Albertstein Johnson-Pickett is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Her son Alec is a junior at Clinton High School, and her daughter Mattise is an 8th grader at Clinton Junior High School.

In this episode, the Picketts talk about what it’s like to be the children of a breast cancer survivor, as well as the impact it had on each family member’s lives. Alec and Mattise talk about how they helped their mom and the ways that this experience has made them grow. Albertstein also goes into detail about the way she told her children she had breast cancer and how she assured them that everything would be okay. They also talk about what it means to have grace under pressure and why Alec and Mattise believe Albertstein Johnson-Pickett is a superhero.

Join Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth, Mississippi affiliate, and Molly May, author, activist, breast cancer survivor and former Miss Mississippi State University, in this conversation with the Pickett family.

About the Show

A production of Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi. Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen was founded byNancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Race for the Cure®, Komen Memphis-Midsouth Mississippi has raised and invested almost $14 million in community breast health programs in 21 counties in the state of Mississippi and contributed over $3.8 million to research. For more information, call 901.757.8686 or visit www.komenmemphisms.org.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by the D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation, producers of FAITHANDREASON®. Learn more about their work at www.faithandreason.org.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women between the ages of 20 and 39.Genetic factors can put women at a higher risk of breast cancer. Women diagnosed at age 40 and younger may have BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations. Women who have a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation can have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer.

Danyell Williams had recently given birth to an eager, lively, alert, bright-eyed baby girl, she and her husband, Richard, had named Sadie Seona. While breast feeding 2-month-old Sadie, Danyell noticed a rather large lump in her breast. Her doctor thought it was a blocked milk duct and suggested hand compression and antibiotics. Although concerned due to her mother having been diagnosed twice with breast cancer, Danyell continued to breastfeed and follow the directions from her doctor.

The lump did not go away. Three months passed, and Danyell found a second lump under her arm. This time she became her own advocate and asked her doctor for a mammogram, regardless of her young age of 32. (Most insurance plans are not required by law to pay for screening mammograms for women below the age of 40.)
Danyell was immediately sent for an ultrasound and a mammogram, which led to a biopsy that same day. Alone and unprepared, Danyell feared the worst.

Join Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate, Molly May, breast cancer survivor and author of My Crowning Achievement, and featured guest, Danyell Williams, as she tells her heart-wrenching story of cancer diagnosis, loss, courage, faith, and the comfort received from the beautiful, encouraging eyes of her baby daughter, Sadie.

About the Show

A production of Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi. Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen was founded byNancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Race for the Cure®,Komen Memphis-Midsouth Mississippi has raised and invested almost $14 million in community breast health programs in 21 counties in the state of Mississippi and contributed over $3.8 million to research. For more information, call 901.757.8686 or visitwww.komenmemphisms.org.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by the D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation, producers of FAITHANDREASON®. Learn more about their work at www.faithandreason.org.

Please consider joining us on April 25, 2020 for our 21st Race for the Cure event to be held in downtown Jackson, MS. 75% of the funds raised remain in Mississippi, providing free/low cost mammograms and transportation assistance to uninsured and underserved women in Mississippi. We have gone beyond awareness to provide real time support for those battling breast cancers by assisting with paying for diagnostic services and treatment while investing in groundbreaking research. REGISTER NOW at https://komenmemphisms.org

About the Show

A production of Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi. Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Race for the Cure®, Komen Memphis-Midsouth Mississippi has raised and invested almost $14 million in community breast health programs in 21 counties in the state of Mississippi and contributed over $3.8 million to research. For more information, call 901.757.8686 or visit komenmemphisms.org.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by the D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation, producers of FAITHANDREASON®. Learn more about their work at https://www.faithandreason.org.

Throughout this Pink Podcast, Dr. Timothy Allen, Chair of Pathology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, talks about the importance of having one’s pathologist talk directly with the patient to review and explain the pathologic findings. Dr. Allen describes his role as a pathologist as “your physician who diagnoses your disease and who makes sure lab testing for diseases is done accurately and safely.”

Discussing your pathology report with both your primary physician and pathologist present will help the patient understand the diagnosis, how the disease can be managed, and what treatments are recommended.

Join Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth, Mississippi affiliate, and Debo Dykes, breast cancer survivor, in this informative and provocative conversation with Dr. Timothy Allen.

About the Show

A production of Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi. Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. Through events like the Race for the Cure®, Komen Memphis-Midsouth Mississippi has raised and invested almost $14 million in community breast health programs in 21 counties in the state of Mississippi and contributed over $3.8 million to research. For more information, call 901.757.8686 or visit komenmemphisms.org

This podcast is proudly sponsored by the D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation, producers of FAITHANDREASON®. Learn more about their work at https://www.faithandreason.org.

In this PINK PODCAST, Donna speaks openly, with enthusiasm and wholeheartedness, about her experience over this past year. After her first year of surviving breast cancer, Donna writes, “But here's the thing: I've never been happier, more grateful, or as focused and mindful as I am now. For one thing, I'm alive. I was lucky a routine exam caught the cancer early so that I didn't need chemo or radiation, even if I did have my body cut up. Considering how much I love life, my work, Todd and my wonderful network of friends, family and readers, I immediately quit drinking alcohol, and gave up sugar (not fruit), in a quest to keep the cancer from returning. I went on walks while leaning on a stick for months, and I'm a smaller weight than in decades. I even prefer my new boob size.” (Read the article in its entirety at
https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2019/oct/16/editors-note-recovering-out-loud-loss-and-breast-c/ )

We learn that if one’s mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, there is an increased chance that you could also develop the disease. While most breast cancer is actually not hereditary, it is helpful to know if you have family members who were ever diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who have a mother, sister, or even a daughter who developed breast cancer at a young age (premenopausal) have double the risk of the disease compared to those who don't have this family history.

