Tough Kookie unveils 2025 artwork to bring awareness to breast and childhood cancer

TEXARKANA, Texas–Tough Kookie Foundation brought creativity and color to the downtown community, once again kicking off another year of its artwork Wednesday at Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council.

Community members, survivors, and family members who have lost a loved one to cancer gathered together for the sixth year to view the artwork, join in prayers, and release balloons to honor and remember those affected.

“This means so much to us to do this not only for our childhood cancer but breast cancer as well,” Founder of Tough Kookie Katina Levingston said. “We really want to educate our community about the importance of September because it is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

Tough Kookie usually hosts its unveiling in October, but kicked off its annual event early this year to help bring awareness to childhood cancer.

Among those attending was a mother who lost her daughter to brain cancer and felt the event was a great way to spotlight a topic that is difficult for most to speak about.

“Childhood cancer is way underfunded,” Cobb said. “My daughter passed away from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), and all cancers need attention so they can find cures and people can live.”

Another attendee, LaKeecha Flint, who is currently battling cancer, came out to see the artwork painted by Texarkana community members

“When I first heard the news, I thought not me,” Flint said. “So, this event is nice because it makes you want to support other people who are going through this because not everyone has a support system, and I want to be a positive vibe for anyone who needs it.”

The artwork displayed was painted by the Texarkana community. Throughout the summer, Tough Kookie hosted paint parties for community members to gather and paint panels.

The artwork will remain until Nov. 1.