It has been 29 years since Mary Fisher was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time of her diagnosis, she was an X-ray technologist who was doing mammograms for other women. One day, a lady who was scheduled for her mammogram missed her appointment, so Fisher and another tech decided to do their own mammograms during that appointment time. One unplanned mammogram changed her life as it showed she had breast cancer. The radiologist who worked with her reviewed it and told her that she needed to see a doctor right away.
With that information, she went to see a doctor who was also a surgeon to develop a game plan on what needed to be done. “Did I get upset? Of course, I did. Did I cry? I cried like a little baby that wanted a bottle, but I didn’t cry in front of my family.” She didn’t want her family to see her in pain and decided to remain strong.
The doctor wanted to perform a lumpectomy, but Fisher wanted them to remove the entire breast. Since she was done having children and wasn’t nursing anyone, she did not see a reason to keep it, so they removed it. She mentioned that she was fearful for other Black women because she had seen how a lot of them “had cancer and they didn’t want to do anything.” With wanting to help other women, Fisher and her sisters set up a foundation to help women get mammograms. “We didn’t have a lot of money, but we were giving mammograms to women that didn’t have any money or insurance.” They would raise the money on their own to help support these women. “Some years ago, when crawfish wasn’t so expensive, we’d have a big crawfish boil in my backyard and raise money,” she recalled. The foundation would pay the hospital a portion but the radiologist who worked there would read the mammograms at no fee.
Through the foundation, Fisher was able to help a lot of women take control of their health, get them set up through MD Anderson where they would receive treatments for breast cancer. This included her sister who found a lump in her breast six years after Fisher’s diagnosis. The doctors performed a lumpectomy, which Fisher regrets not pushing the doctors to remove her sister’s breast, but she didn’t want to argue with the doctors. Sadly, five years later, the cancer came back in the same breast. Fisher felt in her heart that if they had taken the breast off and given her chemotherapy, then maybe the outcome would have been different. Her sister’s cancer took a different turn years later when they found out the cancer had moved to her brain. Her sister ended up having radiation in her breast and her brain. It was very hard for Fisher to watch her sister go through this process because she didn’t want her to go through what she went through.
Fisher reflected on her experience with chemotherapy saying, “You get sick, you get nauseated, and stay nauseated all the time. It got to where I couldn’t eat certain foods. Even to this day, the smell of peppermint makes me nauseated.”
For every woman out there, Fisher wants women to know that there is not a particular age that breast cancer comes to you. She has seen women who were 18 and 19 end up with breast cancer. Fisher stated, “Examine your breasts. If you see the shape of your breasts changing, go to the doctor. Learn how to examine your breasts and what to look for. If you see your nipple drooping and if you see your nipple sucking in, that’s a sign right there.”
In addition, she wants people to know that men are not exempt from this as she has had some first cousins who were men that had breast cancer. “We used to just think breast cancer was for women, but it’s not, it’s for men too.”
Through it all, Fisher is blessed to have gone through everything she did because it allowed her to help other women. “I thank God for what he’s done for me because having breast cancer gave me the opportunity to help other women understand that breast cancer is not a death sentence. This is just a beginning of a new life that God has given you.”
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
