By Karen Stokes
Dr. Felicia Robertson discusses health promotion and cervical cancer
Sisters 4 Cure presented their second annual wellness event, Breast and Cervical Prevention & Survivorship, on Thursday at the Briggs and Stratton Corporate Auditorium, 12301 W. Wirth Street.
The event celebrated breast and cervical cancer survivors, sharing mind, body and spirit self-care techniques and mindfulness practices known to improve quality of life and cancer treatment outcomes.
Sisters 4 Cure is a nonprofit organization comprised of breast cancer survivors whose mission is committed to offering cross generational, cross cultural evidence based strategies, support and information to improve self-care skills, quality of life and mindfulness practices of people affected by life threatening chronic diseases, in particular breast cancer and depression.
Deidra Edwards, master of ceremonies and director of marketing and business development at Outreach Community Health Center is a 20 year breast cancer survivor.
She found out on Christmas Eve that she had cancer on both sides. She believes in the support Sisters 4 Cure offers.
“In our community, we don’t do support groups; we keep our stuff to ourselves,” said Edwards. “Sisters 4 Cure is the soulful route we need to care for ourselves.”
Edwards then introduced a group of women who shared valuable health information and inspiration.
Dr. Felicia Robertson, family medicine physician at Aurora Health Care, Phyllis Holder, president and keynote speaker of Sisters 4 Cure and Dr. Melinda Tolley, professor and associate director of prevention and control at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin discussed health promotion and breast cancer.
“We are responsible to know what’s going on with our bodies and to let our health providers know,” said Dr. Felicia Robertson.
Sponsored by Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin, Briggs & Stratton, Wisconsin Well Woman Program and V100.7, the evening began with a performance from gospel recording artist Harris and the crowd enjoyed a delicious, healthy catered buffet while they fellowshipped and explored the many vendors on hand.
The Juice Kitchen, Outreach Community Health Centers, Body Therapy, Pain Management and Treatment, Brentwood Health Organization and Brew City Corvette Club were just a few of the vendors.
A touching moment occurred when the breast and cervical cancer survivors were each presented with a rose to celebrate their survival.
“Breast cancer affects the African American community disproportionately more than other communities,” Edwards said.
“You have to champion your health,” said Phyllis Holder.