Staff Writer
Photos by Steve Peterson
Many Shades of Pink Fashion Show Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors was held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 5:00pm – 9:30pm. The event honored breast cancer survivors from around San Diego County and presented prudent breast health information for women, specifically African American women. This event was a fundraiser to help with the mission of saving lives by providing free screening mammograms and resources for minority women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Many Shades of Pink Foundation partnered with two other organizations, “A Healthier Me.” and PRO, to bring San Diego an amazing evening honoring breast cancer survivors who were wearing exquisite fashions. Emceed by Stevie Flowers, the wonderful evening of fashion and jazz highlighted top local fashion designers in San Diego and live performances by international recording saxophonist Jazmin Ghent and local vocalist Daneen Wilburn. The Unsung Hero Awardees were: Tony Broyld, Sabrina Thomas, Rosalyn Williams, Debra Portee, and Jackie Clark. Attendees had an opportunity to participate in a silent auction, giveaways and much more.
Dr. Suzanne Afflalo and Wendy Shurelds are the founders of the free monthly Community Outreach event, “Good Health =Long Life” that provides free screening mammograms and brings several organizations together to offer numerous free services and resources to the underserved community. San Diego Continuing Education (SDCEats) and Feeding San Diego partners to provide fresh produce each month from 10am to 5pm at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) at 4343 Ocean View Blvd. San Diego, Ca. 92113.
African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other racial and ethnic group in the United States. In San Diego the mortality rate is 41 percent higher than for white women. This alarming trend is likely the result in late-stage diagnosis, cultural and financial barriers, and being at risk for triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women. Early detection and effective treatment for breast cancer has been shown to improve survival. This is one of the reasons why Many Shades of Pink Foundation provides free screening mammograms, breast cancer support and resources.
To qualify for a free mammogram, you must be uninsured, underinsured or low-income, 40 years of age and haven’t had a mammogram in the past 12 months or women under 40 experiencing breast symptoms.
Many Shades of Pink Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization for breast cancer support and resources. It was established in 2018 by Wendy Shurelds, a breast cancer survivor, who believes all women and men should have resources and access to healthcare.
