My battle with breast cancer started six months ago…
After two surgeries and an intense series of radiation sessions, I “rang the bell” to celebrate the end of my cancer treatments. I am forever thankful for the incredible love and support from my closest family and friends as I navigated the twists and turns regarding my care. Throughout my journey, I was grateful for and recognized the privilege I have including access to resources for early diagnosis, second opinions, reliable transportation, work-free time to rest and heal, and personal funds to offset costs not covered by insurance.
My breast cancer journey further raised my consciousness about and reinforced my commitment to health equity. Researchers have identified many complex and interrelated factors that contribute to cancer health disparities. These factors are perpetuated by a long history of structural inequities and injustices including racism, discrimination, and segregation. For example, despite survival rates over 90 percent in high-income countries, Black women in the U.S. are more than 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.
To be part of the solution in closing the cancer health equity gap (https://youtu.be/XSDU3d2j4gY), I am a Pink Fire, Inc. volunteer and donor (https://www.pinkfire.org/). Debra Reddick, a two-time breast cancer survivor, founded the non-profit whose mission is to educate, encourage, and empower women about breast cancer. Debra understands knowledge is power, power to make a difference in the success of your life and your health.
Until pink is just another color and not a ribbon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZUObmVkJfg), please take a moment today to remember someone you or a loved one lost to breast cancer and then honor them by finding a way to help another.?Here are five suggestions to make an impact…
1) Join me in supporting Pink Fire by purchasing tickets to attend the Annual Survivor Strong Pink Gala on October 22, 2022. Proceeds will assist with scholarships for mammograms, genetic testing, transportation to/from doctor appointments, caregivers’ relief assistance, and educational resources. Click here to learn more and reserve your seats: https://www.pinkfire.org/events.
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2) If you are not in the Tampa area or are unable to attend the gala, donate to the Pink Fire directly via https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=J6J2HLFZJ2CB8. ?In addition to the scholarships mentioned above, Debra leads virtual and in-person support sessions focused on health and wellness coaching for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
3) To volunteer with Pink Fire, please DM me or contact Debra at [email protected].
4) Ensure your loved ones are getting the support (physical, financial, spiritual, and medical) they need for annual mammograms and monthly self-checks.
5) If you or someone you know are diagnosed with breast cancer, please DM me with any questions or support you may need.?
Senior Commercial Banking Officer at Republic Bank
2 年Julene thank you for sharing. You are inspiring!
Principal at Knoxville Preparatory School
2 年?? you! Thanks for sharing so we can support you and others!
A dynamic servant leader with demonstrated experience in project management, operations management, process improvement, and problem resolution across trucking, educational, and financial services industries.
2 年I'm so glad you won the road to recovery, Julene! My very best to you in your continued journey.
Transformational Leader ? School Administrator ? Cancer Survivor ? Mother
2 年?????? love you friend. I am so happy for you. Ringing that bell ??, I never thought it would feel the way it did. I wish you well on you recovery and journey. I still have 8months of immunotherapy and radiation.