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10th Annual Sister to Sister Fitness Festival

On Saturday, October 1, 2011 — walkers, volunteers, corporations and community supporters from throughout the Dallas/Cedar Hill community will unite to walk and address the risks of breast cancer among African American women and women of color. The Celebrating Life Foundation will provide culturally relevant information to the community and raise money to continue the work of the foundation.

Register Now

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Where: Cedar Ridge Preserve
7171 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75249 USA
Phone: 972.709.7784

Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Registration: 7:30 am – 8:00 am

Donation: $10.00

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Proceeds from this event will go to support the efforts of the Celebrating Life Foundation for breast cancer awareness. If you can’t attend, please send a donation to the Celebrating Life Foundation, 12100 Ford Road, Suite 100, Dallas , Texas 75234 . 972-501-9981 x 110

($3.00 for each participant will go to the Cedar Ridge Preserves.)

New study in Journal of the American College of Surgeons finds large disparities in care, treatment compared with caucasian women

CHICAGO (May 4, 2009) – New research published in the May issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that dramatic disparities in breast cancer outcomes continue to exist for African-American women, regardless of the age at which they are diagnosed, extent of the cancer, type of treatment or socioeconomic status. The study represents the largest population-based analysis of breast cancer outcomes data to date, including more than 60,000 patients in the state of Florida.

Although government programs to improve access to breast cancer screening and treatment have been in place for nearly two decades, African-American women continue to suffer a high breast cancer mortality rate, even though the incidence of breast cancer in this population is lower than in Caucasian women.

The research indicates that breast cancer outcomes for African-American women might be improved by lowering the recommended age of initial screening from 40 years to 33 years, the age at which the percentage of African-American women who develop breast cancer is similar to the percentage of Caucasian women in whom the disease develops under 40 years of age.

“Current screening guidelines are not sufficient in detecting breast cancer in African-American patients because the disease has already developed in over 10 percent of these women by age 40,” said Leonidas G. Koniaris, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncology DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. “However, even with earlier diagnosis, our analysis uncovered serious socioeconomic barriers that prevent many African-American women with breast cancer from receiving the latest, most specific treatments.”

The analysis identified 63,472 patients with invasive breast cancer using the Florida Cancer Data System and data from the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration. Overall, 90.5 percent of patients were Caucasian and 7.6 percent were African American. More than half of the study population (59.4 percent) lived at or below 10 percent of the federal poverty level, according to the 2007 United States Census Bureau report. Five-year survival was calculated from the time of initial diagnosis to the date of last contact or death.

African-American patients presented with breast cancer at a younger age and a more advanced stage, with approximately 72.1 percent of African-American women diagnosed before the age of 65, in comparison with 50.3 percent among Caucasian women (p<0.001). Whereas the majority (68 percent) of Caucasian women were diagnosed with disease that had not spread beyond the breast, only 52.4 percent of African-American women presented with localized disease. Metastatic disease was seen nearly twice as often in African-American women when compared with Caucasian women (5.9 percent versus 3.1 percent; p<0.001). Overall, African-American women had a significantly lower overall five-year survival rate compared with Caucasian women (68.6 versus 79.4 percent, p<0.001). Upon diagnosis, African-American patients were less likely than Caucasian patients to undergo surgical therapy. Furthermore, among those patients who did undergo surgical therapy, survival rates for African-American women were still considerably lower than for Caucasian women. Similarly, African-American patients who received nonsurgical therapy (e.g., chemotherapy) had a lower rate of survival compared with Caucasian patients who received similar treatments. A stepwise multivariate analysis revealed a significant decrease in the risk of death observed for African-American patients upon adjustment for stage of presentation, suggesting that disparities in breast cancer outcomes are, in part, a result of advanced stage at diagnosis. Researchers also identified socioeconomic status as an independent predictor of poor breast cancer outcomes. Patients in the lowest socioeconomic status category (>15 percent living under the federal poverty level) were diagnosed with higher rates of metastatic disease (4.1 percent vs. 2.8 percent; p<0.001) than patients in the higher-income categories. Patients of low socioeconomic status were treated less frequently with surgical therapy. Five-year survival was statistically decreased as poverty level increased for all types of treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical.

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About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 74,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.

Sylvia Dunnavant, author and photographer who wants to inspire and
motivate women and girls all over the world to live the life that God
has intended them to live.

USmile Magazine interviewed the writer/poet Ms. Dunnavant about her
upcoming projects and her passion to help other women.

Read full interview

When: Saturday, May 29, 2010

Where:
Cedar Ridge Preserve
7171 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75249 USA
Phone: 972.709.7784

Time: 8:30 am to 10:30 am
Registration 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Donation $10.00

Proceeds from this event will go to support the efforts of the Celebrating Life Foundation for breast cancer awareness. If you can’t attend, please send a donation to

The Celebrating Life Foundation,
12100 Ford Road, Suite 100,
Dallas, Texas 75234
Phone: 972-501-9981 x 110

($3.00 for each participant will go to the Cedar Ridge Preserves.)

