Celebrating Resiliance and Faith: Chicago Local Holds Awareness Luncheon

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Celebrating Resilience and Faith: Chicago Local Holds Awareness Luncheon

2 October 2024

Local 1487 Women's Committee recently held its annual Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness luncheon at the Chicago Local Lodge on Wednesday. The luncheon drew a full house of attendees committed to raising awareness about breast cancer, heart health, and domestic violence. The event featured heart-healthy meals, emotional survivor stories, and captivating performances, including Kimberly Stratton's moving gospel songs, "Favor Ain't Fair" and "More Than Enough," which set the tone for an uplifting and reflective day. Shameeka Adams' powerful spoken word performance further captivated the crowd, leaving a profound emotional impact.

Nicole Fears, a longtime advocate for women's empowerment and cancer survivor, shared her own personal journey: "Acting early saved my life, and that's the only reason I'm standing here today. When you go through something like this, every day becomes a blessing," Fears said, recalling her diagnosis with a rare form of cancer that was discovered because of her proactive approach to health screenings.

The importance of breast cancer awareness was a consistent theme throughout the event. With 264,000 women diagnosed and 42,000 losing their lives each year to the disease, early detection and routine screenings were emphasized as critical. Attendees were encouraged to prioritize their health through regular check-ups, a message that resonated deeply with April Burt, a survivor celebrating ten years of recovery. "I'm celebrating ten years of recovery, but I carry a sense of survivor's remorse. I can't help but think about the people who lost their battles and how hard they fought," Burt shared with the audience.

The luncheon, organized over four months by the Local 1487 Women's Committee and a team of dedicated volunteers, highlighted the importance of education and community support in health advocacy. The efforts were made possible with the support of Local President Tony Licciardi and the 1487 Executive Board. Licciardi, in a candid and emotional talk, recounted his own experience with cancer. Having skipped screenings for just one year, he was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. "The wind got took out of my sails," he said, reflecting on the shock of the diagnosis. "Just go get checked," he urged the crowd, explaining that without early intervention, his story could have ended much differently. He left the luncheon early for his own annual check-up, further reinforcing the message of proactive health management.

The event also addressed another critical issue: domestic violence. Shelby Pratt, from the Chicago-based Wings Program,led an open and frank discussion about domestic violence, sharing alarming statistics. She revealed that the Chicago Police Department responds to an average of 500 domestic violence calls each day, adding up to more than 182,000 calls per year. "Nobody did anything to deserve domestic abuse," Pratt said, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting survivors. The Wings Program provides essential housing and support services to victims of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives free from abuse. Pratt's discussion empowered attendees to be advocates and allies for those in crisis.

Abuse survivor Dora Garcia shared an emotional and poignant story of overcoming domestic violence and the journey she underwent to empower herself to start a new life free of fear and pain. Her courage and resilience left the attendees in tears, leaving a lasting impact on the women who had gathered for the event.

Dora Cervantes, a survivor of multiple battles with cancer and Secretary-Treasurer of the Machinists Union, delivered a powerful personal story of her own battle with cancer, a fight that spanned years. "I'm not afraid of anything anymore," she said. "Because I've beat cancer twice. I kicked cancer in its ass," Cervantes said.

The Breast Cancer and Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence Awareness luncheon provides a safe and nurturing place for women to share their personal stories of growth, survival, and faith. The event is organized and held each year and is sponsored by Local Lodge 1487. Machinists Union members in Chicago who would like to volunteer may contact any Local 1487 Women's Committee member for more information.

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