Keeping our girls healthy

his past weekend we held our first ever community event. We partnered with the Atlanta Chapter of Tamika and friends to educate women young and mature of the dangers of HPV and it’s link to cervical cancer.

HPV is the abbreviated term for the Human Papilloma Virus, a sexually transmitted disease that is the cause of cervical cancer. We began our event with the beautiful Kenya Hughes, who told the very inspiring story of her dear friend Tamika who at the age of 25 had been diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and given a 15 % chance of survival. After receiving a radical hysterectomy and beating the odds, Tamika pulled through and became an activist for educating young women about this type of cancer that is preventable. Through her passion for life and efforts in spreading valuable information a wonderful organization has been born. Tamika and Friends is responsible for giving women hope, encouragement and a means to make ends meet during a difficult time in their lives when they may have felt that all hope was lost.

Every one that was at the event was able to learn something new. Each woman walked away feeling inspired by the various stories that was shared. We learned that we cannot take things such as youth and health for granted. We were reminded that there are always consequences to our actions. Most importantly, each woman learned the value of teaching what they learned that day to other women in their lives. Young , old, lesbian or heterosexual, monogamous or promiscuous, no one is immune and education is the key to preventing this virus from spreading.

What was especially beautiful, was the connections that were made because we were together that day. Working relationships were strengthened and new business ties were formed. We were able to share our light with others and vice versa. At the end of the meeting we had the privelege of providing therapy for a few of our guests, it was truly a special moment.

For more information about Tamika and Friends go to www.tamikaandfriends.com