Southern University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, hosted its fourth Annual Pink with a Purpose program, which consisted of a four-panel forum of breast cancer survivors in addition to a representative from The YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge.
Amongst those who shared their experiences with breast cancer, of which affects 1 in 8 women, were: Joanne Yates, a United States Coast Guard, Janifer Peters, Assistant to the Dean, College of Business SU, Wanda Washington, President of Sisters Supporting Sisters, and Ramona Boatner of YWCA Baton Rouge.
The concept of the program was given life after SU Professor and Phi Beta Lambda Academic Advisor Laurie Patterson’s god-mother, Janifer Peters was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, which was not discovered until she had already progressed to stage 3, with stage 4 being the highest. Peters sought support from her church family at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, which ultimately led to Peters starting a program similar to that of Pink with a Purpose at the church. The church celebrated its 10th Anniversary of supporting breast cancer initiatives on October 2. Phi Beta Lambda is integral in the program held at the church, as well as sells pins around campus to support EncorePlus, a component of YWCA that fosters the breast and cervical health outreach.
Yates, diagnosed in 2001, was serving in the United States Coast Guard at the time of her diagnosis, delivered a dialogue that spoke to the importance of self-examination, as well as being aware of one’s body. Despite undergoing a routine physical that was required for her service, Yates, after attending an informational seminar regarding breast cancer, decided to self-examine, which led to the discovery of a mass in her breast. Although Yates had insurance, and a support system, she felt stuck after learning of the diagnosis. After six rounds of chemotherapy over the course of six months, Yates was cancer free. Most importantly, Yates explains that her spirituality prevented her from allowing her diagnosis to be a death sentence.
Wanda Washington, one of the founders of Sisters Supporting Sisters, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide a safe haven for survivors of breast cancer in East Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes, spoke to the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, specifically within the African American community. Her first point was that there is a greater concern with physical appearance rather than health. Washington also spoke on how breast cancer is more aggressive in African American women. These points led to the founding principle behind Sisters Supporting Sisters – “transforming apathy in action.”
Following the presentation of speakers, Briana Johnson of YWCA instructed the audience on the correct way to perform a self-examination. Lastly, there was a slide show which depicted various survivors of breast cancer within the SU community, as well as those who have fallen victim to the disease. Colin Ceasar, a senior marketing major from Laplace, La., who lost an aunt, Lynn Dickerson, to breast cancer stated how the program hit home for him. Ceasar also spoke to the need for programs such as Pink with a Purpose for “the biggest issue is a lack of knowledge.” Jordan Rimbert, a junior business management major from Baton Rouge also cited the knowledge she received during the program in regard to self-examination and the fact that men are also affected. by breast cancer.
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Pink with a Purpose
November 3, 2015
The sponsors and attendees launching the ballons in support of Breast Cancer Awarness month after the Pink with a Purpose seminar held outside of T.T. Allian Hall, on Tuesday, October 27.
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