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The chapter’s Physical and Mental Health Committee
collaborated with Susan G Komen Northwest Ohio and the YWCA
Northwest Ohio EncorePlus to present “Cheers to your Health,
a celebration of World Cancer Awareness Day.” The program
included panelists were cancer survivors Bessie Mack and
Toledo City Councilman Larry Sykes, and also medical
professionals Dr. Houston Johnson, MD, Tanya Baldwin and Deb
Ross.
In addition to the two collaboration partners, community
agency African American Cancer Survivor Group, and American
Cancer Society were present with information tables and
resources for attendees.
Cancer survivor Sykes opened the panel discussion by sharing
his emotional journey through diagnosis and treatment, “I
was angry and almost loss my religion. I was out of work for
45 days. There is a lift after cancer. African Americans,
especially males, should not wait until it’s life
threatening. Preventive care and appointments are
important.”
Thirty-seven-year cancer survivor and Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority member Mack shared the surgical options that were
available during her journey. “My case was considered
unusual, because I was 27 years old in the 1980s. I had a
lot of questions, and asked ‘why me?’ I thought I was a good
person. I was encouraged not to talk about it and keep
things to myself. Back then you didn’t talk about treatment
options, the doctors took my breasts. I didn’t make that
decision, but I’m glad that decision was made for me. I’m
thankful because I’m here today. I won’t let my breasts
define who I am. The Lord has kept me each and every day.”
Baldwin works in family medicine and the Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority member encouraged attendees to seek a family
physician and live healthier lives. “You need a primary care
physician. When you’re young, you feel it’s not necessary,
but you need to visit at least once per year. We, as African
Americans, have to get over mistrust and fear of doctors.
Soul food is delicious, but be mindful of what you put in
your body.”
Immediately following the panelist, members of the committee
urged attendees to make a verbal commitment to become
advocators of cancer awareness before chapter President
Angela Siner closed the program. “I want to thank you for
coming out to celebrate cancer awareness international day.
Cheers to your health.”
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated was chartered in
1913 on the campus of Howard University. In 1937, the first
chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Toledo was
formed by seven young women, and Toledo Alumnae Chapter was
chartered on February 12, 1972. The sorority also has
chapters locally on the campuses of the University of Toledo
and Bowling Green State University.
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