Faith Chapter 18 Hosts Annual Breast Cancer Derby Luncheon

Dr. Morgan Mitchell and member of Faith Chapter 18

The Order of the Eastern Star Faith Chapter 18, under the direction of Hudson B. Turner Grand Lodge and the New Life Grand Chapter, hosted their annual Breast Cancer Derby Luncheon on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Westberry Engram Community Center. The luncheons originated in October 2012 in order to donate to a fellow sister and breast cancer patient, Tamara Tuck-Hayes. Unfortunately she lost her battle in October 2013. Her husband, Sam Hayes Jr., even wrote a book entitled “The Breast Cancer Fighting Husband”. Hayes recounts, “although I applaud the strength and great mental fortitude of all women that had to battle against breast cancer, I often think about the significant others that stood by their sides. People like me. All their sleepless nights; the different changes and sacrifices they had to make in their lives as well. I know about the sacrifices that I made, and the countless selfless acts that came with it, but I often wonder about some of the things that others just like me had to endure.”

Even after Tuck-Hayes’ death, the Sisterhood still continued to raise money for organizations and individuals battling breast cancer every year. Of course this year’s event was pink galore. Both women and men showed up in their finest derby attire, complete with beautiful fascinators and hats. Worthy Matron, Tarkisha Nelson, delighted guests as Mistress of Ceremonies. Chris Nobles, a director from The Rose, the largest breast cancer nonprofit in Texas, was in attendance with her signature short pink hair. Additionally, Nobles has participated in several of Faith Chapter 18’s events. The keynote speaker was Dr. Morgan Mitchell, a breast cancer patient diagnosed in August 2020, coincidentally a few days after officially graduating with her PhD in biochemistry, and during the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Mitchell talked of how she has no family history and the diagnosis was the shock of a lifetime, as she was only 34 years old. She underlined points about the alarming increase of breast cancer in young Black women, most times with no family history. She highlighted and praised her Ob/Gyn and breast surgeon, two Black women, for their swift patient care. Dr. Mitchell emphasizes the importance of having healthcare providers that have the same ethnic background and gender as their patients, allowing the ability to be “seen and heard”. She underwent chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, radiation, and maintenance therapy. She is now cancer free. The luncheon also gave way to a best hat contest and many raffle drawings. Nya Igambi and Shelley Boone both donated items from Mary Kay. City2City Events and Vivian’s Finer Things donated decorations.

Money raised from the event went to Kathleen Murray, a former member of Faith 18 and current breast cancer patient fighting the battle for a second time. She was also the keynote speaker of last year’s derby luncheon as she was in remission. Additional money was donated to Loretta Burke, who is also currently battling breast cancer and is the bonus mom of Sister Michelle Burke. Finally, additional funds also went to The Rose, for their continuous work in the breast cancer community.