by Shawn Nowlin
Inspirational women have a way of pulling at the heartstrings and putting life in its proper perspective when they share stories of the adversity they’ve overcome. That’s especially true about breast cancer survivors.
On Sept. 21, a capacity crowd attended the 10th Anniversary of the Sister’s Night Out Celebration at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue.
When Master in Nursing Science Linda Manns came up with the event’s concept, it was to empower people and give them knowledge. “Knowledge is power. It is so important for women to know about the resources available to them,” she said.
This year’s presenters were Karanita M. Ojomo, MD, a Radiation Oncologist at Blue Ridge Cancer Care and Dr. Seyi White, DNP, a nurse practitioner at the Carilion Clinic Breast Survivorship. Both were able to find that perfect balance between conveying the seriousness of reality and using humor to make their points.
More Black women die from breast cancer, they noted, than any other cancer. A moment of silence was honored to recognize those who have passed.
“Sometimes the younger you are, if you notice a change, there can be some pushback. If you feel like something is different, it is important that you speak up and keep speaking up,” Dr. White said.
Channeling Harriett Taubman to convey a point, Ojomo later added, “We need to teach our youngins’ just how we got here. It’s our responsibility to pass along what we know. You don’t leave them behind because they don’t look like you. You don’t leave them behind because they don’t say, ‘thank you.’ You teach them how to say, ‘thank you.’”
The catered food was provided by Peggy Fleming and her Gina’s Soul Food Restaurant staff.
Openly discussing dark times in life isn’t something everyone is comfortable doing. While it didn’t happen overnight, Danielle Alexander is now at that place. A few years ago, she had pain in her right breast. After an exam was conducted, a lump was found which led to a Triple Positive Breast Cancer diagnosis.
“I had already been through my prayers and made up my mind that I was going to have a double mastectomy. When I got home, I told my husband everything. That was on the 15th on May and on the 22nd, we went in for the biopsy,” she said. “I asked the doctor if it looked like fluid or was it solid. He said it was solid. I accepted my reality and told myself that I was just going to take this one day at a time. Today, I am healthy because of some tough decisions that were made.”
While discussing her supportive husband, an emotional Temeca Maddox explained, “For those of you who don’t know, Linda is my mother. Three years before she formed this, my then fiancée and I were faced with the reality that I had breast cancer. I had a moment of, ‘What do I do?’ It was unknown. He was there every step of the way even when my ugly side got the best of me sometimes. Luckily, God ended up putting amazing doctors and oncologists in my care.”
Said Lutheria Smith when given an opportunity to share her story, “I read a lot of scriptures that focused on faith and courage when I learned that I had breast cancer. God graciously provided a wonderful oncologist, an amazing breast surgeon and a great plastic surgeon who began the reconstruction process immediately. Following the eight weeks of recuperation, I remember the worst of the pain came in the middle of the night. When sleep would not come, I believe that the Holy Spirit comforted me.”
Before the event concluded, Kianna Marshall United Way VP of Advancement gave out some door prizes. Providing the closing remarks, Manns said, “I specifically chose this year’s presenters and brought back three of our survivors to share their journey with us. I hope the impact of their words serves as a reminder of what is possible.”
Support from American Cancer Society, Loudon Avenue Christian Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, New Horizons Healthcare and Carilion Clinic made last Thursday’s event possible. All signs point to Sister’s Night Out returning next year.
