Janice Turner is the founder of Pink Celebration and this is its 7th Anniversary which was held Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Louisville Coliseum. The group has grown tremendously and has helped many, especially women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of them have been counseled by Janice and other women that have followed her. Some of them have raised funds to help newly diagnosed women with their medical needs and transportation to treatment. This community is grateful to have people like Janice who support other people in the community. There are others who help also: RN Erica Houston, Neshell Hoskins, Melanie Benn, Shenia Jones, Linda Floyd , Juanita Shields Hornesbuger , Rev. Lorene Guyse , soloist Deidre Tubby and Rev. Benjamin Pittman. There was quite a crowd at the celebration in their cars and standing outside. This year’s celebration was dedicated in memory of the following: Shirley Benn, Claudell Weaver, Faye Sardin, Nancy Hunt, Lena Willis, Judy McCloud and Denise Carter. Strength, courage and faith were the theme of the celebration.
This year we will share stories of survivors who spoke at the celebration which hopefully will be inspirational to the readers of this publication.
Janice Turner, a retired elementary school teacher, is a 37 year survivor of breast cancer. She was so inspired by the care that she received medically and spiritually that she decided to tell her story by celebrating through an organization she founded – Pink Celebration. Janice has recruited other survivors to help in her effort which also raises funds for the America Cancer Society and St. Jude’s Hospital. The celebration consists of prayers, inspirational stories, beautiful cars and a stage decorated in pink and white. Survivors and supporters wore beautiful pink and white fashions. At the end of the celebration, the survivors released pink balloons. Janice was very young when she was diagnosed with breast cancer; therefore she encouraged women and men to get mammograms in their 30s. Janice has mentored many women in helping them to navigate the medical field to find the care that they need for treatment as well as for financial assistance. She is considered a heroine in Winston, Webster and Choctaw Counties for the work she had done. She has a healing smile that cheers many who seek her advice.The Pink Celebration was founded in Choctaw County while Janice taught school there.
Neishell Jordan, who frequently says, “I am not a public speaker”, yet delivers one of the most inspirational public speeches one would want to hear. She starts with, “Being the one to be strong, even from dark to light, being the one to have courage, even through the gloomy nights, being the one to have faith knowing that a better day is on the way. Being the one to always call upon Jesus, every step of the way, I’m blessed that I don’t have to search too hard to find inspiration and examples of courage. I had to look within myself and realize the strength that I had within me. Every one of us have challenges in life, mine was breast cancer.”
After discovering the knot in her breast, Neishell immediately sought medical attention the next morning. She was sent to the Breast Health and Imaging Clinic for exam by Dr. Methvin. After the biopsy the next day, she had to wait one week for the results. She said, “It seemed like the longest week I had experienced in my life. When Dr. Methvin called to announce that I did have Breast Cancer, it seemed that my entire world stopped for a minute. I had to regain myself to listen to his treatment plan for me. I went in the next week to prepare for surgery. My sister Denise reminded me of where my help comes from and encouraged me to rely totally upon God and we begin to pray and God assured me that I was going to be fine. (Sister Denise died from cancer since them.) My cancer was in stage 3.5 which meant that my cancer was advanced to where the tumor in my breast was more than 2 inches in diameter across and the cancer was extensive in the underarm lymph nodes. After 3 hours of surgery on September 21, 2012, everything went well and I was able to go home the same day. During the next four months, I experienced chemotherapy and radiation having to travel to Columbus, MS every week. The treatment made me really sick and my body was extremely tired as well but through it all I kept my faith in God. And today I am a 9 years Cancer Free Survivor.” Neishell volunteered to be the chairperson of a Breast Cancer Support Group which will start soon.
Melanie Benn, “I am a proud member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. My parents are the late Mr. Robert C. Benn and the late Shirley Benn. I have one sister Denise John who has 3 children. I have 2 young adult children, Tiffani and Tiger Briscoe. I am the proud grandmother of Baylee, Brighton, Dior, Kai and Aurelia Briscoe. In February 2022, I will be a 22 year survivor of breast cancer. I am a strong advocate for my Choctaw people. I talk to women about doing self breast exams and getting mammograms. I talk with women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and try to be there for them because I did not struggle or fight this cancer alone. I went through chemotherapy and radiation therapy. My family was always there for me. I am very blessed to have a strong support system that is still with me. My precious mother passed away February, 2021 and as my main supporter, she will always be in my heart. I love you Mom”!!
Shenia Jones has been an alderman for the city of Houston, MS for 30 years. She is a four year survivor of breast cancer. She emphasized in her story about the importance of family support. The first time she went to see the surgeon in Tupelo; her entire family went with her. They were instrumental in helping her to make decisions about her treatment. She, unfortunately, had to have surgery twice but was ok with it because of the good surgeon, family, friends and her faith. She is a great speaker and speaks at various breast cancer events.
Erica Houston is the RN who did a presentation on breast care which included self breast exams and yearly mammograms. She is the mother of two who graduated from Louisville High School in 2005. She graduated from Meridian Community College with her LPN in 2017, ADN 2019, and BSN from Mississippi University for Women, She resides in Hattiesburg, MS and is employed by Home Health. She is the daughter of Bessie Love and the late Gertis Houston.
Rev. Lorene Guyse became licensed in the ministry March, 1984; she was ordained in December 1984 at the Greater Saint John Baptist Church and served twenty-eight years under the leadership of Rev. C. L. Guyse in Markham, Illinois.
In 2005, Lorene was diagnosed with cancer. She stated, “The Lord gave me what I needed to overcome it. I can say I had a sad day again in December 2008 when again the doctor said I had breast cancer. I have known for a long time that prayer works. I have a heart that just will not give up. Another sad day came in November 2011, when the doctor once again said, its breast cancer and lung cancer. We have not stopped. We are marching on. I refused treatment for lung cancer and the spot in my lung has not grown. My strength, faith and courage have seen me through this journey and cancer has not stopped me from carrying out my duties as a minister. I give God all the praises for healing me!!!
Juanita Shields Hornesbuger is a 9 year cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with stage 1A Triple Negative Breast Cancer during her annual mammogram. Triple Negative Cancer grows and spreads quickly so she elected to do a mastectomy 13 days after diagnosis and followed up with chemotherapy. She said, “God graciously allowed me to survive. Early detection can help save one’s life. Please follow up with chemotherapy, radiation or whatever your doctor suggests to kill any cancer cells that may be in your body.” Juanita is one of the leading supporters of The Pink Celebration. She and Janice Turner work closely together to mentor newly diagnosed women. She organized a fundraiser last year and raised funds to help those who needed transportation.
Linda Floyd was previously diagnosed in September, 2020 with stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Early detection and being an advocate for oneself is a must on this journey. A lump was never visible or physically found only on a mammogram. A mammogram was done early March before COVID 19 was full-in-effect which slowed down the process of everything. A biopsy determined that the tissue around the mass was benign due to the physician missing the area. Requesting a second opinion resulted in a long process due to COVID 19. Not knowing and waiting is no cake walk. It was frightening. It took five months for another biopsy, ultra sound, CAT scan and MRI to be completed in the right area to determine that it was stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. She stated, “Researching helps you know what to do next. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation were required. Being diagnosed has ignited me to put me first. Early detection and being an advocate for oneself is important but having faith and a strong relationship with God is a must.”
The Pink Celebration was entertained with two songs by soloist Deidre Tubby. She performed The song Rise Up by Andra Day which was very appropriate for the Pink Celebration. Please contact Janice Turner at662.705-1006 if you want to make a donation to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Hospital.
