Pink Eagles set out on grassroots fight against breast cancer
LAWNDALE (WPVI) -- All throughout October, thousands throughout the area are joining the fight against breast cancer in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events.
Saturday at Memorial Hall, there will be many teams walking. Meet the mother & daughter behind one team - the Pink Eagles.
Fighting cancer isn't just a passion for Vanessa Jones and daughter Shiranda - it's a life and death matter.
"My grandmother had cancer, my mother had cancer, my sister died from cancer and my baby girl had breast cancer and my daddy had cancer - pancreatic cancer," said Vanessa.
And as her youngest daughter, Michelle, was losing her 6-year battle with breast cancer, Vanessa had her own encounter.
"I had my surgery July the 12th, my daughter's birthday was July 18th, like I was telling you, and my daughter passed away July 22nd," said Vanessa.
The next day, when doctors said Vanessa was cancer-free, the two women resolved to find a cure once and for all.
"It made a mistake by coming into this family. It picked the wrong family," said Vanessa.
All year-long, they sell car magnets, buttons, pens and other small items.
"My mom sells stuff at her job, at our churches. Our neighbors have been very supportive," said Shiranda. "When she goes into work, she has people waiting for her to get to work so they can buy stuff."
They also hold events and trips and every fall.
They lead the Pink Eagles - a team of relatives, friends, co-workers, and more in the Making Strides Walk.
Vanessa has a wall of pledges at work for the team named after a favorite bible verse.
"Shall mount up on wings like eagles and soar," said Shiranda.
Little by little, their grassroots efforts are making their mark. The Pink Eagles are a top fundraiser for the walk.
And Saturday morning, the team hopes to have 100 walkers, with a total of $10,000 dollars.
"The people see our passion, how passionate we are about this, and not just raising funds, but also educating people, letting them know what services are available to them, how the American Cancer Society can help them, and how important it is to get your mammograms," said Shiranda.
"As long as I've got breath in my body, I'm going to fight till God calls me home," added Vanessa.
To donate to the Pink Eagles, or register to participate on their team, visit:
