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Xaria Smith Xaria Smith is a 21 year old student who currently attends University of Arkansas and plans to graduate May 2026. Being a college student and daughter of a mother who is a breast cancer survivor is what qualifies her for this scholarship. Take a look at what she has to say about how breast cancer has changed her life and her journey as a supporter. "On October 21st, 2003, my 16th birthday, my mom was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. The life I knew had changed the moment she sat my family and I on the couch in our living room with tears in her eyes. At the age of 16, I set aside my role as a teenager to become a care giver for not only my mother, but my father who had been battling with stage four kidney failure since the summer prior. Instead of switching my work and school schedule to attend the high school football games, I was switching my schedules around to ensure I could get my parents to and from their doctor appointments or surgeries. I had added well over 50,000 miles onto my car within the span of 7 to 8 months. I was a full-time high school student with two jobs and bigger responsibilities than any teenager should be given. The more responsibilities expected of me, the more appointments I scheduled with my therapist at the time. Due to the strictly transactional/care giver relationship that had formed between my father and I, my mother was seemingly my only parent. Every one of her appointments and checkups motivated the manifestation of an all-consuming anxiety. While my peers began to plan the universities, they were striving for and the decorations they were adding to their caps, I was learning how to mourn two people I was close to losing. Graduating high school and beginning my future didn’t mean much if my mom was going to be stuck in the confinements of the hospital walls, repeating the draining routine of blood draws and chemo appointments. I thought my life would go back ‘to normal’ when my mom went into remission roughly two years into her journey and I could have never been more wrong. I had forgotten what it was like to act my age and fall back into my role as a daughter. I had forgotten what it was like to put myself first, emotions and all. I hadn’t truly realized how badly I felt I was drowning because I forgot how to ask for help. Still to this day, I am relearning that it is okay to not be okay. At the age of 20, I am slowly making up for the fun teenage years I had missed, allowing myself to take a deep breath and live for myself." BACK

< Back Social Media Manager/Content Creator We are looking for a creative, social-savvy, and organized Social Media & Content Creator Intern to join our marketing team. Requirements You will have the opportunity to create real content, manage our community, and help shape our brand's voice across platforms like (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.) Qualifications Needed Content Creation: Concept, film, and edit short-form video content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Design eye-catching graphics for stories and feed posts using Canva or Poster My Wall. Write engaging captions that align with our brand voice and encourage interaction. Assist in photoshoots or behind-the-scenes content capture (if on-site). Reliable transportation to attend events. Social Media Management: Assist in planning and scheduling the monthly content calendar using. Monitor social media trends and audio tracks to keep our brand relevant. Post weekly updates to Stories to keep our audience engaged. Monitor comments and DMs, engaging with our community in a timely and friendly manner (with approval or direction from the board president). Job Description

< Back Outreach Coordinator We are seeking a charismatic and proactive Community Outreach Coordinator Intern to be the "face" of our organization in the local area. You need to be a self-starter who doesn't need to be micromanaged. You will be out in the community developing partnerships and relationships with local businesses, organizations and medical facilities. Requirements Builds relationships and engages community members, sponsors, and potential partners. Track all outreach interactions in our database (logging who you talked to and what was promised). Research potential new community groups (Rotary clubs, Sororities, PTAs) that we should target for future partnerships. This may include planning and executing outreach events, working closely with the volunteer & event coordinator. Represent the organization at community events, and health fairs (setting up the table, handing out swag/brochures, and collecting email sign-ups). Help distribute patient support materials (comfort kits, wigs, brochures) to nurse navigators and social workers at local hospitals and cancer centers. Ensure waiting rooms in target clinics are stocked with our resources. Coordinate "Lunch & Learn" presentations at local offices or schools (virtual or in-person). Qualifications Needed Knowledge of community outreach and volunteer coordination strategies. Passion for Public Health: A desire to educate the community about health and wellness. The "Gift of Gab": You must be comfortable walking into a business, asking for a manager, and pitching our cause. You will be the face of the brand in public; professional attire and demeanor are required. Transportation: Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle. You will be traveling locally to visit partners. Works closely with the Event & Volunteer Coordinator Job Description

Workshop Series Protect Your Petals First name* Last name* Age* Address* Address - line 2 City* State* Zip code* Email* Are you a breast cancer survivor?* Yes No Have you ever had a mammogram?* Yes No Submit

Workshop Series List All workshops meet one Saturday of the month from 11:30am - 1:30pm TEA TALK May 9th (Mother's Day weekend) at River Forest Campus 420 William St. Bldg C River Forest, IL Know Your Risk 360 & Voices - Led by Michelle Hicks-Turner with American Cancer Society. This is a "tea" themed workshop. REGISTER PROTECT YOUR PETALS June 13th at River Forest Campus 420 William St. Bldg C River Forest, IL Learn them, check them, protect them! Led by Dr Tamara Hamlish with YAAS (Young and a Survivor). This is a "summertime" themed workshop. REGISTER HER HEALTH, HER HARMONY July 11th at Wellness Reiki Center 501 North Avenue, Melrose Park IL Led by Cari Drake, FNP with Spirit of Wellness Reiki Center and Grenita Hall, PhD with Cultural Wellness. This is a "mind, body, and soul and it's all about you" themed workshop. Please wear comfortable clothes and socks. REGISTER DONUT IGNORE YOUR DESTINY August 15th at River Forest Campus 420 William St. Bldg C River Forest, IL Led by Tara Latta with My Destiny Matters Org. This is a "donut" themed workshop. REGISTER HEALTHY COOOKING FOR A HEALTHIER YOU September 12 (Our last session!) at River Forest Campus 420 William St. Bldg C River Forest, IL Chat & Chew led by Wellness House Cooking Nutritionist and Kourtney Lewis, founder of Be Sure Org. This is a wrap up party themed workshop. REGISTER

