DWTBCS 2024 Program by Denver Urban Spectrum

Greetings Denver,

Thank you for supporting Fighting Together to Save Lives year after year as we walk in excellence to provide and share with you, the community, the importance of Celebrating the Lives of these beautiful Survivors! Annually, we approach the throne of grace with open hearts, minds, and spirits to walk this journey with these ladies for such a time as this! If you have not been affected by breast cancer, tonight, you will experience the horrific toll of reality it takes on the patient and the family members.

So buckle in! The journey will be emotional for these ladies and you, the audience. This year, we present these ten amazing women whose journeys are stories of courage, strength, resilience, beauty, longsuffering, and honor. The event can bring back memories of lost loved ones who did not win the battle on this side but on the heavenly side.

Our Mission and Vision of Fighting Together to Save Lives is to support the community by encouraging women and men to get their annual mammograms for early detection to save lives. Also, to ‘Celebrate the Lives, the life that has changed forever, but to live life knowing that our God positioned us to be Gracefully Broken, but repaired us as we lay at the Potters Wheel to be reshaped and remolded by the hand of God.

I pray you enjoy this evening as you continue to walk with us as we grow to where God would have us to be.

We are committed to Fighting Together to Save Lives!

Jackie Wesley / Founder WE FIGHT;

WE WIN

As a Breast Cancer Survivor of twenty-one year survivor and walking the journey of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, I know all too well the battle of this diagnosis. I have been a part of Fighting Together to Save Lives since its inception. I am a part of this organization because of the God in us first! Fighting Together to Save Lives is such an inspiration to all walks of life when dealing with Breast Cancer, and it makes you feel good knowing that women and men who go through a test have a testimony in knowing Fighting Together to Save Lives is available to each of them. I thank God for what she is doing with the organization, how it is thriving for continuous growth, and how to build an organization for the people.

Lequita Taylor President Emeritus

Fighting Together to Save Lives

I consider it a privilege to be a member of the Fighting Together to Save Lives organization. My position as a Board Member has provided me with an opportunity to collaborate closely with survivors, those who are navigating the challenges posed by this formidable disease. I feel exceptionally fortunate to be a member of a dedicated team committed to fulfilling our mission and providing support during the life-changing journeys faced by women, men, and their loved ones as they navigate life in the shadow of this condition.

Theresa M. Levy President

Serves as the dedicated Vice President of Fighting Together to Save Lives, a remarkable community-based non-profit organization committed to the relentless battle against breast cancer. Her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease is evident in her tireless efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for meaningful change and impact for All affected by breast cancer.

With her background as a registered nurse, Elerie’s expertise and profound understanding of the challenges that individuals facing breast cancer encounter are invaluable assets to the organization. She plays a pivotal role in the development and execution of programs and initiatives that empower survivors and their families, fostering a sense of unity and strength within the community. Elerie Archer’s commitment to Fighting Together to Save Lives and the community will continue to inspire hope and resilience in the fight against this formidable adversary.

Elerie Archer, RN Vice President

I am a thirteen-year Breast Cancer Survivor.

After my Breast Cancer journey, I have a new perspective on life. I am thankful to the Father in Heaven, who continues to bless me by allowing me to wake up and praise him every day.

I am so happy to be a part of FTTSL to welcome these beautiful Thrivers into the organization to be Loved, Pampered, and Prayed for as we journey on this road together.

Our goal is to love, pamper, and pray for them, but we want to be a blessing by giving them the tools they need to help with their basic needs and to promote awareness past ourselves.

Sanjanetta Grant Board Member

As a Cancer Survivor going on three-year survivor, the one thing that drew me to this organization is the compassion, love and support each woman receives whether they are currently going through treatment or has completed it. “Whatever you need, call me anytime, I understand” were all the words I heard from Jackie when we first connected through Fighting Together to Save Lives. Being part of an organization dedicated to helping not just women, but men who are facing breast cancer, be it to help with rent, medication, and transportation, is an honor.

