Gayela Bynum & John Saylor
Copa Style Magazine 2024 "Couple of the Year"
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Copa: Gayela, Where are you from:
Gayela: I was born in Sulphur, Oklahoma and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. My Freshman and Sophomore years in college were at the University of Oklahoma, I graduated from the University of Arkansas. Copa: John, where are you from?
John: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and finished my junior and senior year of high school in Scottsdale, Arizona. Copa: John, at what time did you join the US Marine Corps and why?
John: After graduating from high school in 1964 and starting at Arizona State University I quickly dropped out and joined the Marines. My uncles were highly decorated Marine Corps officers in the Korean War and from the time I understood what a Marine was I always wanted to be one. With the Vietnam War just in the very early stages I was anxious to join and serve and make my family and in particular, my uncles, proud. 
Photography by Kaptured by Kasper
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Oklahoma State Flag
California State Flag
"We Will Survive Cancer" Logo
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John during his time in the Marine Corps.
Copa: Gayela, at what time did you establish "We Will Survive Cancer?"
Gayela: "We Will Survive Cancer" was organized in 2009 by a group of friends who were inspired by my daughter-in-law Michelle Tull Bynum, who was battling cancer at the time. Michelle’s never give up, never give in warrior spirit throughout her fight was amazing and inspiring.
Gayela: "We Will Survive Cancer" was organized in 2009 by a group of friends who were inspired by my daughter-in-law Michelle Tull Bynum, who was battling cancer at the time. Michelle’s never give up, never give in warrior spirit throughout her fight was amazing and inspiring.
Copa: Gayela, how important are events to propel the mission of you charity "We Will Survive Cancer" and how far have you come from the beginning?
Gayela: We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) is celebrating its 15th year in August. Fundraising events raise money to allow WWSC to support the cancer patients and the families we serve. In July, WWSC is celebrating a young woman with eye cancer. Her name is Debbie, she is a Chef in Clinton MD. Debbie embodies Michelle’s, “never give up,” spirit and will receive the “Don’t Waste My Cancer,” award. The phrase “Don’t Waste My Cancer,” was coined by Michelle, in 2009 when she was recognized Honorary Co-Chair of the Koman (Austin) Race for the Cure. In the five and a half years she lived, Michelle raised over $125,000 for the Koman Cancer organization in Austin.
Gayela: We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) is celebrating its 15th year in August. Fundraising events raise money to allow WWSC to support the cancer patients and the families we serve. In July, WWSC is celebrating a young woman with eye cancer. Her name is Debbie, she is a Chef in Clinton MD. Debbie embodies Michelle’s, “never give up,” spirit and will receive the “Don’t Waste My Cancer,” award. The phrase “Don’t Waste My Cancer,” was coined by Michelle, in 2009 when she was recognized Honorary Co-Chair of the Koman (Austin) Race for the Cure. In the five and a half years she lived, Michelle raised over $125,000 for the Koman Cancer organization in Austin.
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Copa: Gayela, where did you meet John and why does he looks almost identical to Paul Newman?
Gayela: John and I were introduced in the 1990’s by mutual friends. I was married at the time, John was involved in other relationships, but when we were at parties, at dinners, we always seemed to end up engaged in deep conversations. As years and relationships passed, the rest became history. Rodney, not only is John gorgeous and looks like Paul Newman, but he is kind, debonaire and the ultimate gentleman. He is everything in one package – I couldn’t be happier! |
Copa: John and Gayela, how do you both feel about being chosen to be Copa Style Magazine's 2024 "Couple of the Year?"
John: Very honored and surprised, Rodney! Everywhere that Gayela and I have gone and all the events we have attended over the years we have always heard people say to us that we were just a beautiful looking couple. Not bad for a couple of old people! Lol! Gayela is the best and I’m just very proud and lucky to be on her arm!
Gayela: Being chosen as Copa Style Magazine’s 2024 “Couple of the Year,” is an honor and a very big surprise. Rodney, you have always been cheerleader for me, allowing me to talk about We Will Survive Cancer which has furthered WWSC’s visibility and growth. I appreciate the good work you do for others in the community. It really means so much.
John: Very honored and surprised, Rodney! Everywhere that Gayela and I have gone and all the events we have attended over the years we have always heard people say to us that we were just a beautiful looking couple. Not bad for a couple of old people! Lol! Gayela is the best and I’m just very proud and lucky to be on her arm!
Gayela: Being chosen as Copa Style Magazine’s 2024 “Couple of the Year,” is an honor and a very big surprise. Rodney, you have always been cheerleader for me, allowing me to talk about We Will Survive Cancer which has furthered WWSC’s visibility and growth. I appreciate the good work you do for others in the community. It really means so much.
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Photography by Ken Rochon
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John & Gayela delivering groceries on Mother's Day for WWSC.
Copa: Gayela & John, how do you both continue to appear at all of the WWSC events looking so FABULOUS? (Is there a special secret you would like to share with everyone?)
Gayela: I grew up with a mother who insisted I get fully dressed every morning – it was a way of life that has lasted all my life. My mother was very fashion conscious and encouraged me along that path.
As you so astutely notice, John is the epitome of class and sophistication. He is immaculately dressed even in sweats – you have to admit that is a talent. In a tuxedo, John makes 007 look shabby! (lol)
John: For me, I always take care in how I dress, how I present myself to others, no matter the place or situation, something the Marines taught me when I was a young Embassy Marine. It changed my entire outlook on how I approach life and the people I encounter day to day from all over the world. This is something that I have never deviated from and maintain the same attitude and perspective to this day. It’s simple, as the saying goes, first impressions are lasting impressions. Being with Gayela adds another dimension because she is just so gorgeous, so sophisticated and downright inspiring. My goal is to compliment her the best I can as she is in a class all by herself!
Gayela: I grew up with a mother who insisted I get fully dressed every morning – it was a way of life that has lasted all my life. My mother was very fashion conscious and encouraged me along that path.
As you so astutely notice, John is the epitome of class and sophistication. He is immaculately dressed even in sweats – you have to admit that is a talent. In a tuxedo, John makes 007 look shabby! (lol)
John: For me, I always take care in how I dress, how I present myself to others, no matter the place or situation, something the Marines taught me when I was a young Embassy Marine. It changed my entire outlook on how I approach life and the people I encounter day to day from all over the world. This is something that I have never deviated from and maintain the same attitude and perspective to this day. It’s simple, as the saying goes, first impressions are lasting impressions. Being with Gayela adds another dimension because she is just so gorgeous, so sophisticated and downright inspiring. My goal is to compliment her the best I can as she is in a class all by herself!
John reaching the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Copa: What does the future hold for wonderful events with "We Will Survive Cancer?"
Gayela: "We Will Survive Cancer" is my 'passion' – and will be as long as I can carry it forward. It is not about me, it is not about anyone, it is about the cancer patients who are so in need that we serve. My everyday wish is to have the “where with all” to continue the good work we do. Every year is a challenge, but the smiles we see on the faces of the patients we serve is worth every challenge we face.
Gayela: "We Will Survive Cancer" is my 'passion' – and will be as long as I can carry it forward. It is not about me, it is not about anyone, it is about the cancer patients who are so in need that we serve. My everyday wish is to have the “where with all” to continue the good work we do. Every year is a challenge, but the smiles we see on the faces of the patients we serve is worth every challenge we face.
