RICHMOND, Va. -- Behind the scenes, as a production assistant at WTVR, is where Yvonne Libron feels most comfortable.
But several times a week her alter ego steps right into the spotlight, where she makes a big splash in an unlikely place.
The corner of Leigh Street and Belvedere just might be the merriest place in Richmond. Several times a week, during lunch hour, Yvonne nourishes the soul, armed with nothing but painted signs, song and smiles.
“Whoo! Whoo! Alright now,” says Yvonne. “Honk Twice for Love and Peace. This one gets people really going.”
Yvonne Libron
She’s not asking for money. Yvonne calls it Street Love in RVA.
“Whoo! Look at these smiles,” Yvonne says with enthusiasm.
At different intersections across the city, Yvonne encourages drivers to join her campaign of spreading good cheer.
Strangers are responding in a loud way. Horns honk constantly for the ninety minutes Yvonne stands on the corner. Simmering temperatures and blazing sun does not deter Yvonne.
For Yvonne her days haven’t always been this cheery. In November of 2013 doctors delivered news that would change her life.
“It was either fear or faith and I chose faith,” says Yvonne.
Yvonne Libron
Three years ago at the age of 30, Yvonne was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Not long after, the disease would take the life of Yvonne’s beloved dad.
“I can still feel (him say) ‘Go ahead baby girl.’ That is what he would say. ‘Do it, baby girl. Yeah!’”
Now healthy and with her new lease on life, Yvonne is going full throttle with her drive-by love campaign.
Yvonne Libron
“That breast cancer was killer but I have another opportunity, this is what I want to do with it,” says Yvonne.
In an increasingly divided America, Yvonne says we could all use a little boost. Yvonne Libron is a young woman lifting spirits two honks at a time.
“Everybody needs love,” says Yvonne. “If this is my way of showing it and this is what I can do. Whoo! Alright! This is what I’m going to do.”