Deborah Reid Board Member

Where do I begin? My breast cancer journey was much like others. An unexpected, and emotional whirlwind of events. After a traumatic experience, I was finally getting back to myself. I have recently started a new position at work. My oldest children were good, my youngest son had entered his senior year of high school, and I was enjoying life. Every year in October, the company I work for has mobile mammogram trucks to come out and perform free mammograms; in 2023, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity, which changed my life.

I received a call from the nurse towards the middle of November asking if I had been feeling any lumps, tenderness, etc., to which, I replied with no. The doctor informed me they saw something on my images and would like to order more images. The next set of pictures led to more imaging, a meeting with a surgeon, a biopsy, and the results that left me numb: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (triple negative). The whirlwind began. Oncologist appointments, treatment options, do’s and don’ts, risks, hair loss, weight gain, and side effects. I started chemotherapy in January 2024, and I underwent a double mastectomy in May, followed by radiation.

I remember saying, “God, please do not add me to your strongest soldiers list next year.” With my support system, prayer, and positive thinking, I am here! Every day is not great, but remember, there is always a rainbow after the rain! My story is not just for me.

In January 2020, I was diagnosed with Stage 1B Grade 3 Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer. At the time, I had no idea about the different types of breast cancer, and it was overwhelming to comprehend what this diagnosis meant. I found out that Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers. These cancers tend to be more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or Hispanic, or who have a BRCA1 mutation.

The next several weeks were a blur, meeting with a surgeon, oncologist, and radiation oncologist. My treatment was a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and then radiation.

Enduring treatment during the pandemic presented its challenges, but it also allowed me to prioritize my health by working from home and focusing on my recovery. My loved ones, including my husband Kevin, family, friends, and coworkers, have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering care.

Since my diagnosis, I have felt a responsibility to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage women to prioritize their health. I urge everyone to perform regular breast self-exams and ensure they have their mammograms done annually. In my case, my cancer was discovered early because of a routine mammogram, which significantly impacted my treatment options and prognosis. Women must prioritize their health and remain vigilant.

As a survivor, my story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-care, and faith.

I am a strong dedicated sister, daughter, and aunt. My entire career I have been providing services to veterans and the elderly and loving nearly every minute, knowing that aging people deserve joy, laughter, and conversation.

But in February 2019, I received life-changing news; my patience and strength were tested when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the same year I was turning 50. I had planned for years to have a big celebration for my birthday, to travel and do something solely for me. Because I carried the BRCA2 gene mutation and had infiltrating ductal carcinoma, I was at a higher risk for the disease so-called cancer.

For a while, I battled this news on my own because sharing this diagnosis with my family, especially my mom, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. The rallying cry of “Leisha Strong” became a motto used by my family and coworkers to uplift and encourage me. My unwavering faith in the Lord also provided me with a duality of peace and strength.

My body has changed but my mindset has transformed. I’ve learned to appreciate the fragility and preciousness of life and to not take a single day for granted. My priorities have shifted, and I now strive to live each moment fuller with joy at the center.

Marcia Pinkstaff has dedicated over 15 years to her career as an Independent Consultant, most recently serving as a Director with Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski Jewelry. A proud single woman and pet parent to two energetic 8-year-old pups, Brutus and Scarlett (named in honor of her Ohio roots and Ohio State Buckeyes), Marcia has made Colorado her home for the past 19 years. She is an alumna of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

In October 2012, just 7-8 months after a clear mammogram, Marcia faced a life-altering diagnosis: Stage 3 Micropapillary Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. With no family history of cancer, she was thrust into a new reality. Despite the challenges of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction, and three additional surgeries, Marcia continued to thrive in her business. Her belief in herself and her conviction that “the best is yet to come” fueled her remarkable success.

