Annual event celebrates women who experience life after breast cancer
by S. Rotan Hale
There is nothing more liberating than getting the news that you are cancer free. Nearly 200 women darned in pink, symbolic to the occasion, gathered to celebrate just that–being cancer free.
Now in its sixth year, the affair, Sisters Night Out was held Thursday, Sept. 29 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown. It was an inspiring night of testimonials, informative speeches, exhibitors and a taste of Zumba all part of the 6th annual Sisters Night Out.
The program is a celebration of women who have survived the big “C” ie cancer. This year’s affair was quite different due to the number of men in attendance as the Men’s Choir of Loudon Ave. Christian Church performed several selections, among them “Its your Season to be Blessed,” which perfectly spoke to the moment.
During one of the highlights of the program, a sizable group of attendants were brought to the front and lifted up for their many years being cancer free. Among them were Mary Butler (32-years) and June Lewis also a longtime survivor of this dreaded disease.
Afira DeVries president and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley as keynote speaker told stories of two women who exemplified great “courage, strength and choices,” which are some of the main elements cancer survivors face on such an arduous journey.
“I have seen first hand what the human soul is capable of,” said DeVries who as a social worker has had many years in the field.
DeVries said though her encounter with these women was brief, her life was forever changed by them.
“They remain the most legitimate and sincere examples in my mind as to what courage and strength look like,” she noted.
Everyone knows exercise is a major key element to a healthy lifestyle and Takiyah Barlow is a champion for the cause. As a fitness guru, Takiyah is a Zumba instructor who specializes in 33 different fitness types and has brought her craft to this event for several years. Watching the “sisters” perform Zumba is a site to behold.
Another staple of the event is Dr. Karanita Ojoma, a radiation oncologist with LGMC who can always be counted on to provide an informational talk with an upbeat flare. Her brief yet informative message spoke directly to African American Women re: breast cancer but pointedly mentioned that cancer does not discriminate.
She quoted sobering facts as Blacks having the highest death rate and shortest survival of any ethnic group in the US.
“Overall, 5-year survival has actually improved for African American women since 1963 but lags behind when compared to other races,” she noted. On an upbeat note she urged women to use the buddy plan.
“Have lunch, do a girls night, get those mammies smashed and enjoy.” Dr. Ojomo closed with a poem “Cancer” dedicated to famed author Maya Angelo.
Andre Douglas, family nurse practitioner with LGMC delivered a detailed talk on preventive health regarding: energy, weight, exercise, stress and screenings.
“From a mental health perspective energy consumes, people tend to take in the energy from those around them therefore stress, energy, gratefulness and thankfulness whether consumed, expended or stored all tend to effect health.”
Concerning weight she pointed out that obesity has been linked to many illnesses: diabetes, high blood pressure depression and anxiety.
“Obesity has been estimated to cause 20% of all cancers as well as cancer recurrence,” Douglas added.
Her informative and well-executed presentation proved her excellence in her position as nurse practitioner.
Each year this enlightening affair brings to the front critical issues on a dreaded disease that if caught in time, does not have to be fatal.
For years this event has been spearheaded by Loudon Ave. Christian Church Faith Health Ministry in collaboration with Lewis Gale Medical Center and various other healthcare partners.
