March 2008

According to the World Health Organization, more women are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other form of the chronic illness. Each year, it is expected that nearly 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; nearly half will lose their lives to the disease and; of those women, most will be African-American. Despite the staggering statistics, there are still many strong women battling the disease with strength, courage, and most of, faith. Like Leitha, a cancer survivor, these women decide that the potentially devastating disease will be neither the author nor finisher of their lives.

Diagnosed at age 36, Leitha was devastated upon discovering that a knot she had long ignored was breast cancer. After two surgeries, a series of medications and chemotherapy, Leitha was cancer free until discovering during a gynecological exam that she now had cervical cancer. In spite of the numerous treatments, surgeries and complications, Leitha has chosen to remain positive through it all. And when asked how she can be so happy with all that she has been through, she quickly acknowledges that God has her in His healing hands. She realizes cancer cannot cripple love; shatter hope; corrode faith; destroy peace; kill friendship; suppress memories; silence courage; invade the soul; steal eternal life; or conquer the spirit.

We at Chap’s Expressions admire Leitha and others who have not allowed cancer to steal their joy. Screening and early detection are important tools in fighting the battle against breast cancer. Unfortunately many women, especially in the African-American community fail to not take the time to have proper routine screenings. This has resulted in a significant number of cancer deaths in our midst. We urge you to take the time to care for yourself with regular self and doctor administered examination. The life you save may be your own!

Leitha’s story was taken from “The Pink Ribbon Shop.” For her story, and those of women like her, please visit The Pink Ribbon Shop Survivor Stories.