Marcia is also the author of a chapter titled “Sterling Strength” in the book Ready to Fly, Volume 3. In her chapter, she explores her resilience throughout her cancer journey. She chose the title “Sterling Strength” because “sterling” signifies excellence, value, and exceptional quality. Just as sterling silver is created by combining pure silver with a strengthening alloy to enhance its durability, Marcia likens her journey to this process—transforming from a malleable state into one of strength and resilience. Her experience, she believes, is a testament to how the Lord strengthens us through our trials, helping us emerge more robust than before.

“What if I fail. Oh, but darling, what if you fly.” Wizard of Oz

The day I resigned to open our private clinic marked the beginning of an unexpected chapter in my life. On that very day, I received a call from a colleague, a doctor at the university hospital where I worked. He informed me that a concerning mass had been detected on my breast ultrasound and urged me to get a needle-localized biopsy as soon as possible. Sitting amidst a sea of patients, waiting for what seemed like hours, I couldn’t help but reflect on the experience from the other side of the desk—wondering, “Is this what my patients feel while waiting for me?”

The diagnosis came through after an ultrasound, a 3D mammogram, and a needlelocalized biopsy: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). The initial hospital’s delay in providing a clear diagnosis led me to seek a second opinion. I contacted the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, and after explaining my situation, they promptly scheduled a consultation with their breast cancer team.

The following week, I met with the breast cancer specialist and surgeon who would perform my left mastectomy, as well as the reconstructive surgeon for a DIEP flap procedure, and other team members. The cancer was ultimately staged as stage II, and I was relieved to learn there were no metastases.

My husband of 30 years, and I made plans for me to stay at the Mayo Clinic campus. Casitas is a well-maintained housing, with private rooms and shared spaces for dining, laundry, and relaxation.

In November 2015, I underwent an 11-hour mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. To this day, I am profoundly grateful for God’s grace and mercy throughout this journey.

After receiving a clear mammogram in March 2024, the discovery of a lemon-sized lump in my right breast in May was a profound shock. A biopsy confirmed stage II triplenegative cancer, localized in the right breast. Despite the unexpected growth in just two months, I am now facing, this challenge with unwavering faith and determination.

I firmly believe that “all things are working together for my good” and that “FEAR is false evidence appearing real.” With the support of my oncologist, surgeons, and radiologist, my treatment plan includes 12 weeks of Taxol chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy in early November 2024, and daily radiation in December 2024.

As a steadfast pillar in the Denver community, I have proudly hosted 53 years of the Colorado Gospel Music Academy Awards & Hall of Fame Celebration. With God’s healing power and divine will, I am determined to host the 54th annual event on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM at New Hope Church, 37th and Colo Blvd.

“Don’t meet me there, beat me there!” I am confident that “This too shall pass, and yes, I win!”

“God has not created me with a spirit of fear, but with power, love, and a sound mind,” so “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

VIP Reception 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 pm

Ballroom Doors Open 5:45 pm

PROGRAM

VIP Reception by Smooth Vocals - Odeell Stroud & Montogue

Welcome by Host: Shed G.

Prayer & Dinner Served

Introduction of Survivors - Dr Ashley Saddler

Dance by: FTTSL Suvivors & Friends - Shed G

Closing Remarks - Founder & Introduction of Team

Introduction of National Recording Artist Jeanette Harris - Shed G

Dance Party w/ DJ EJ

October 2022. My company announced they would be closing their doors in six months. Two months later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 - Triple Negative Breast Cancer which was also active in my lymph nodes.

January 2023. Treatment began and consumed my entire year. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, lumpectomy with lymph node dissection, radiation, and physical therapy.

In April 2023, my company closed. I was able to go on disability however that only provided me with 60% of my pay and now 100% of the cost of health insurance which is $1500 per month became my responsibility.

In the hopes of improving my odds, I added holistic treatments: hyperbaric oxygen chambers, infrared sauna, bio-charging, and tons of daily supplements all of which weren’t covered by insurance. In total, my out-of-pocket medical expenses for 2023 were $40,000.

