TidalHealth hosted a walk from Allen Cancer Center to Gateway Park in Seaford on Thursday, Oct. 3 to help spread awareness and to usher in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The walk was designed to help women who are battling breast cancer, and those who have survived, a chance to feel empowerment in the midst of a disease that affects over 300,000 women per year. There was a celebratory mood at TidalHealth’s Allen Cancer Center, as survivors were honored. Resource information was readily available on tables outside of the center.
Jill Stone – Senior Director of Physical Medicine – and breast cancer survivor, five years in remission – said screenings are important to help with early detection. She said for women to engage in monthly self-screenings, and to get a yearly mammogram. “That few moments of uncomfortability is well worth the not-knowing the negative impact of a diagnosis.”
Another breast cancer survivor, Charlene Hastings, is a 10-year survivor. She said she got all of her chemo treatments at the Allen Cancer Center. She stated they were wonderful to her, and that her breast cancer battle – and remission – would not have been possible without the staff, the doctors, her family, and her faith in God.
Supporters and survivors alike converged at Gateway Park in Seaford on Thursday, Oct. 3 to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo by Rebecca Jones
A group photo was taken, and the walk commenced. The participants walked up the slight hill in the warm autumn sun. Some held roses, others carried battery-operated candles, while others sported pink light-up bracelets. They all carried with them the urgency to spread the importance of women getting screened for early detection.
Dignitaries and survivors listened as TidalHealth Nanticoke President Penny Short welcomed the cancer survivors. “What a power group we have here today,” she said. “It’s with deep gratitude and a profound sense of unity that we gather here today to address the issue that affect so many of us: breast cancer. Together, we’re launching Breast Cancer Awareness Month in our community. And I want to thank each of you for being a part of this special event.” She then called Pastor John Tyler to lead the ceremony in prayer.
Short spoke again, stating that half of all women diagnosed this year for breast cancer will be under the age of 62. One out of three women will be diagnosed with breast cancer some time in their lives. She stated only lung cancer is diagnosed more in women. She then said a staggering statistic for her was that only 50 percent of eligible women in this area receive a mammogram. “That’s something we need to change,” she said.
She also said that breast cancer affects women, co-workers, families, showing “no mercy. But we stand here united, demonstrate our resolve to fight, raise awareness, and ensure that everyone has adequate access to support and resources they need to overcome the challenge.” She stated that the event is here to prove that we are not alone and “truly better together.”
Before she introduced the keynote speaker, Short said, “Survivors, your courage inspires us all to show that despite the difficulties, there’s always hope. To those who are currently facing this fight: you know that you will never be alone. You’re surrounded by a community of those who have walked this journey before you, and who stand by your side now, and will continue to support you in the future.”
She then praised the medical teams who help those battling cancer. “Together, we build a network of care, and compassion that changes lives and brings us closer to a future free of this disease.”
Dr. Kathryn Fiddler then spoke. She thanked everyone for attending, and then stated that this is her first full year of being a cancer survivor. “Today it’s an honor to stand before you, not just as a breast cancer survivor, but as a leader, as a nurse, as a caregiver, as a mom, as a daughter, and a patient with a new perspective to the incredible progress we’ve been able to make in health care, and progress that allows me to stand here, today – healthy, healed, and a survivor,” she said
She stated that from the forefront, women have been advocating for better care, access, and outcomes for the next generation. She said these unseen, unheard heroes laid the foundation for the care that women in this generation reap the harvest thereof. Some of those names included: Mary Lasker – who, in 1943 lost her best friend to breast cancer, and whose work began the campaign to raise funds that helped fund the fight against cancer; Tressa Lasser, who in 1952, underwent a mastectomy and was disappointed in the care she received, thereby starting “Reach to Recovery”; Dr. Karen Wingfield, who in 2000, focused on cancer research and disparities, thereby improving cancer treatment access to minorities; Betty Ford, a former First Lady of the United States, who tore apart the stigma of breast cancer with her public battle while First Lady; former First Lady Nancy Reagan, who endured a battle with breast cancer as well; former First Lady Michelle Obama, who raised awareness.
