a turn making a lap in Mouse’s durable, one-size-fits-all tutu.
Strategies and preparation for completing the potentially daunting 3.1 miles varied. Some residents, such as Susan Jones and Alexsis Carver-Rodriguez, walked the 12 laps slowly and steadily. Inmate Council member Danielle Dyer prepared hard in the weeks leading up to the event, training for the race every morning, six days a week. “Run, walk, run, walk, with Jesus,” Dyer said. “I ran last weekend to make sure I could still do it,” said Michelle Berry, who participated in last year’s Domestic Violence 5K.
“A strutting brisk walk” was the tactic of former MBCC resident and TEEM volunteer LaShonda Bishop, M.S, back to show support. “I am amazed at how many came out to support this initiative,” she said.
Henry and her husband, former Governor Brad Henry, watched the run from the sidelines. “This is an incredible honor for Kim, who is currently battling breast cancer, and urges us to make this a reminder to have yearly mammograms and breast exams in order to detect breast cancer early,” Governor Henry said.
Steele noted that Henry recently received a standing ovation from the 200 attendees at the Sarkeys Leadership Conference after sharing how touched she was by this event. “My hope is women who reside at Mabel Bassett know just how important and impactful they are to our state,” Steele said.
Everyone at the 5K moved in solidarity for a worthy cause. MBCC resident Tyalea Britt expressed her hope that this event would “set in motion those who lost their voice along the way.”