On Saturday, February 9th designer Anthony Mark Hankins will host his 3rd annual breast cancer awareness tea at the Atelier located at 5450 Gaston Ave., Dallas, Texas 75214. The event will take place from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM with a fashion show at 1:00 PM, which will give a sneak preview of Hankins’ fabulous fashions.

Losing a mother and a sister to breast cancer, Anthony Mark Hankins’ assistant, Isacc Birdlong says, “Both Anthony and I have been touched by breast cancer and we are very committed to the cause.” With enthusiasm he adds, “We were so excited with the success of last years event, we can’t wait for this one.”

The first 100 people to register for this event will receive a special gift pack. There will also be free mammograms provided by St. Paul Mammography Unit for those without insurance. To schedule a mammogram please contact the Celebrating Life foundation at 972-501-9981 ext. 110.

The Celebrating Life Foundation will receive 20% of proceeds from all sales. There is a $10.00 donation requested for this event.

The Celebrating Life Foundation is a non- profit organization devoted to educating the African American community and women of color about the risks of breast cancer, and the benefits of early detection and treatment.

State Farm Insurance Companies is a sponsor of this event. Renee Syler of CBS/11 will be the Mistress of Ceremony for the Fashion Show.

State Farm Insurance Companies has once again demonstrated its commitment to the African-American community through a donation of $25,000 to the Celebrating Life Foundation, a leading foundation in promoting breast cancer awareness among African-American and other women of color.

“We take pride in the fact Sate Farm is partnering with the Celebrating Life Foundation to assist them in furthering their outreach efforts and enhancing their ability to implement effective programs targeting the African American community,” said Linda H. Tyson, Multi-Cultural Markets Manager for State Farm Insurance Companies.

The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 5, 700 African American women will die from breast cancer this year. According to Sylvia Dunnavant, Founder and Executive Director of the Celebrating Life Foundation, “Many of those deaths will be attributed to women presenting in the later stages of the disease. It is extremely important that we educate our women about breast cancer, so that they realize that breast cancer does not have to be a death 
sentence. Early detection is the key. With early detection it increases our longevity, as well as our options for treatment.”

State Farms Insurance Companies, is the community outreach sponsor for the organization this year and their financial commitment will assist the foundation with all their actives this year, including: Anthony Mark Hankins’ Breast Cancer Awareness Tea, The Pastor’s Wives Breakfast, 2nd Annual Sister to Sister (5K) Fitness Festival, Super Sunday 2001, Celebrating Life Conference Weekend and a breast cancer survivors retreat.

“We have already distributed over a million African American breast self exam cards across the country, as well as serving thousands of churches with our Super Sunday program. With corporate support like State Farm’s we are empowered to increase our efforts, “states Dunnavant.

For further information as to how you can become involved with the efforts of the Celebrating Life Foundation call 800-207-0992.

Many people look to October as breast cancer awareness month, but for Renee Hornbuckle, co-pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship, breast cancer is something she is aware of every day.

“For me breast cancer is a personal commitment, because I have lost three cousins to the disease and I have two sisters that are breast cancer survivors,” said Hornbuckle, who is known for being in the forefront of women’s issues.

Hornbuckle will serve as co-chairperson, along with Debbie Denmon of “Good Morning Texas,” for the 4th Annual Sister to Sister Fitness Festival (5k) walk race, which will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2003 at Kiest Park in Dallas, Texas.

“We are very excited to have both Renee Hornbuckle and Debbie Denmon assist us with the Sister to Sister Fitness Festival (5K) walk/race this year,” states Sylvia Dunnavant, Founder and Executive Director of the Celebrating Life Foundation. “I know both women are committed to their own personal health, and to overall healthy lifestyles. Although our main focus is breast cancer, we think it is very important to reduce our risk from all diseases to promote overall healthy lifestyles and that is our primary focus this year,” added Dunnavant.

The Festival will begin with an aerobic workout at 8:00 a.m., and the walk race will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. Personal fitness consultants Vern Thomas and Harold Owens, from F.I.T. Body, as well as representatives from Bally Total Fitness health club will be on hand to assist people in making a personal commitment to a health lifestyle.

There will be 18 vendor booths providing health-related information including nutrition, body fat analysis, blood pressure screenings, and bone marrow donations. Mammograms will also be available for women over the age of 35. For mammogram appointments you may call 214-648-7421.

Even the kids will have an opportunity to take part in the festival, because there will be a special children’s area. This area will include clowns and face painting.

The corporate supporters for the Sister to Sister (5k) Fitness Festival include State Farm Insurance Companies, Aetna Health Care, Wells Fargo, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, the Dallas Examiner, KHVN and the Dallas Weekly.

Celebrity hosts for this event are Angelique Tege, Antonio Johnson, Tonya Hall, Dianne Gibson, Commissioner John Wiley Price, Lynne Haze and Reverend Sheron Patterson.

