The Selma Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, hosted its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Forum as part of thechapter's "Links in Pink" program on Oct. 21 in Selma City Council chambers.
The forum brought community members, survivors and local leaders together to emphasize early detection, health education and total well-being.
The event was presented under the leadership of Selma Chapter President Dr. Patricia Robinson and Links in Pink Chair Ronita Wade, in collaboration with State Sen. Robert Stewart, Selma Mayor Johnny Moss and members of the Selma City Council, reflecting a united civic effort to raise awareness and expand health resources across the community.
This year’s forum featured prominent guest speakers who provided critical perspectives on both the clinical and emotional dimensions of a cancer diagnosis.
Jeannie Ward, representing the UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, delivered key updates on breast cancer prevention, screening protocols and community health initiatives.
Ward emphasized the life-saving impact of regular mammograms and early detection, detailing the state-of-the-art research, clinical trials, and patient navigation resources available to individuals and families throughout Alabamathrough the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to reduce health disparities and urged attendees to stay proactive regarding their routine health screenings.
Memendra Harris, a professional counselor and owner of Summerlane Counseling, addressed the psychologicaljourney of patients, families and caregivers throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. She discussed common challenges including anxiety, depression, changes in body image, family responsibilities and the fear of recurrence.
“Behind the pink ribbon is a person who may be carrying fear, grief, uncertainty, and exhaustion,” Harris said. “We must give people room to be honest about those feelings without expecting them to be strong every moment. Mental health support belongs alongside cancer treatment because the person receiving care deservesto feel heard, supported, and cared for, too.”
Harris noted that mental health support enhances coping, daily functioning and quality of life, reassuring patients that experiencing fear or depression is normal and never their fault. To guide attendees, she introduced the ACT framework:Acknowledge what you feel, Connect with support, and Take time for care. She encouraged friends and loved ones to offer practical help,
listen without judgment and maintain ongoing support long after active treatments conclude. Educational brochures andcontact cards for Summerlane Counseling were distributed to assist attendees in seeking professional care.
A deeply moving segment of the forum featured personal testimonies from breast cancer survivors Maria Stevenson Dale and Sheliah Peat. Both women shared their inspiring journeys of resilience, faith, and hope, speaking openlyabout the challenges of treatment and the critical importance of a strong support system. Their first-hand accounts served as a powerful reminder of the strength within the community and offered comfort and encouragement to attendees currently navigating their own diagnoses or supporting loved ones through care.
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