Inspirational program focuses on surviving the “Big C”
by Lee Pierre
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness, honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and reaffirm our global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival for all. On Thursday evening (10/9/25) the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Faith Health Ministry of Loudon Avenue Christian Church presented such an event – Sisters’ Night Out (SNO) at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Linda G. Manns, RN, MSN, Community Health Faith/Parish Nurse has been the program coordinator for eleven years of Sisters’ Night Out. She welcomed all and introduced the mistress of ceremony, Amir Massenburg, anchor-reporter at WDBJ7. Massenburg started with WDBJ7 in September 2023.
One of the presenters, Dr. Carolyn Clark, Internal Medicine, Physicians Associates of Virginia, spoke about breast cancer and possible early warning signs.
“If you see or feel a lump, don’t react, ACT!” Dr. Clark strongly stated.
Since lumps can vary, she used lemons to show examples of signs that could possibly lead to breast cancer. Some of the lemons simulated thickening of the skin, sunken nipples, crusty nipples, disfigured nipples, and several other signs.
All women should get regular mammograms based on their age, pre-menopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal, and medical history. She emphasized the fact that alcohol does women no good therefore should be used in moderation, hormone replacement can increase the risk; lack of exercise; dense breast tissue; and genetics whether it’s the BRAC 1 or BRAC 2 genes or family history of breast cancer.
Dr. Clark made a strong statement regarding males. “Men CAN also get breast cancer therefore it is important that they too check their breast for lumps.”
Early diagnosis and early treatment can increase the chance of curing cancer. In closing, she reminded the audience to report any breast changes to your physician right away. Treat it early and it can be cured.
“Ladies, protect your lemons!”
Before the survivors came to speak, Rev. Amy Hodge rendered a heartfelt, emotional blessing to the survivors as well as those who had not survived. Roses were given out to all survivors.
Jamaica Burnett-McGeorge, a breast cancer survivor, spoke on her journey of finding out she had cancer.
“It is a painful memory for me. I experienced breast pain and my mammogram revealed lumps in my breast. I was told I needed a biopsy however I refused it thinking that I could pray it away.”
Jamaica said she prayed and prayed however the pain didn’t go away. She did finally have the biopsy discovering she had Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Her doctor recommended surgery. She feared how having a mastectomy would affect the way her husband saw her. More prayers and with the support of her husband and church family, she had the mastectomy then ended up having four additional surgeries due to complications from the first one.
“I knew God might not bring me completely out of it but I knew he would endure it with me. I am now cancer free!” she exclaimed.
Samantha Thomas, Assistant Clinical Manager within the VCU Health System, in sharing her testimony, stressed the importance of knowing your body as well as your family history. When she was eight or nine years of age, her mother noticed changes in my breast and took her to her pediatrician who stated, “Her body is simply developing.”
Years later, she suffered from pain in her breast and also discovered two lumps. At age 13, she had developed lumps in her breast so the pediatrician tried to drain them. However, no fluid came out of them. She had surgery on her right breast, having two tennis ball tumors removed. For the next twenty years, she had no other problems.
“Because of my history of tumors, I had a baseline mammogram that showed that I had dense tissue; but everything else looked okay,” she stated.
Out of curiosity, she took an ancestry DNA test and found out that several women on her father’s side had breast cancer. Also, her siblings have had breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. She further found out that she carries the BRAC 1 cancer gene. Because of this, she had to undergo thermograms and MRIs every six months.
“I knew I wanted to start a family and I wanted to breastfeed my child, “she stated. Because of her genetic make-up, there was a strong chance that her newborn could develop cancer gene mutation, it would be beneficial for her to have IVF (In vitro fertilization) and have the embryos tested. She and her husband agreed. The first three embryos were tainted and could not be used,
“Almost one year and four cycles later, we had one embryo that was genetically healthy! I knew I wanted to breastfeed so I postponed my surgery for two years,” remarked Samantha.
Her mammogram and biopsy revealed cancer. At this time, she delayed surgery so that she could breastfeed her son praying to be there to see her son grow up. Two years later, she had surgery, went through chemo and survived.
“Every scar I see in the mirror reminds me of the one thing I survived!” she joyously proclaimed.
Her advice to others: “Know your body. Share your family history with family members. Give God the thank you each morning.”
Dr. Karanita Ojomo, Radiation Oncology at Blue Ridge Cancer Center, shared a vivid cancer related presentation. Dressed in a pink tutu and boxing gloves, she spoke on how “CA” tried to take her out as she threw jabs and upper cuts to “CA” (a bounce back punching bag). After “winning her bout,” she encouraged the audience to sing along as she played “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, in which the crowd willingly joined in
Other noteworthy speakers included Cynthia Lawrence, Carilion Clinic Blue Ridge Health Services and Careers, who commended Linda Manns, the other organizers, and the sponsors who continually support Sisters’ Night Out.
Aaron Housh, CEO of Good Samaritan Hospice informed the attendees of the opening of the facility in northwest Roanoke and the significance of it being available to those in the area.
He also featured a short video diplaying the inner beauty of the accomodations.
Everyone enjoyed the evening, looking forward to next year’s event!
