Partnerships

An Affiliate Chapter of Sisters Network Inc.

~ A National African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization ~

Vallejo Community Unites in Cancer Walk to

Increase Awareness Among African Americans

A new era began in promoting health and physical activity last Saturday, August 23, 2008! Collaborative efforts between Sisters Network Solano County, Kings of Cali Bike Club, and Touro University, made way for the kick off of the 1st Annual "Zampa Bridge Breast and Prostate Cancer Walk." The event is purposed to increase awareness about breast and prostate cancer among African American men and women in the Vallejo community.

Participants convened at the Norman C. King Community Center in Vallejo, then walked all the way across the Zampa Bridge to Crockett, about a 5 mile stretch, round trip. The walk was accented with a morning presentation that stressed knowing the risk factors for getting cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. The keynote speaker, Dr. Assefaw Tekeste Ghebrekidan, Dean of the Public Health Program at Touro University presented facts and statistics about the high incidence rates and high death rates of cancer among African Americans. "African Americans are the most likely to be diagnosed in the latest stages of cancer, which more often results in death. Prevention strategies such as early detection, healthier lifestyle, improved diet, stress reduction, exercise, and regular check up with health care providers were also emphasized in the message."

Dr. Gloria Wade-Lessier, cancer survivor and president of Sisters Network Solano County, spoke about the importance of family and social support and its impact on increasing the survival rates of cancer patients. "Cancer is no longer a death sentence! I have survived cancer after having it three different times in my life, all because I have had the support, love, and compassion of my family."

Four key components helped to make the health outreach a success: social support, educational leadership, manpower, and the will of the people. Each organization helped to contribute these elements. Sisters Network Solano County is a breast cancer survivorship organization, the "Kings of Cali" bike club is made up of men and women who work to improve bay area communities, and Touro University is committed to helping improve the overall health of Vallejo.

"The achievement of the Zampa Bridge walk is that it demonstrates the power of the community to work together to address the health issues that affect the people in it"says Lakenya McClough, an event organizer and VP of Community Outreach for the College of Health Sciences at Touro University.

Next month, on September 27, 2008, Sisters Network Solano County will continue outreach efforts with its Annual Gift For Life Block Walk. This event will take the message of early cancer detection and improving overall health and physical activity to the doors of over 400 homes in the Vallejo community.

For more information about Sisters Network Solano County or the upcoming Gift for Life Block Walk, visit www.sistersnetworksolanocounty.com or contact, Dr. Gloria Wade-Lessier at (707) 642-6066 or by email at glessi@aol.com

Click on thumbnails to view photos from the

1st Annual Zampa Bridge Breast and Prostate Cancer Walk