Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022: Have you ever heard the Delta Cotton Belles?

Earlier this month, Sunflower Diagnostic Center teamed up with the Delta Cotton Belles and Delta State University to do a free breast screening as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sunflower Rural Clinic’s Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Hanna Farmer, teamed up with the Belles to host a breast screening at Delta State University.
 
According to Terri Burrell, they screened 18 women during the event, “It was a big day. They kept Hannah busy.” The event was part of the Delta Cotton Belles Pink Checkup program – which provides clinical breast exams at no cost to the patient.
 
“Breast cancer is among the leading causes of death among women,” Terri told us. “Especially in the Delta. It is mind-blowing if you look at the statistics.”  In 2007 Beth McKnight was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, and it was during the time following her diagnosis that she was made aware of the high incidence of later-staged breast cancer in the Delta and the complete lack of resources available.

Beth recognized the need and immediately reacted with a vision that would come to fruition as Delta Cotton Belles. She initially secured a grant from Delta Health Alliance and, with the help of a small group of friends, began providing education, breast health awareness, and mammograms under the umbrella of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Two years later, Delta Cotton Belles was recognized as an independent non-profit organization so that all of the funding could remain in the Delta to serve those whose needs were the greatest.
 
In addition to the Pink Checkups, The Belles also have a “Wrapped in Pink” program that provides services to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; those services include emotional support, a Beth’s Blessing Bag for newly diagnosed women, transportation assistance, mastectomy supplies, wigs, and professional counseling. “The bag, which is named in honor of our founder, contains many comfort items suggested by our “Thrivers”…who know the needs based on their own experiences. In addition to love and prayers, each bag includes a pink pashmina, an insulated DCB tumbler, a daily devotional book, a hot & cold neck wrap, soothing lotion, and even note cards handmade by a DCB “Thriver.”
 
The Pink Promise program provides free mammograms for working women who are uninsured or underinsured. “Many insurance companies will not cover a mammogram for women under 40. We fill the gap,” Terri told us.

The Belles also host a monthly “Thrivers” group.
 
The word ‘thriver’ is also kind of important to the Belles. “They don‘t like to be called ‘survivors,’” Terri told us. “We want them to come through the experience stronger than ever. So, they are not just surviving their bout with breast cancer. They are thriving.”
 
If you need breast cancer resources or know someone who is, please email Terri at Deltacottonbelles@gmail.com.
 
The Belles have a database of over 600 women diagnosed with breast cancer that they have assisted – and are continuing to help. Terri tells us, “Once you are a Delta Cotton Belle, you are always a Belle. It is a never-ending need.”

North Sunflower Medical Center Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness

Later this month, on October 27th, North Sunflower Medical Center is hosting a Pink Walk in Ruleville with a Pink Balloon Release for breast cancer awareness. If you would like more information, contact Alice Pyles at Alice.Pyles@northsunflower.com.
 
And if you need a mammogram or know someone who does, contact the Sunflower Diagnostic Center by calling (662)756-2100.