ATLANTA – State Representative Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain) recently hosted the Emma B. Allen Pink Sash Parade to honor survivors of breast and prostate cancer.
“I cannot think of a better way to raise community awareness and, at the same time, recognize the courageous survivors who beat this disease,” said Rep. Bennett.
The Pink Sash Parade took place on October 27, 2014, at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, and the event consisted of an inspirational worship service, reception, and speeches on the importance of early detection. Survivors were pinned with pink sashes and blue ribbons to highlight their courage in overcoming cancer. Parade Marshalls, Reverend Micheal and Y’vonne Benton, then led survivors and the congregation on a parade to the Micheal Benton Family Life Center.
Speakers and special guests at the event included the Reverend Micheal and Y’vonne Benton, of Fairfield Baptist Church; U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson; Dr. Rogsbert Phillips-Reed, breast cancer surgeon at Emory University; and Dr. Earl Thurmond, an internist and administrator for Kaiser Permanente. Also in attendance were groups from the health community, including the American Cancer Society, OakHurst Medical Center and Sisters by Choice.
The Emma B. Allen Pink Sash Parade was named in memory of Rep. Bennett’s grandmother, who died from breast cancer in the 1960s, just a few weeks after being diagnosed.
“I believe my grandmother would have lived a much longer life had the same awareness, detection, and technology been around when she was alive,” said Rep. Bennett. “I hope this event encourages others to take advantage of early screening. It is all about saving lives.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please click here.
Representative Karen Bennett represents the citizens of Districts 94, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism, and Regulated Industries committees.
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