By Southwester Staff
The May meeting of the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund (TDJBCF) Support Group welcomed Dr. Julie E. Bauman, newly appointed Director of the George Washington University Cancer Center, who spoke virtually from Arizona. Delivering a thought-provoking presentation which included personal stories, Bauman acknowledged that her career was shaped by her parents who were proud and dedicated public health servants. In addition, she talked about her career work, the role and mission of the GW Cancer Center and her vision as the new director. Followed by a robust question and answer session, Dr. Bauman expressed an interest in returning and updating the group on the future work of the center.
In celebration of the TDJBCF’s 10th Anniversary, Mandi Pratt-Chapman MA, PhD, the Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the GW Cancer Center, paid tribute to Thelma D. Jones, the founder of TDJBCF.
“She has been an advisor for numerous researchers at GW as we identify ways to address long-standing health inequities, particularly among white and Black breast cancer survivors. She is a strong dissemination champion to ensure that evidence-based information, events, and educational research opportunities are reached by her wide network of friends and colleagues,” said Pratt Chapman. To view the full presentation, please visit https://www.facebook.com/TDJBreastCancerFund/.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 15, at 6:30 pm via Zoom and the TDJBCF Facebook Live. The meeting will celebrate the Howard University Cancer Center, (HUCC) Juneteenth, and the FDA Second Annual National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. The TDJBCF Support Group meeting will feature former long-time Southwest resident Dr. Carla D. Williams, Associate Professor of Medicine and Public Health and Interim Director at the HUCC. Williams will discuss HUCC programs and the impact the center continues to have on the community.
In addition, Cherie Spencer, MS, MCHES, the Director of Community Outreach at the HUCC will provide an overview of upcoming activities for the FDA National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. This includes highlighting HUCC’s research, cancer screenings for breast, prostate and colon cancer for age-appropriate community members, and a storytelling event featuring cancer survivors bearing witness to stories of surviving, thriving, conquering, and more. The meeting will also feature the TDJBCF’s national recognition during the FDA’s First Annual National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcjWPeAx1Rc&t=27s.
For more information on the celebration, which is also in recognition of the TDJBCF’s 10th Anniversary, please visit www.tdjbreastcancerfund.org or email thelma@tdjbreastcancerfund.org.