Since February 2024, I’ve been battling both lymphatic cording’s which causes pain and limits my ability to fully move my right arm because the strands of muscles are sticking together from my armpit down to my forearm, and lymphedema which is causing swelling in my right forearm. All this, in addition to the second round of chemotherapy I’m currently on.

What has all this taught me? It’s all about celebrating the baby steps making the most of every day!

I’m 100% positive I will get through this! I will forever be GRATEFUL for what I’ve been able to endure & for the tremendous amount of LOVE and positive energy that surrounds me. Today is a great day to be alive!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2014. The ductal carcinoma grade II was caught very early in Stage 0 as I am very diligent with getting mammograms from a very young age. So, they saw an anomaly that they could act on quickly.

In January of 2015 after consulting with a couple of doctors, we determined that surgery would be the best way to proceed by removing the carcinoma. It took a total of two surgeries which were completed by the end of January. After it was confirmed that the margins were clear and I had time to heal, I received radiation treatment in March 2015.

I have been very fortunate to have my experience as a medical professional shape the seriousness of my health condition even at such an early stage so that I did not have to endure treatment regiments that may have had a larger impact on my quality of life or my ability to be completely clear to this day. I relied and continue to rely on my faith to get me through difficult times along with family and friends. In my journey, I have had the honor of getting to know other women at various stages of their cancer treatment some of whom did not survive. While I have felt the pain of their loss I received encouragement from every one of them and encouraged where I could. This shared journey which does not always end in the same place is what has made navigating the fear and uncertainty of what comes with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

“The Lord is my strength and my salvation.”

In November 2017, I did a self-breast exam and felt a lump. My mammogram in July and the breast exam during my annual pap in September came back normal so at first, I thought it was probably a lipoma and not to worry about it, but once I got over the fear, I decided to get it looked at right away. The day before Thanksgiving I was told I had breast cancer and try to have a good Thanksgiving, they said.

I have invasive ductal carcinoma, the tumor broke through the duct, so it was a possibility it could metastasize. In January 2018, I had a double mastectomy. The blood results after surgery suggested chemotherapy or radiation would not help, but that I would be on Tamoxifen for 10 years. In January 2019, my cancer markers were elevating and in March they found a tumor in my uterus.

I had a full hysterectomy in April 2019. The first few years were physically draining and being a dancer most of my life it was tough being in pain when I moved. I’ve been going to PT; it’s been pain-relieving and I’m on point to start dancing again!

I would not wish cancer on anyone, but this journey has helped me become a more compassionate person and that is my wish for all to be compassionate towards others. As a Christian, I know life is special and you’re not promised tomorrow. So live life today, be gracious to each other, but most importantly love each other wholeheartedly.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.“ Romans 12:12

2024 ESCORTS

Escorts are Denver Sheriff’s

Ricard Ayensah

Devin Dawson

Daniel Laing

Jerome Nichols

Bridget Andrews

Our Wonderful and Dedicated Volunteers

Ashlee Saddler Cathy Hudson

Cherie McNeal

Clarisa Hands

Kaycee Rhodes’ Lausche Rohena Melony McFall

Debra Reid Denita Hartzog Elerie Archer Freda Clayborn

Stephanie Hudson

Good Evening, Denver,

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your presence this evening. It has been an honor to host each of you. We hope you gained valuable insights into the impact breast cancer can have on individuals and their loved ones. As a community, it’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the importance of monthly breast and chest examinations. If you notice anything unusual, please reach out to your primary care doctor.

Our organization is dedicated to helping you find low-cost or free mammograms, as we believe early detection truly saves lives. Moreover, we must also take the time to celebrate the strength and resilience of those who have survived this challenging diagnosis. Thank you for joining us in this important cause.

Together, we can make a difference

Thank you and Good Night Fighting Together to Save Lives