Staff photo / Bob CouplandBreast cancer survivors Catherine Hodge of Brookfield, a 32-year survivor, left, and Melissa Cherne of Boardman, a 15-year survivor, were among more than 35 breast cancer survivors from the Mahoning Valley recognized at a special ceremony held Sunday at the Eastwood Mall center court in Niles.
NILES — Breast cancer survivors and those battling the disease came together Sunday for a special recognition celebrating their courageous battles and years of survivorship with challenges they faced against cancer.The center court of the Eastwood Mall in Niles was decorated with pink balloons and signs, which welcomed more than 35 breast cancer survivors from the Mahoning Valley.
The event was co-sponsored by national women’s fraternity Zeta Tau Alpha and Cheer Time Athletics of Niles.
Brooklyn Bokan, director of philanthropy for the Zeta Tau Alpha alumni, said this is the fourth year for the event, which came from the Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic. The event, held for 20 years, recognized breast cancer survivors.
She said the format changed to the current event, which was a special recognition ceremony for the survivors who received a flower and had their name and years of surviving cancer publicly announced.
Each woman was escorted onto a stage by members of the Zeta Tau Alpha chapter from Youngstown State University.
“We wanted to create a sense of community and bring all the survivors together here. We feel having everyone together lets each know they have the support from so many others. We want to honor the incredible strength of the breast cancer survivors,” Bokan said.
She said donations also were being made to Pink Lights the Way and the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center.
Also during the ceremony, singers Emma James and Seairra Porterfield, both of Girard, performed for the survivors who all gathered on stage for a group photo.
Bokan, who has had family members battle cancer, said awareness is an important key to helping people.
SURVIVORS’ STORIES
Survivors included those currently battling cancer for the past year or two to those who have survived for more than 30 years.
Boardman resident Melissa Cherne, a 15-year breast cancer survivor, said she tells women it is important to get mammograms and check their bodies.
She said at age 33 she noticed a lump in her breast during a self-check breast exam.
“It is important for women to be proactive and know about early detection and prevention and awareness. Get mammograms and do self checks. My mother and sister have both been diagnosed with breast cancer. My family is living proof you can battle breast cancer and persevere,” Cherne said.
She said events such as this allow women to develop new friendships with those who can relate to what each other has been through battling breast cancer.
“As breast cancer survivors we have a unique bond and a unique sisterhood of survivors,” Cherne said.
She said the earlier the cancer is found the better the outcome with her encouraging self-breast exam and then mammography.
“Check your family history to see if you have the genetic tendency. Early detection saves lives,” Cherne said.
Cerne wore a special shirt which said “It Came. We Fought, I Won,” which is the message she wants to share with other women battling breast cancer and also to the many survivors.
Liz Mackey of Girard, a 25-year survivor, said the event is appreciated because it shows people care and others can relate to what you have faced in your battle against breast cancer.
“This event and others mean everything to us,” Mackey said.
Barbara West of Cortland, an eight-year cancer survivor, said she is an advocate for cancer awareness through the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center.
“I talk to women one on one and help them,” West said.
West said she and Mackey attend breast cancer survivor support groups. Mackey said everyone is so close, like sisters, at the gatherings.
“We are all there for each other in providing support,” Mackey said.
Brookfield resident Catherine Hodge, who is a 32-year breast cancer survivor, said she always wants to cry when she attends such events and sees the support and love from others.
“I tell others that every year they survive they are successful. You have to take things one step at a time,” Hodge said.
Cherne said she spoke to Hodge’s husband, who has also been a survivor supporting his wife through her battle for 32 years.
“Nobody fights this alone,” Cherne said.
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