#Prayinpink Advocates For Breast Health
Most women in the US go to their physicians annually for a physical. If you’re under the age of 40, a mammogram is not a recommended part of a woman’s overall health picture unless she has a family history of cancer. The issue with this scenario is that about 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. An additional cause for concern includes: (1) breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women (2) breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, (3) in women under 45, breast cancer is more common in Black women, and they are more likely to die of breast cancer, and
(4) although Hispanic women, in general, have a lower risk, Afro-Latina women develop and die from breast cancer at a rate 40% higher than US women.
#PRAYINPINK realized the need while providing services to women of various ethnicities faced with the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis. We saw a lack of knowledge regarding breast self-exams and clinical breast exams. We also realized the cultural factors that keep women from getting mammograms. It led us to become committed to fill the gap and make education an ongoing component of the services we provide. And though men have a lower risk, we encourage them to learn as well, for themselves and the women in their lives.
#PRAYINPINK is a local, faith-based organization with a mission to empower, support, educate, and motivate people affected by cancer. In 2015, Mrs. DeVonne Waters-Davis had a successful breast reduction surgery. Her breast tissue was sent to a pathologist for testing, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After researching and discussing her options, DeVonne chose to have a double mastectomy. Since her diagnosis and mastectomy, she has had six additional surgeries due to other complications. DeVonne is a fighting woman and attributes her strength to faith in God. She kept telling herself that “this too shall pass.” This was only a moment in life, and she was ready to see what her next moments would bring. In 2017, #PRAYINPINK was formed to fill the gap of faith lacking from the information and support she experienced during treatment.
We walk the journey from screening all the way through to diagnosis and treatment. We are a community-funded organization, and we provide all programs at no cost to the cancer warrior, survivor, thriver, or their families. Though breast cancer is our priority, we offer support services to people affected by any cancer type. In addition, there is Spiritual Support through prayer, a Support Group for women, customized Care Packages, and our Educational Workshops. Our community group, The Pink Hat Ladies, connects with the community, women groups, and churches to make our services known. Cancer is an ugly disease, and women often feel unattractive. We also host an annual Miss Prayinpink Cancer Warrior Pageant as an opportunity for women of any cancer type to own their scars and walk in the power and beauty they possess after dealing with this disease. We give them the red carpet and inspire them to share their stories. Featured are our 2019 contestants and our 2018 Warrior (seated, center).
We started the “I Pledge” program to make breast health a priority for women in SW Miami-Dade County. Miami is so culturally diverse that we can reach the whole world in our background and provide a culturally relevant atmosphere. Participants are educated on how to perform a breast self-exam and how to request their healthcare provider/PCP perform a clinical breast exam at their annual physicals. Breast cancer risk factors and warning signs are also covered in the presentation. Lastly, the importance of an annual mammogram is stressed. After the presentation, each participant is given an “I Pledge” postcard, a breast self-exam shower card as a monthly reminder, and other gifts and resources. Due to COVID-19, we have also incorporated a virtual workshop via Zoom.
#PRAYINPINK wants to reduce the incidence of women diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced mortality. It is proven that early detection saves lives! Better treatment means less invasive procedures, breast conservation instead of mastectomy, and more survivors! We want everyone to become proactive advocates for their breast health, have the confidence to talk to medical providers, and get screened.
#PRAYINPINK wants to reduce the incidence of women diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced mortality. It is proven that early detection saves lives! Better treatment means less invasive procedures, breast conservation instead of mastectomy, and more survivors! We want everyone to become proactive advocates for their breast health, have the confidence to talk to medical providers, and get screened.
Donations are tax-deductible and help us reach more people dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Your financial support and/or in-kind donations are greatly appreciated. If you, your group, business, or organization is interested in bringing the I Pledge program to your people, we want to connect with you. If you or someone you know is faced with a cancer diagnosis, contact us at info.prayinpink11@gmail.com or 786.985.4700. Visit us at prayinpink11.org and follow us on social media @prayinpink. God bless you!
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