Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[Keisha Pickett]

Hey Family:

I hope that you are well. I had such a relaxed weekend. For the first time in a long time, I didn't go anywhere on Friday or Saturday night. I needed that time at home. I got a lot of fall cleaning done. My goodness, I cleared out so much unnecessary clutter and still have more to go. My little sisters and I just hung out and kicked it. I did hear that I missed a couple of great events. Congrats to my Sorors of the Clearwater Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as well as the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Both groups had awesome attendance and great events on both sides of the bay.

I had an awesome time on Thursday night at Trippin' on Thursday (Good Luck Café). If you haven't been--- support these young brothers doing their thing! The comedienne they had last week - Vanessa from Chicago - she was hilarious! Shout out to my boy L.C., Sean, Solomon and Zwadie doing their thing on Thursdays. I Saw L.C. again at the Improv on Sunday. The headliner was Lav Luv. He was ok, but L.C. was funnier in my opinion! Shout out to Meech-Dog too for putting it down at the Improv, as well.

And I can't forget about A Degree or Better. Thanks for a nice night of wine and food. This Friday is a big comedy show at the Hyatt downtown and yours truly has tickets for you! I'm giving away two pairs of tix for two BITB family members! See flyer and contest details below---then come back read the rest of the newsletter!!!

I had a chance to meet a faithful reader and family member on Sunday - Ms. Iesha. It was a pleasure. Big birthday shout out to Mr. Dwight Wilson! Hope that you enjoy it! You all can catch me at AJA for Monday Night Lights. I've definitely enjoy this relaxed atmosphere. It's a good look if you just want to kick back, meet some new people, watch a little football (for now) and just chill. It's FREE-what do you have to lose? And now every Wednesday, come on out to Ocean Prime for serious business networking! BITB family, there are plenty of things to do in Tampa, just about every night of the week. I could plan a week's worth of events. Check the calendar. Let's support our establishments, events and promoters.

OK-so it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is really real with breast cancer. I just lost my Auntie Jo Ann to this deadly disease in January. It was devastating to witness the pain and suffering that she went through. The changes that happened over the last years were hard as well. I can't imagine my body going through so many changes, losing my hair, skin tone, breast(s), etc. Through it all, my aunt remained positive, uplifted and faithful.


Even up until her last days, all I can remember was her continuously saying "Thank you Jesus!" And it brings tears to my eyes as I type to know that my aunt, a wonderful woman who never smoked, drank, cursed-nothing a day in her life, had to go through so much pain and ultimately lost her life to this disease. As much as I asked "Why does she have to go through this? Why her Lord?", I know that there is no reason or season when HE is ready for you - Good or bad, young or old!

It is simply our job to do our part to make our loved one's days on this earth peaceful and fulfilled. But it is up to us to take control as well. Breast cancer is heavy amongst African-American women and we need to take it seriously. Black women with breast cancer die at a higher rate than others. Why -- lack of health care, lack of preventitive measures, lack of research and education. Ladies, we must take care of our health. It is our responsibility to know our bodies, so that we can catch things early. I challenge all of you to take action now. Do your monthly checks, get you annual mammograms and take precautions.

I've included a few articles and tips to assist in the fight against breast cancer. Please take the time to read through them and take action in any way you can.