There is a registration fee of $20.00 for walkers and runners; however, the festival activities are free to the public. Registration forms may be picked up at participating locations or printed from the Sister to Sister Fitness Festival website, www.celebratinglife.kintera.org.

The Celebrating Life Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to educating the African American community and women of color about the risks of breast cancer, and the benefits of early detection and treatment.

Whether you’re in a relationship or looking, you’ll fall head over heals in love with designer Anthony Mark Hankins latest line. For the third straight year you’ll have an opportunity for a preview of his outstanding fashions, and just in time for Valentine Day.

On Saturday, February 9th designer Mr. Hankins will host his annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea benefiting the Celebrating Life Foundation at the Atelier. It’s located at 5450 Gaston Ave., Dallas, Texas 75214. The event will take place from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM with a fashion show at 1:00 PM.

Anthony Mark Hankins’ assistant, Isacc Birdlong (who lost a mother and a sister to breast cancer) said, “Both Anthony and I have been touched by breast cancer and we are very committed to the cause.”

This year’s Tea promises to be even more bedazzling. Birdlong said, “We were so excited with the success of last years event, we can’t wait for this one.”

The Celebrating Life Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to the education African-American and other women of color about the risks of breast cancer. Mr. Hankins has so graciously consented to share a generous portion of the proceeds of the event to support a cause that is dear to his heart.

A nominal $10 donation is requested of those attending. The first 100 to register will receive a gift pack. There will also be free mammograms for the uninsured. They’re being provided by St. Paul Mammography Unit.

To schedule a mammogram please contact (CLF) at 972-501-9981 ext. 110.

State Farm Insurance Companies is a sponsor of this event. Debra Mars of Mars Promotions is program chairwoman. Channel 11′s Renee Syler will serve as Mistress of Ceremony for the Fashion Show.

Daphne Maxwell Reid will be the keynote speaker for the seventh annual Celebrating Life Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon. Reid is known as Aunt Viv, the matriarch on NBC’s hit comedy, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air;” for her role of Hannah Griffin on the CBS comedy series “Frank’s Place” in which she co-starred with her husband, Tim Reid; and for her role as Eartha on the Showtime series, “Linc’s”. She will be joined by none other than gospel singing sensation, Vickie Winans.

The name “Winans” is synonymous with gospel music, and *Vickie Winans*definitely lives up to her name after 17 years of continuously singing the good news of Jesus Christ. The captivating vocals of this multi-talented artist are like a soulful, finely tuned instrument that piques the emotions and uplifts the spirit. Vickie has ahigh-powered, energetic, yet smooth and inspirational style as showcased in all her Grammy-nominated, Stellar Award and NAACP Award–winning albums.Reid and Winans are no strangers to the Celebrating Life Foundation, which is geared toward education.

“It only seems fitting to have Daphne as our keynote speaker as we celebrate our seven-year anniversary. She can truly attest to our growth, because she has been with us since the very beginning. She hosted our kick-off six years ago in Washington, DC with Carson Products,” said Sylvia Dunnavant, founder and executive director of the Foundation.

“There is no doubt we are ecstatic about Vickie joining us again as well. I don’t know of any other gospel performer that has the type of stamina she has. I can’t think of a better combination for our seventh anniversary,” added Dunnavant.

Reid is very familiar with breast cancer, and admits that she became aware of breast cancer at the age of nine, when her mother had a benign lump removed. However, the issue really became a passion of hers when her cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I grew up with her, but I watched her fade away because of this devastating disease. It was at that point I realized I must become vigilant for my friends and relatives,” said Reid.

“We too are vulnerable to this disease. We must stay on guard because without our health our community loses a strong force of womanpower,” states Reid, regarding the high mortality rate of African American women to breast cancer.

The Celebrating Life Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon will be held October 5th at 11:30 AM at the Westin Park Central Hotel, Dallas, Texas. The Celebrating Life Foundation promotes breast cancer awareness among African American women.

The luncheon will also include a hat presentation featuring couturier designs by Dallas designer Rita Morgan.

This year CLF will pay a post mortem tribute to Paula McClure, and honor Pastor E.K. Bailey, Senior Pastor of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, for his tenacious fight with cancer. The organization will also present the *“Lifetime Award”* to Barbara Hawkins with American Airlines for her continuous support.

The weekend will culminate on Saturday evening with a gospel concert hosted by Reid and featuring Vickie Winans, Bernard James, the Inspiring Body of Christ Mass Choir (IBOC), and St. John Missionary Baptist Mass Choir at IBOC Church located at 7710 South Westmoreland Road, Dallas, Texas 75237. The concert will be free with a contribution to breast cancer.

Tickets for the luncheon are $50 and may be purchased through the Celebrating Life Foundation. State Farm Insurance Companies, American Airlines, Bank One, USFI, Wells Fargo and KHVN are sponsoring this event. For more information, contact the Celebrating Life Foundation at 972-501-9983, or visit their website at www.celebratinglife.org