WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Power of Pink celebrates the lives of breast cancer survivors

Power of Pink celebrates the lives of breast cancer survivors

By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - WLBT and Baptist Cancer Services joined forces for the Power of Pink campaign, an effort to raise awareness of breast health.

Monday's event recognized the courage and struggle of breast cancer survivors. 

Dozens of balloons purchased to benefit the American Cancer Society rose skyward from the hands of breast cancer survivors, family, friends and supporters at Highland Village, highlighting the events of the Power of Pink.

The day of tributes to breast cancer survivors began with a breakfast, followed by a pet parade and fashion show.

Booths offered massages, blood pressure screenings and information on breast health.

Sixty two year old Ann Blair of Magee has been cancer free for eight years.

"My skin was wrinkled, but I ignored it because 'Not me. I won't get cancer'. I didn't think about cancer, and then I had a pain in the other side. I went to have a mammogram," said Blair.  

Sixty nine year old Lizzie Quick of Star underwent surgery and is currently taking chemotherapy.

"I never lost my appetite, and I feel good all the time. God is good and he's been blessing me, and I'm still going, still take my treatment every Wednesday," said Quick.

Highland Village merchants like many are affected by the disease in some way.

"One of my child's caregivers from the time he was about six months old until five years from St. Paul's Learning Center out on Highway 25 in Brandon recently passed away last Thursday night. Her name is Ellen Treadway, and I really wanted to do something in honor of her," said Tyra Murphy of Ulmer's Stride Rite Shoes.

At The Best of Health Center survivors found supplements for chemotherapy treatments and coping with the illness.

The Pilates Place specializes in recovery.

"What we have is a curriculum for pilates specifically for breast cancer recovery so that they can open the chest and just stretch the muscles and get the bones back in place so that the breast cancer survivor feels better about themselves. It builds their posture better and therefore making their recovery a lot quicker," said Silvia Blackwell of Pilates Place."

Ten finalists were selected for the Strength in Pink award.

They were nominated by family and friends for their courage in battling the illness.

Essays were submitted about their heart wrenching stories of miracles, faith and strength.

Each was recognized by First Lady Marsha Barbour and awarded the Strength in Pink Medallion by WLBT and the Power of Pink sponsors.

Jana Neely, a registered nurse from Harrisville, was chosen the 2009 Strength in Pink Award recipient.