CIRCLE OF PROMISE
Susan G. Komen® African American Breast Health Care Initiative
The Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise CA statewide initiative was created to address the breast healthcare disparities among African American women and empower African American women to be proactive about their breast health. www.circleofpromise.org
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in this community. African American women’s mortality rates are 41 percent higher than their caucasian counterparts. The same research indicates that African American women are often diagnosed at later stages, sometimes with more aggressive forms of cancer and at younger ages. This alarming trend is the result of compounding social, cultural, financial and geographic barriers.
The Initiative Provides: Community Organization/ Direct Education/ Screening and Navigation Services
Upcoming OC Outreach Events
Praise in Pink – October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month)
“Praise in Pink” is a collaboration between Susan G. Komen® and faith based organizations in Orange County to inform and activate the community to help improve breast cancer outcomes in African American women. It is held in the month of October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Each organization determines their level of participation, from designating a “pink” Sunday and having everyone wear pink, to honoring survivors, sharing screening information, providing breast health materials and or having a pink themed refreshment reception. If you would like information on how your church or organization can be involved with Praise in Pink, please contact LarLeslie McDaniel at lmcdaniel@komenoc.org.
Past OC Outreach Events
Circle of Promise Afternoon Tea – Sunday, August 26
Oak Creek Golf Club – 1 Golf Club Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Ladies of all ages joined us at the first COP “A Legacy of Health” Tea. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Veronica Jones, Assistant Clinical Professor and breast surgeon, from City of Hope in Duarte. Aimed at providing an understanding of family history, genetic testing and breast cancer risk factors, this was an afternoon filled with knowledge and empowerment. The Honorable Letitia Clark, Tustin City Council member, also addressed the ladies and challenged everyone to both think about and take action as it relates to the legacy they will leave. In honor of Circle of Promise Day, there was also a time of reflection and attention given to the legacy of Henrietta Lacks. The audience of over 80 attendees were both informed and inspired. Local sponsorship was provided by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Orange County Chapter.
Circle of Promise Day – August 1
This Social Media Event helps bring awareness and educate others concerning breast cancer disparities in our community and encourage regular screening and the practice of good breast health. This date was chosen for Circle of Promise Day because it is the birthday of Henrietta Lacks (HELA cells).
Juneteenth at Georgia’s Soul Food Restaurant – Tuesday, June 19
440 South Anaheim Blvd. #209A, Anaheim, CA 92805
Our First Annual Juneteenth Event was a huge success! Komen OC partnered with the Anaheim Packing House, OC Heritage Council and Georgia’s Soul Food Restaurant to host a Juneteenth event sharing breast health information, entertainment and education. Taking the Packing House stage were singers, poets, PSA’s and a DJ (provided by the OC Heritage Council). Georgia’s Soul Food gave free dessert to customers that pledged to get their annual mammogram. Overall, the event reached hundreds in the community at large. This celebration of African American food, faith, family, and freedom proved to be a fun way to bring awareness to breast cancer disparities and recognize this piece of American history!
Newport Beach Jazz Festival – Saturday, June 2 & Sunday, June 3
1107 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92660
The African American Breast Health Partnership and members of the Circle of Promise attended the Newport Beach Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. They provided breast health information and encouraged women to #knowyourgirls. Over 300 ladies took the challenge and pledged to get screened and tell others in their circle to do the same. The festival took place at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.
4th Annual Orange County First Ladies Health Day – Sunday, April 22
Komen participated in the annual whole-health fair, hosted by First Ladies in Orange County, sponsored by Walgreens. They provided FREE life-saving health screenings for illnesses that disproportionately affect African Americans and Hispanics, including: diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer and others. Walgreens pharmacists were available at each of the participating churches to provide counseling. Everyone was invited to take advantage of this FREE day of caring from the First Ladies of Orange County.
Participating Churches:
- A Place for Worship Church/ Fullerton, CA – 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.
- Christ Our Redeemer AME Church/ Irvine, CA – 9:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
- Friendship Baptist Church/ Yorba Linda, CA – 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
- Johnson Chapel AME Church/ Santa Ana, CA – 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
- New Spirit Baptist Church/ Santa Ana, CA – 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
- Second Baptist Church/ Santa Ana, CA – 9:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Join the Circle of Promise
Make the Pledge TODAY! If you will help us spread the word and be proactive about your breast health and raising awareness about breast cancer in the community, please CLICK HERE and simply say, “I AM TAKING THE PLEDGE.” Promise to engage at least 10 women in your circle. Make an impact. Early Detection SAVES LIVES!
Community Outreach
- If you or someone you know in Orange County is uninsured or underinsured and in need of mammography screening and other resources, OR
- If you require additional information about the Circle of Promise, community outreach participation, and events, please contact:
LarLeslie McDaniel
Community Resource Advocate
Susan G. Komen® Orange County
lmcdaniel@komenoc.org
(714) 957-9157 ext. 29
