Touch BBCA 5 Year Anniversary
I had the opportunity to attend Touch BBCA’s 5-Year Anniversary in Washington, DC, with the host Whitney Taber. This weekend was an eye opening experience.
For those who may not know, Touch BBCA (Black Breast Cancer Alliance) is an incredible organization founded by Ricki Fairley and Valarie Worthy. They educate, support through community, help Black women access life saving clinical trials, and so much more.
Even though this was an anniversary celebration, it wasn’t just about the party. Touch made sure every guest left informed and empowered. The first half of Day 1 was packed with panel discussions from their different initiatives and the knowledge shared was powerful. There were opportunities to donate to the mission as well, if you’d like to contribute, you can do so here. You can also support by purchasing their merch, the scarfs are my favorite! I added it to my purse to give it some spice 😆. (I have to find the link to the merch, check back later. Also it may have just been exclusive to being onsite during the weekend. Let me check on that brb.)
One of the biggest takeaways for me? Black women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a 41% higher rate, 7 years younger, and die at 3 times the rate of white women. Why? Because there simply isn’t enough research or data on Black women’s anatomy. Most treatments are developed based on studies that don’t include Black women. That’s why many therapies aren't as effective. Clinical trials often overlook them altogether which is exactly why Touch created "When We Trial" to help get Black women into these life saving studies.
Another myth that was shattered? That you don’t need a mammogram until you’re 40. We heard from a young woman who was diagnosed at just 19 years old. Thankfully, she advocated for herself because doctors just brush it off “you’re too young.” Our world is evolving, but our testing standards haven’t caught up. That’s where Touch’s “Love of My Gurls” comes in, spearheaded by Hayley Brown, educating younger women and girls on the importance of getting tested earlier and regularly.
There was even an on-site vendor, Bexa, offering breast exams using a pain-free, radiation-free technology that gives instant results. I was encouraged to get examined. I’m 33 and had never had a breast exam before. According to society, I “don’t need one yet.” But the experience was smooth, easy, and honestly kind of comforting. The founding executive director, Tiara was amazing, she was comforting and answered all of my questions. Once I got up to the exam room, the nurse, Jessica, explained the entire process, answered my million and one questions and even warmed up the ultrasound gel (we love a considerate queen 👏🏽). The warming of the gel was a first for me, more people should take notes on that. I left the room with my results instantly, there was no nerves exiting the room, my mind wasn’t wondering of what the results will be when they come in. I let with a peace of mind.
This two day event reminded me just how powerful knowledge is. I’m not a Black woman, but many of my closest friends are. Being informed could literally help save a friend. I also need to be informed because one day this topic can very well affect my future children. Admittedly, I was ignorant to all of it before this weekend.
Aside from the educational portion, there was a dinner, talent show and dance party in the evening of day 1 and day 2 was a Gospal Brunch with performances, survivors stories, and an award show. Shown in my video.
Thank you, Touch BBCA, for such an incredible, inclusive, and informative experience. I never once felt out of place. Touch truly feels like one big family, and they welcome everyone to show up, learn, and be a part of the mission.
Vendors:
Jerha Couture
Day 1 events were held at the Kellog Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University. Shout out to the food director, Bernie because each meal we had was so good! Everyone was actually in a little shock because in all honesty no one expected the food to be that good at such a large gathering.
Day 2 was held at Union Market.
Side note: The theme was “Walk in her shoes” and the decor did not disappoint. Hayley did an amazing job bringing it all to life. From all of the little details at the tables, a station for attendees to write letters to survivors, the backdrops, graphics, and can we have a moment for the “happy tears tissues”. Talk about well thought out!