Fiddler said that the money Lasker raised helped fund proven chemotherapy which helped her be here today. Lasker’s advocacy for better care paved the way for Fiddler’s ability to have a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon do all of their work on her in one day. Dr. Wingfield’s work helps Fiddler and her population health team and the cancer center to do “incredible work.” She said that in 1974, Ford changed the course of history when she took her battle with breast cancer public, because before then, it was something that women did not talk about openly. “Because of her, so many women have taken charge of their health,” Fiddler said, “and I am one of them.”
She then recalled the uncertainty revolving around her own breast cancer diagnosis in January of last year, “I’m so fortunate to have access to the best care, amazing surgeons, oncologists, primary care, and incredible support from many of you, my family, friends, and my colleagues.” She said that grace became her constant companion through the treatments and all that entails a diagnosis such as breast cancer.
“So, I stand here today, enjoying a beautiful life with my family. And I am so grateful for the advancements in medicine that allowed me to be here, and for the courageous women that have made this all possible,” Fiddler said.
She added that this is not just about her, but about “paying forward” the important care that she received. She said that she was there to speak about the campaign to fund a mobile mammography unit. “This is a cause that is close to my heart as a nurse, as a health care leader, and a breast cancer survivor. We are working to ensure that women throughout the Western Shore have access to life-saving mammograms – regardless of where they live, or their financial circumstances. Mobile mammography is more than a service; it’s a lifeline.” She said that giving thousands of women the chance for early detection with the mobile mammography machine would be carrying on the legacy of those women who fought before us.
Jessica Hale, president of TidalHealth Foundation followed Dr. Fiddler. She said that Fiddler approached her in 2021, with her dream for TidalHealth to provide a mobile mammography van for the area. This endeavor will cost a million dollars. Hale said that this was a project close to her own heart, as her mother passed away at the age of 51 from breast cancer. While Hale was in her second trimester of her pregnancy with her first son, her mother was told her breast cancer came back – and was terminal. Her mother broke the news by saying, “Today I just got the best news. I’m going to live long enough to meet your son… my grandson.”
So, Hale stated that when she hears stories of survival, it fills her heart with “so much hope that one day, we can get rid of this thing, because it’s terrible.” She added, “I have never been so proud to be in the position that I am in as president of the TidalHealth Foundation to raise a million dollars for a mobile mammography unit. And I know that my mom would be so proud – because I’m making a difference in the lives of others.”
She said that it does not matter if a contribution is made for a dollar or hundreds of dollars. If a person wants to donate in honor – or in memory – of a person who has battled breast cancer, the name of the person being honored will have their name affixed to the back of the unit, because every life – no matter how great or small – matters.
Seaford Mayor Matt MacCoy said a few words in support. “I just heard someone say that every life matters. I would agree with that wholeheartedly. I would also say that, in this instance, every life inspires.” He said he was humbled by the fight that these women have endured.
Next, Senator Bryant Richardson was praised for his continuous support of TidalHealth and their efforts. “As someone who has lost family members to cancer – breast cancer in particular – I understand the importance of the work you are doing,” the senator said. He promised to do everything he could to help, and expressed surprise that 50 percent of the women in this area have not received mammograms. He committed himself to start calling people in the Department of Health and find out why. He thanked everyone for their hard work.
According to the flyer handed out following the program, the 38-foot Farber luxury motor coach will provide state-of-the-art imaging technology. Superior image quality for detection of breast abnormalities will be provided with Digital mammography and 3D mammography. They will be administered by a certified mammographer, and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist. Because women often prioritize others’ needs before their own, they hope to take the cancer screening unit to schools to service teachers, malls, and more.
To learn more about the “Drive to Mobile Mammography,” or to donate, go to tidalhealth.org/mobilemammo.