By Southwester Staff
The Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund (TDJBCF) recently celebrated its 12th Anniversary of the TDJBCF Support Group, and National Minor- ity Health Month, via Zoom and Face- book live. Thought leaders in the cancer community joined to discuss the National Minority Health Month theme Give Your Community a Boost! The theme focuses on the continued importance of COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools we can use to protect communities from Covid-19, which has disproportionately affected communities of color. Give Your Community a Boost! also supports the many other efforts hap- pening in communities across the country to advance health equity. In addition, the theme supplements the CDC recommen- dations to prevent Covid-19 transmissions such as physical distancing, use of well- fitting masks, adequate ventilation, and avoidance of crowded indoor spaces. If you need help getting your vaccinations or boosters, please contact the TDJBCF at (202) 251-1639 or thelma@tdjbreastcan- cerfund.org.
Cheryl Shaw, two-time breast cancer survivor, advocate and philanthropist kicked off the celebration with sharing her years of involvement in the nonprofit sector, her survivorship story and her feeling grateful throughout her journey, followed by a thought-provoking question and answer session. Emcee TDJBCF Founder Thelma D. Jones then welcomed four of its partners and collaborators along with a recognition of special guest Warren M. Shadd. Shadd, a former 13-year SW resident and the first large-scale commercial African American piano manufacturer, briefly shared his new non-invasive invention in the fight against cancer, which is still in development. To hear more details on Shadd’s invention and the speakers’ presentations, please visit https://www. facebook.com/TDJBreastCancerFund.
Looking ahead to the May support group meeting, the TDJBCF welcomes guest speaker Dr. Julie E. Bauman, MD, MPH, Director, GW Cancer Center and renowned clinical researcher in both cancer preven- tion and treatment on Wednesday, May 18, at 6:30 pm via Zoom and the TDJBCF Facebook live. Dr. Bauman is the professor of medicine and former deputy director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Arizona. She will speak on the role and mission of the GW Cancer Center, including sharing her vision as the new director. For more information, please visit www.tdjbreastcancerfund.org or email thelma@tdjbreastcancerfund.org.