In recognition of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, More Than Conquerors Breast Cancer Support Group has been busy with several events. The support group was established in January 2007 by Dr. Rixie Thompson, a two-time breast cancer survivor who resides in Grambling.
The support group was formed due to Thompson’s recurrence of breast cancer, lack of support from local and surrounding parishes and lack of awareness about the disease.
The support group’s name was taken from Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us,” said Dr. Thompson. The group started with seven members but has currently grown to 30.
“As survivors go through the journey of breast cancer, they become not just mere survivors, but they become more than conquerors because of the many other trials they conquer during the journey,” explained Dr. Thompson.
The group is an active participant with American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Louisiana Coalition of African American Breast Cancer Survivors.
The mission of the support group is committed to providing educational, emotional, domestic, spiritual support and encouragement to those who are experiencing the effect of breast cancer, either personally or by relationships.
“We increase breast cancer awareness by organizing and hosting breast health/awareness seminars and providing educational materials. This support group offers demonstrations on how to do breast self-exams, hands-on training using breast models with lumps, and referrals for mammograms and treatment,” Thompson said. The group sponsors at least three or more seminars over the course of the year.
The main event for the group will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. “The Pink Spa-Party” at Grambling City Hall. This will be a night of pampering especially for breast cancer survivors. On Sunday, Oct. 27, the group will sip tea with other breast cancer survivors at the Tea Time for a Cure hosted by Sandra Boston in Arcadia.
The group will wrap up the month of October by participating in the Breast Cancer Awareness Balloon release hosted by the Let Us Dream Organization on the Grambling State University campus Thursday, Oct. 31 at 12:15 p.m.
Tie signature events and projects that the support group is known for includes The Pink Pearl Tea, The Beauty and The Breast Pageant, “We Got Your Back” Backpack Project, The Pink Warrior of the Month Care Box Project, The Pink Carpet Gala, The Pink Soiree, Jewelry For A Jewel Like You Project, Paint The Town Pink Project, initiating the first Proclamation to declare October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the City of Grambling, the first “Give Breast Cancer The Boot” Parade in Grambling, and wigs (custom made and refurbish) services offered to survivors in treatment via “Her Hair Matters” by Krystal Terrell. The support group just recently celebrated the grand opening of “Jonetta’s Locs of Love” Wig Parlor in Grambling with new wigs donated by Tamisha Moats for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The group kicked off the month with the Breast Cancer Awareness Motorcycle Pink Excursion and Fun Day in the Park which included more than thirty motorcycles, slingshots, and spiders riding in honor of a survivor and in memory of a loved one who has died from breast cancer on Saturday Oct. 5. The Riders delivered a special awareness package to survivors in Minden and returned to Grambling for the Grand Finale Ride. While the Riders were on the excursion, breast cancer survivors waited and had fun and a grand celebration of life in Grambling City Park.
Friday, Oct. 11, they completed “We Got Your Back” Backpack Project and delivered 40 packed backpacks which included special items for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Green Clinic in Ruston. They give special thanks to their Pink Sponsors, Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority for making this project a great success.
Saturday, Oct. 12, More Than Conquerors participated in Grambling State University Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Out Game. The University honored breast cancer survivors during the Half-time Show as the GSU Band honored survivors with a special performance and a special treat from GSU President Martin Lemelle, Jr.
Tuesday, Oct. 15, they celebrated Open House and Mocktails while they introduced the new “Jonetta’s Locs of Love” Wig Parlor, located at 2084 W. Martin Luther King Jr Avenue (inside of Heavenly Hair Beauty Salon) in Grambling, to breast cancer survivors near and far.
The support group meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Grambling City Hall. For more information about upcoming events or the support group, contact Dr. Thompson at 318-278-0346 or send an email to: mtcbreastcancergroup@yahoo.com.