Young professionals host brunch in support of breast cancer awareness

The Louisiana Weekly
Staff Reports

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans Young Professionals will hold its Fourth Annual Pink Ribbon Jazz Brunch on October 17 in support of the fight against breast cancer.

Jameeta Youngblood, organizer of the event, said the purpose of the brunch is to help raise awareness amongst young people about the realities of cancer, including their own risk for the disease.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to continue our support of this important work,” Youngblood said.

The brunch will feature special guests Susan Isaacs of WDSU-TV, serving as the event’s emcee; community wellness expert Dr. Eric Greggs; and breast cancer survivor Linda Kelly.

Youngblood said that because breast cancer disproportionally affects African-American women, the need for awareness and activism in the New Orleans community is urgent. Dr. Greggs will speak about ways in which young people can stay healthy and the importance of maintaining regular health checkups. Attendees will also hear from Linda Kelly, who will share her story of breast cancer survival.

While rare amongst men, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women of all races.

In 2012 (the most recent year for which numbers are available), a reported 224,147 women and 2,125 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those groups, 41,150 women and 405 men died as a result, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Amongst African-American women in 2012, 114.5 of every 100,000 got breast cancer, while 1.4 out of every 100,000 African-American men got cancer. Overall, 68.5 of every 100,000 African-American men and women got breast cancer in 2012.

“Fighting the stigma of breast cancer that stymies important conversations that can save women’s lives has been the goal of the Pink Ribbon Jazz Brunch from the start.”

In addition to music, food and networking opportunities, the brunch will also feature a silent auction. Part of the proceeds from the jazz brunch will be donated to the American Cancer Society to support ongoing breast cancer research and activism.

The brunch will be held at 11 a.m. at Harrah’s Hotel New Orleans. Tickets and more information are available at facebook.com/ulgnoyp or by emailing Jameeta Youngblood at jameeta.m.youngblood@gmail.com.

This article originally published in the October 12, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.