Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Bible says in 1John 3:17 : But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion for him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? This scripture for me, brings to mind, awareness and sharing. So on behalf of Our Pastor and First Lady and in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m blessed and pleased to take a few moments to share with you some important information.

Breast cancer awareness is near and dear to my heart as I have survivors and victims’ among my family and community. I’m sure it’s affected most of us. Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the US and is the leading cause of cancer death of women worldwide. Somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds and in the U.S. alone, every 13 minutes. In Chicago the Mortality rate for Blacks is 116% greater than Whites. (that’s more than twice as much) So, What can we do to reduce this disparity?

- Self-check,
- Regular Mammograms
- educate ourselves/awareness

There are many different organizations that support the fight against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. is a non-for-profit organization that I have supported with my talents and gifts, year after year. This year I committed and served as a volunteer on Race day September 24th in Grant Park. The Race for the Cure kicks off a Month dedicated to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. As the world’s largest Breast cancer organization, SGK will fund $55 million this year toward breast cancer research.

The Komen.org website offers many resources that I have found to be helpful and will broaden awareness: One in particular is the “Circle of Promise”. (circleofpromise.org) Focused specifically on African American women this campaign pledges to ensure that “WE” are empowered with the information and tools we need to take charge of our own health and serve as ambassadors in our communities.

I encourage you to bring a friend on Sunday October 16th and stop by the fellowship hall after services. True Light’s “pink lady ambassadors” will be there to serve you and give you more information on self checks and mammography’s as well as a few PINK treats to remind you to not just think Pink this month, but year around!

May God Bless!

Doreen Vasquez

Starr Hayes - Coordinator
True Light Church Baptist