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Despite Scary Diagnosis, Never Give Cancer the Power

Published

4 years ago

August 6, 2020

Having “conquered” cancer twice rather than being a survivor of cancer speaks to the power of Annetta Grady’s battle with breast cancer, twice.

“I used to hate the color pink, now I host ‘Pink Parties’ and raise money for the Faith Fancher Foundation at Kaiser, Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at Summit and the Woman’s Resource Breast Cancer Center,” said Grady, who was raised in Berkeley and is now a resident of Richmond.

Faith Fancher (1950-2003) was a television journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area who shared her breast cancer journey with her viewers as a way to teach others the benefit of early detection.

Before she died, she established the Faith Fancher Breast Cancer Emergency Fund at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center. This fund provides direct, emergency financial assistance for low-income men and women in treatment for breast cancer in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California.

The Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center in Oakland is a place to find a supportive, positive environment totally dedicated to comprehensive breast health and treatment of breast disease.

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley creates opportunities for women with cancer to improve their quality of life through education, supportive services, and practical assistance.

A 65-year-old food-service worker, Grady was first diagnosed at the age of 55 and had her right breast removed. About a decade later, cancer was discovered in the milk ducts of her left breast, so, pro-actively she had her left breast removed.

When asked by the Post to submit a picture, she asked if the Post wanted a picture of her chest, explaining, “My scars are my badge of courage.”

Grady witnessed her mom’s journey with cancer, also a survivor at age 85. “I saw her painful path and didn’t want to go the route of chemotherapy. Because of early detection, Grady instead took Tamoxifen, an extremely effective drug against cancer.

“After mom’s diagnosis, I took the test. When I was first diagnosed I wasn’t afraid, I was mad, not because of the diagnosis, but because I had to cancel my trip to Spain and Morocco for a Smooth Jazz Cruise,” Grady said.

Her love of jazz began with the Grassroots Jazz Band, where her father played the piano, saxophone and flute. Grady describes herself as a creative person who makes cards, creative art, and excels in the culinary arts.

Grady’s aunt, also diagnosed with cancer, died two years after Grady’s diagnosis.

“I never gave cancer the power. I come from a stock of strong women, and I had a strong support system from my church and my co-workers. I also know my favor with God played an essential part in my recovery.

“I didn’t just survive, I thrived! I told cancer, ‘You have to go’ and it did,” Grady said.

Tanya Dennis

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Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

2 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

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Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.