Harris, CEO of the Rural Health Group, shared his story during the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance held at The Centre on the campus of Halifax Community College Tuesday. The event had a health fair and several other activities. “It is our responsibility to our wives, mothers, sisters, aunts and friends to get the message out,” he said.

Harris said he lost his mother to “this awful disease.” “And it is not just women who have a responsibility,” he said. “We men have a responsibility to get the message out there. Breast cancer should not kill anymore. Please get the message out.”

The event was sponsored by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund, Carolina Community Network and Halifax Community College. Contributors included Enfield-Roanoke Rapids Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Lake Gaston Area Chapter of LINKS Inc., Belk Department Store at Premiere Landing and the HCC Student Government Association.

Patricia J. Peele, health education coordinator for the Rural Health Group, said there was a two fold purpose for the event. “We are trying to create awareness for the early detection of breast cancer and to celebrate survivorship,” Peele said.

She noted it is a known fact with early detection, survival rate for breast cancer is 98 to 100 percent. “We hope to create awareness and get people involved,” Peele said.

In his welcome on behalf of HCC, Dr. Stanley Edwards, chair of the HCC board of trustees, said he has had friends and relatives who have suffered from breast cancer.

“I applaud the Rural Health Group for what they are doing across the county,” he said. “The information given is prolonging lives.”

Halifax County Manager Tony Brown presented a proclamation on behalf of the county commissioners. Since last year’s program, he said, he had a new experience. About two months ago, a male friend of his had undergone treatment for breast cancer. “I had never met a male who had breast cancer,” Brown said. “It affects men as well and it is just as terrifying.” He urged males to also get checked as well.

Dr. Carolyn Smart, mistress of ceremony for the event, noted breast cancer does not discriminate. “It’s male or female,” she said. “It’s young and old. It’s black and white. There is no one person that is breast cancer is more friends with than another.”

Everyone was told to stand and walk past a mirror set up by the stage. As the Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror” played those in attendance walked past the mirror. “As you look in the mirror, you are looking at the face of breast cancer in the room,” Smart said. “The change starts with the man in the mirror. You can no longer wait for someone else to tell you what to do.”

During the Bells of Remembrance Ceremony, three lay health advisors lit candles and rang bells. “It is our hope as a result of today’s effort the lives of many women and men are spared,” said Doris Davis.

Three candles were lit by Charlene Brown, Dorothy Cannon and Damion Jones. The first candle lit by Brown was to let those in attendance be reminded about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Cannon’s candle was for the survivors of breast cancer. And the third candle lit by Jones was for the family members of those who had lost the fight.

Sharon D. Jefferson, of Littleton, won the card design contest. Her card, which on the outside reads “You’ve traveled the road to a successful healing.” The card was on the display for all to see at the event. On the inside, it says “You went the distance. I knew in my heart you could do it. You taught me the strategies of being a winner; I’m so thankful and proud to have you in my life.”

Her inspiration for the card came from her aunt, who is a breast cancer survivor. “I wanted to make a card to heal someone and let them know they have made it,” she said.

It only took her one night to design and come up with the words of the song.

Peele presented two area organizations with community health service awards. The first went to the Gregory B. Davis Foundation and the Halifax County Branch of the National Association of University Women.

N.C. House of Rep. Angela Bryant congratulated all of the groups involved in putting together with the event. “I am so proud of the work being done in our region,” she said.

She encouraged everyone to do what they could for breast cancer awareness at a personal level. Bryant said she would be starting with herself. She had put off having a mammograms three times because of her busy schedule.

“If others of you are busy or doing things for others,” she said. “We all need to make a commitment to make sure we get the screenings we need.”

After the program, a 300 balloon release for raising awareness was held, afterwards a survivor reception ensued.
http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2009/10/21/news/doc4adf45a751246116717027.txt