If you have a “first-degree” relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a 24% chance of developing the disease.  If you have 2 “first-degree” relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, you risk increases to 36% of developing the disease (Stephen, P., June 2019)

Fortunately, Molly’s mom is a survivor and has shared with her their family history. It’s important for everyone to gather as much information about one’s family history as possible and share this information with your doctor.

Molly continues her positive outlook on life and brings inspiration and kindness to everyone she meets.

Reference:  Stephen, P. June 2019. "Your Risk of Breast Cancer if Your Mother Had Breast Cancer". Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/mother-and-daughter-breast-cancer-is-it-inevitable-430161

Dr. Tang responds to questions from Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of our Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth Mississippi affiliate, and Molly May, author of My Crowning Achievement, and double mastectomy survivor, about the misconceptions of participating in clinical trials, the benefits of clinical trials, as well as a discussion about actual cures for breast cancer.

Dr. Tang recognizes that in treating patients with breast cancer, “One size does not fit all. Different cancers behave differently. Using immunotherapy tailored to an individual’s tumor, the patient is offered a more precise care.”

Is there a cure for breast cancer? Listen to what Dr. Tang has to say about present cures for cancer. We think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Metro Jackson Race for the Cure

Join us on Saturday, April 13, 2019, for our Metro Jackson Race for the Cure, at the Old Capitol War Memorial in downtown Jackson, MS. A “Survivor Breakfast & Photo” will be at 7:30 am, with the race beginning at 8:00 am. There will be activities for everyone. Please join us and help raise funds to meet the most critical needs of our community … Saving lives! Register online TODAY at https://komenmemphisms.org/

This “Pink Podcast” episode talks with breast cancer survivor, Georgia Brown, who was diagnosed in 2017. Georgia shares her personal story of struggle, survival, and the compassion and strength of friends, family, and her faith.

Georgia graduated from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s in the same discipline from Mississippi College. Georgia has been a writer and editor for several magazines throughout the South, but her true calling has been teaching English and Spanish at the high school level.

In January of 2017, Georgia was diagnosed with stage II invasive ductal carcinoma and although she faced chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, she remained in the classroom at Jackson Academy throughout her yearlong battle. Upon completing her treatments, she took on a new challenge in August 2018 when she accepted a position as 10th and 11th grade English instructor at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg where she teaches European and American literature. Georgia relishes any opportunity to speak to the media, support groups, Bible studies and participate in podcasts to share her story. And, at the request of one of her physicians in Houston, she served as web content advisor for M.D. Anderson’s Radiation Oncology Department at the Nellie Connally Breast Center to improve patients’ online experience. Georgia soon hopes to write a devotional book for women facing a cancer diagnosis and is in talks with her minister to establish a Stephen ministry at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in the Fondren area of Jackson, MS.

All Sherry Hartfield was expecting that day was a little helpful doctor’s advice with her blood pressure medicine.

Instead, Sherry showed her doctor a rash that led to a mammogram, revealing stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, one of the rarest and most aggressive forms. Immediately, Sherry called her daughters, Cora Beth and Meade, letting them know of her diagnosis.

Quickly, Sherry got a glimpse of how strong her daughters could be when the need is there.
Sherry moved in with her daughter, Cora Beth, and both Cora Beth and Meade became their mother’s caregivers. Cora Beth and Meade stepped into action educating themselves about inflammatory breast cancer, and providing their mother with the love, support, encouragement, nurturing, and God’s ever-present strength to endure.

In this Pink Podcast episode Cora Beth and Meade share the heart-warming story of their mother’s love, her courage, support from her friends, and her deep faith in Jesus Christ.
To the amazement, wonder and gratitude of Sherry Hartfield’s daughters, friends, and doctors, she defied the odds and lived five and a half years beyond what was expected. Sherry died in August 2017.

Each year, Cora Beth and Meade continue the memory of their mother through “Team Sherry,” by participating in the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure,” the largest and most successful fundraising event for breast cancer ever created. Join Cora Beth and Meade and hundreds of others on April 13, 2019, in downtown Jackson, MS, as we celebrate survivorship and remember those who have lost their fight to the disease.

Unlike other races, 85% of funds raised in the “Race for the Cure” remain in Mississippi helping our local community fund breast cancer education, and breast cancer screening and treatment projects. Please register now at www.komenmemphisms.org, EVENTS, “Metro Jackson Race for the Cure,” and join the largest breast cancer fund raiser in 60 countries worldwide.

In this PINK PODCAST episode, Allyn talks about losing her mother to breast cancer at the age of 16 and the difficulty she experienced resulting from this tragic loss. Allyn has since partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Tigerlilly Foundation, educating women in cancer prevention.

In the fall of 2012, Rose revealed her decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy. In June 2013, she gave a TED Talk at Chapman University on the Power of Redefining Breasts. Rose continues to work as a preventive healthcare advocate and contributor on several national media outlets. The 21st Annual Congress on Women’s Health awarded her the Women’s Health Advocacy Award.

Hosts Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Memphis Midsouth Mississippi affiliate, and Molly May, author, double mastectomy survivor, and Miss Mississippi State University, share a heartwarming conversation with Allyn Rose who encourages women throughout the world struggling with breast cancer to remember, “My mastectomy does not define me. How I look is simply an accessory.”

This year marks our 20th year of providing breast health care to uninsured and underserved women in Mississippi. Please join us on April 13, 2019, for our RACE FOR THE CURE and help us continue to support breast health and fight breast cancer. Register at komenmemphisms.org.

To learn more about the Memphis-Mississippi chapter of Susan G. Komen, visit https://komenmemphisms.org/.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by the D.L. Dykes, Jr. Foundation, producers of FAITHANDREASON®. Learn more about their work at https://www.faithandreason.org.