Rosa H. Brown
My name is Rosa H. Brown and I am a bilateral breast cancer survivor. I was first diagnosed in April 1991 and had a right modified mastectomy. Again, I was diagnosed in November 2001 and had a left modified mastectomy. It wasn’t a recurrence, but new cancer. I was fortunate both times and didn’t have to take chemo or radiation—but because of keeping up with my mammograms it was detected early. I took Tamoxifen for six years and now I am on Aromasin. I thank God for my recovery. I also had a husband (who is now deceased) who was very supportive and helped me to get through the ordeal.
I have been a part of Bosom Buddies since August, 1991. I was encouraged to join by my then pastor’s wife who was a member. I am now a part of the Northwest Atlanta Berean’s Seventh Day Adventist Church group. I serve as Co-facilitator. I have been one for 15 years. This group was organized in March 2000 with 11 members. We now have approximately 30 members. Our mission is the same as all Bosom Buddies—to provide support, service and education during diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast cancer. We seek to eradicate breast cancer through early detection and education while enhancing the quality of life for women living with breast cancer.
Since becoming a part of Bosom Buddies, I decided to do some things to help bring about awareness of the number of deaths among women, especially African-Americans due to breast cancer. My first chance was to speak to a group—Multi-City Mammography at Georgia State University.
They needed an elder Afro-American survivor to tell her story. I was it—with knees shaking—but with the help of Selma Morris, I survived. I worked with the committee later in planning the “Bells for Remembrance” which was done at the church on Mother’s Day. My church became a part of the program and I coordinated the program. I also became a part of the Health Ministry at my church (big Bethel AME). I became the coordinator for all projects relating to breast cancer. In October of each year, we were given the opportunity to have a speaker (survivor) at each service (4-5 mins) at 7:45 and 11 a.m. to tell their story. I also set up a display table pinned pink ribbons on members as they entered the service. In June 1997, during Women’s Emphasis Month, I was named one of 10 “women of color” because of my work to bring awareness to the congregation of the plight of Afro-Americans to deaths and cases due to breast cancer. At one point, I was able to get the Mobile Unit for screening of breast cancer to come to the church.
I have spoken to the women’s Missionary group at the church and also participated in a Health Seminar for them. I also spoke to a Bible Study class at Mt.Calvary Baptist Church re: breast cancer.
I wrote an article for our own newsletter here where I live—Bib Bethel Village, called “The Villager” This was written about 2 years ago. I also talk to the group here every October and provide information and pink ribbons to all. We have approximately 75 women here.
I have been a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society for approximately 10 years. I appeared in a video for Multi-City Mammography Program called “Mammograms for Life.” The opening and closing statement was done by Monica Kaufman (a breast cancer survivor). Also featured as one of 8 survivors, on Internet for Breast Health Connection about 3 years ago. I was also noted as one of the interviewees for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1999 while at Camp Bluebird.
Our group meetings are unique because we have a large number of members who are not just on the roll but come to the meetings. We have doctors come in to educate us on nutrition, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, guidance counseling and massage therapy.
We participate in educational conferences, health fairs, walks, and cancer screening days to educate women on the importance of good breast health.
We come together once a month to support one another, fellowship and celebrate life. Occasionally, we also get together at various times and go out to lunch or dinner. We always have a Christmas gathering.
For the past 3 years we have shared our blessings with 2 less fortunate families at Christmas. We bought clothes for 2 families. For 2 years it was for a family of 6-10 persons. For 1 year it was a family of 5. It was such a joy for us to do this.
We are also unique in having our Facilitator named the first facilitator of the year. Gladys Thornton. We salute her for she is the best. She goes beyond and above the call of duty. She leaves no stones unturned. She keeps in constant touch with the members especially if they have had surgery, other illnesses or misfortunes of any kind. She is always there for us and we love her dearly. She is certainly an example for others to follow.
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