How a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Changed My Life
By Andrea Ivory
While on a quest for my purpose in life, I received a breast cancer diagnosis. I never asked, “Why me?” Instead, I asked, “What for?” and soon realized that my experience was a vehicle to serve other women.
Awareness about breast cancer and access to annual screenings were essential to my early diagnosis. Good treatment options, proper navigation, and skilled care were the keys to my successful outcome. But not all women are as fortunate – and I wanted to change that and make a difference in their lives.
Throughout my treatment and recovery, I was determined to enlist in the fight against breast cancer. One year later, I established the Women’s Breast Health Initiative, Florida Affiliate, with a core concentration on grassroots, door-to-door outreach. Breaking down barriers and mobilizing people and resources, this interventional program delivers the message of early detection and provides screening in targeted neighborhoods, serving at-risk women. The program was developed to engage our community by empowering women to understand the benefits of prevention and early detection.
Together, what an impact we have made. Since our first outreach campaign in 2006, representatives from the Women’s Breast Health Initiative have knocked on the doors of more than 70,000 homes in South Florida, providing information on how to beat breast cancer. Referrals for women not living in our targeted door-to-door neighborhoods, and ongoing annual screenings were added to the program to ensure a broader impact. Each year, we help more than 500 at-risk women receive breast cancer screenings that, in many cases, have saved lives.
In 2013, heart disease was integrated into our program to address a health crisis, which is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. Both breast cancer and heart disease share several risk factors and are treatable and beatable when detected early. Each month, our door–to-door outreach campaign educates women about the importance of breast and heart health and ends with mammograms, heart screenings, physical activity, nutrition sessions, and the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with a healthy eating guide.
Jackson Health System was one of the first collaborating partners to embrace our efforts by bringing out its digital Mobile Mammogram Unit – operated by the Taylor Breast Health Center/Roberta Orlen Chaplin Digital Breast Imaging Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital – into underserved neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County to provide screenings. Our combined efforts have given women who would otherwise not have access to breast health care, an opportunity to learn about early detection and be screened. Jackson also provides the additional layer of hypertension and cholesterol screenings to these targeted populations. From the inception of our mission, Jackson Health System has continued its support in reaching this vulnerable population of women in Miami-Dade County with preventive care and treatment. We are honored to serve by their side.
In 2014, I celebrated 10 years being cancer-free. I reflect on how breast cancer has enabled me to find purpose and I can’t help but be grateful for the privilege I have of serving others.
For more inspiring stories and breast health resources, visit WhyICheck.org
To schedule a mammogram and learn more about Jackson Health’s comprehensive breast health centers and leading edge-technology, visit here.
Andrea Ivory is a breast cancer survivor and founder of the Women’s Breast Health Initiative. For more information about the organization, visit www.flbreasthealth.com or call 305-825-4081.
For more information about Jackson Health System’s Breast Health services, visit www.JacksonHealth.org or call 305-585-6000 to make an appointment for a screening mammogram.