Join A Team! Dont want to join a team? WALK AS AN INDIVIDUAL START A TEAM * First name * Last name * Team Name * Shirt Size Choose one * Are you a survivor? Choose one * Address Address 2 * City * State * Zip Code * Age * Email * Phone * I agree to the terms and conditions. * Product Registration fee + $5 extra for shirt $35 Submit Terms and conditions. BACK HOME

Messages of HOPE Stories of survivors and encouraging words from supporters. Together we are stronger. SEND A MESSAGE KENITA BELL-PERRY I have been so apprehensive about positing but I know that I need to...2022 was a year I never thought I would have heard the words that forever changed my life, "You are diagnosed with Breast Cancer."...... Read More LINDA SPIVEY I was diagnosed August 2006 lump in breast. I wasn't alarmed because I thought it was just another cyst, so I was planning to have my regular cyst aspiration done until I saw a dimple... Read More RENEE CABRERA When I went to my routine mammogram appointment, a spot on the x-ray was discovered. I was asked to get a biopsy done... Read More LATONYA TEPLAN I discovered a lump in my right breast at Kohls with Nova Mines, Catrice, Andrea and Elena. I asked them to feel what I felt and they encouraged me to contact my doctor... Read More JENNIFER KEIPPEL TURKOWSKI I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then had a genetic testing done. I tested positive for CDH1, which causes Breast and Gastric cancer. Read More

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Early Detection Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Learn more about different ways to increase chances for early detection. Signs and Symptoms Many people have different symptoms and some may not experience any symptoms at all. Most people who have symptoms will initially notice only one or two, and the presence of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean that you have breast cancer. Some symptoms to look out for are : A new lump in the breast or armpit Thickening or swelling in area of the breast Irritation of breast skin Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast Pain in the nipple area Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood Any change in the size or the shape of the breast Pain in any area of the breast You will be able to easily identify any changes in your breasts by doing monthly self-exams. If you notice any unusual changes, be sure to contact your doctor right away . Breast Exams Breast exams are performed by checking the breasts for signs and symptoms of the disease. A breast self-exam is an early detection tool with the use of physical and visual examinations of the breast and gets you familiarized with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Self-exams at least once a month will help you identify any changes such as a new lump or skin changes. This exam can be performed while standing in a mirror or lying down and using three fingers to press firmly on the breast and armpit area. Any changes that are discovered should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional that is trained to recognize different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This is another important early detection tool because a professional may notice a spot on the breast that fails to register as a warning in the patient. Mammograms A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that allows a specialist to examine breast tissue. The breast is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early so it’ll be easier to treat before it gets big enough to feel symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms are done by standing in front of a machine. The specialist will place your breast on a plastic plate and another plate will firmly press down on your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast to hold it still while the x-ray is being taken. These steps are repeated to make a side view and the other breast will be done the same way. Having a mammogram may be uncomfortable and some find it painful, but it only takes a few moments and the discomfort is over. It’s best not to get a mammogram before or during your period because your breasts may be tender or swollen. It’s also best not to wear any deodorant, perfumes, or powders because these products can show up as white spots on the x-rays. You will need to undress from the waist up when getting a mammogram, so wear a top and bottom is advised than wearing a dress.

Walk As An Individual Dont want to walk as an individual? JOIN A TEAM START A TEAM * First name * Last name * Shirt Size Choose one * Are you a survivor? Choose one * Address Address 2 * City * State * Zip Code * Age * Email * Phone * I agree to the terms and conditions. * Product Registration fee $30 Submit Terms and conditions. BACK HOME

Our Team Meet the people who have come together to make this organization a success Janel Moreland Founder & Executive Director Sonja Fountain President & Breast Cancer Survivor Arnetta Watkins Vice President Jennifer Modiest Treasurer Michele McCrary Secretary Cynthia Rubic Nurse Navigator Lindsley Griffin Member Lisset Lacayo Member Nova Mines Member Lena Moreland Member Darryl Pruitt Member Carmia Stanovich Member About Pink Divas & Gents Pink Divas & Gents was founded in 2018 by Janel Moreland who lost her paternal grandmother, Rose Moreland-Turner to breast cancer. The name Pink Divas & Gents comes from: Pink Divas - The 1 out of 8 women who is diagnosed with breast cancer. Gents - Because men can get breast cancer too. After doing individual research about this dreadful but common disease, Janel Moreland wanted to make a difference and an impact in under-served communities and those with low socioeconomic status who may have little to no knowledge about breast cancer. Pink Divas & Gents provide all communities with resources, education and support, while creating a safe space to help those who are experiencing breast cancer, so they can better navigate through their journey with love, care, and support from others. Pink Divas & Gents not only provide support and resources to thrivers and survivors but also their families, friends and caregivers. Knowledge is power! We can help save a life one survivor at a time. Always remember that with Pink Divas & Gents, you are never alone. Together we are stronger and we’re here to help you win this battle.