Hope is a Cure for Breast Cancer: Education & Awareness
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Because there’s more needed to fight Breast Cancer than medicine. You must have H O P E. Which is why in 2011 when my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I began my platform “Hope is a Cure for Breast Cancer: Education & Awareness”.
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13% of women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, that's a 1 in 8 chance, women! However, not once did I think my own MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER would be among them.
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My parents have always pushed me to do my best and to never limit my dreams. When my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, it strengthened our family bond even more. During this experience, I immediately wanted to get involved with several organizations that help with the fight against cancer and support the community. As an event director, volunteer, and having leadership roles in many different organizations, this showed me one person can have an impact on so many lives. We can make a huge difference in the world, One Life, One Person at a time.
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Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer for women to be diagnosed with in the United States. In 2021 alone, it is estimated about 281,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. And about 49,290 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
We know that early detection is key with this disease. With proper knowledge and awareness, I do believe we can decrease the individuals who lose their life to breast cancer each year.
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Since beginning my platform in 2011, I have raised over $180,000 for cancer research. Teaming up with organizations like Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and Zeta Tau Alpha is how this was made possible.
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I served as Think Pink Chair for the University of Tennessee, organizing all of the athletic pink-out games for UT. I was able to hold 4 soccer games, 4 basketball games, 2 volleyball games and 2 Knoxville Ice-Bears hockey games. I worked closely with the Komen link in Knoxville at each of the events and sold pink gear to raise money. I also was philanthropy assistant in 2013 and helped put on “3-Day for ZTA”, which was a three-day event of games, challenges, percentage night and more to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. We were able to raise $4,900 during those three days. Race for the Cure is something I am very passionate about and as a part of Zeta Tau Alpha's team we were able to raise $180,000.
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I was named Relay for Life Event Director at the University of Tennessee for 2015 & 2016. I over saw the whole event for the spring of 2015. We recruited students from campus to join our committee and found individuals who share our same passion, finding a cure for cancer. In those two years, we were able to put on two dodge ball tournaments and two successful Relays. Our proceeds added up to $98,000, and was donated to The American Cancer Society for research and to help fund grants.
In 2016, I held the title of Miss Sullivan County and in 2017 the title of Miss Johnson City. I traveled the state of Tennessee promoting my platform.
In 2020 and 2021, I was selected as a national Social Media influencer for Susan G. Komen to help promote their survivor stories.
I have spoken to thousands of women, men, and children about the necessary precautions with cancer and how to overcome the obstacles it brings.
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I focus on self-breast exams, early detection as a key to finding a cure, and inspiration through the experience of survivors.
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I want everyone to know they are not alone. These events are a Celebration of Life, to give Hope, uplift those who are fighting, and remember those who have lost their fight.
My mother fought and won her battle with breast cancer but there are still hundreds of women and men fighting their battle today, including my grandmother.
