As “Breast Cancer Awareness” month
comes to a close, women all over the world will keep the ball rolling throughout
the year as they “Think Pink”! And many
courageous survivors will continue to thrive hoping for a “CURE” to this destructive
condition called “Breast Cancer”.
This “DIS-EASE” affects all ethnic
groups, but the greater impact is amongst African American Women as it’s the
most commonly found cancer in our culture. Despite lower incidences among black women, the
disparities between black and white women for contracting breast cancer is disturbing
as black women are more likely to die from it.
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Cheryl Regina Robinson
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This leads me into sharing a very
personal story, one that I seldom speak on because it is near and dear to my
heart. Nevertheless, it’s during this
time of year, I’m always reminded of a “Sister-Like Friend” of mine by the name
of “Cheryl Regina Robinson”…
She lost the fight to breast
cancer some seven years ago on Monday, September 18, 2006. I can recall that day, me coming home from a cruise
to find a message on my answering machine left by the nurse who was caring for
her during her last readmittance into the hospital.
As I sat on the bed in tears after
receiving the bad news, I remembered the day she’d asked me to accompany her to
an outpatient care facility for a breast biopsy… Little did we know, the news would come back revealing
the onset of breast cancer.
From that day up until her passing,
I rode the emotional roller coaster with her, from the halos of hope,
frustrations and fears to a permanent peace that surpassed even my own comprehension
once I’d heard her say “I’ve released it all to GOD and forgiven everyone including
myself, I’m at peace now.”
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| Cheryl Collection: Black Bald Beautiful - Pink Ribbon (Light Pink) |
So, what can we do? How can we help? How can we provide support to black women who
have been affected by breast cancer and raise awareness amongst others?
Get involved! Become Informed! And pass the word on about performing monthly
self-breast exams, detecting the signs for early diagnosis, scheduling
mammograms (having clinical breast exams) and obtaining effective treatment options
that aligns with the individual’s medical care choice and/or beliefs.
We can win the fight by supporting
the cause… In honor of my dear friend Cheryl,
I designed a tshirt in support of African American Women who have been affected
by the disease or who have beaten the odds and their cancer is in remission.
Remember, it’s never too late… Donate and Support the Cause for a Cure! Purchase your “Breast Cancer Awareness Tshirt” Because You CARE.
***In
the “Loving Memory of Cheryl Robinson”, $2 from every shirt purchased
will go
to support a woman who has been diagnosed with
breast cancer and is in need of
assistance***
