One woman’s vision. It’s a phrase one hears countless times in the ever-inspiring breast cancer community, and nearly every time, the vision becomes something remarkable. In this case, it became extraordinary.
The visionary was Anita Connors, and it was 2006 – ten years after her diagnosis. She wanted a way to celebrate the women who survive this disease, especially those within the African American community. Coming together with several local leaders in activism, ministry and media, the first Praise Is the Cure event took place on October 23, 2008. As expressed on the Praise is the Cure website:
“…Hundreds of women who will never forget how they were made to feel, marched victoriously down the aisles of the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ with glaring smiles and tears of joy, singing and swaying to one of the favorite gospel classics, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” These ladies weren’t just singing and marching to a song, but it was evident that these women had been continuously living and breathing the song that flowed from the depths of their hearts. The excitement was electrifying and contagious as they adorned their pink flower proudly signifying… I AM A SURVIVOR… a breast cancer survivor.”
What a charge that room must have had! Buzzing with momentum, the event has grown into a full weekend, with a free-to-the-public Health Fair, children’s activities, important educational programs for family members (especially spouses, titled “Real Men Wear Pink!”), a high-powered Gospel concert, a survivors’ pampering party, and the signature Praise Sunday event, now held at more than 60 churches across the Philadelphia area.
Amoena become involved in 2009, and experienced a tremendous desire to help educate women on proper screening and early treatment, the available post-operative products like breast forms and bras, and the importance of positive self-image and return to a life of normalcy and hope. Our most inspirational moments from that weekend were captured on video, which we invite you to watch and share!
The 5th Annual Praise Is the Cure Weekend will take place October 2-3, 2010. All the details are available on the organization’s website, www.getdc.org/praise-is-the-cure.