Article written by Mical Roy with contributions by Network Weavers Dr. Patricia Alford and Sherri Richardson

The Elgin Community Health Affair, featuring #The Pink & Blue Affair kicked off the weekend of 10/21/21. Based on feedback, the city of Elgin and surrounding communities couldn’t be more pleased. Network Weavers, Bastrop County Cares (Dr. Linda Wilson, Breast Cancer Coalition) and other coalitions did their part to ensure that networking occurred which was necessary to pull off an event of this magnitude.

The Pink & Blue Affair, the first of its kind, coordinated by Dr. Patricia A. Alford, Mical Roy and Sherri Richardson, was held Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at the Elgin Recreation Center located in Elgin, Texas. This event was supported by Mayor Ron Ramirez, who signed a Proclamation stating that October 23, 2021 will be recognized as the Pink & Blue Affair Breast and Cancer Awareness month.

The event was led by none other than Kenneth D. Thompson Sr. & Carol Spence serving as Master and Mistress of Ceremony/Facilitators. Present during the event was board-certified doctors, Monica Rocco, MD, FACS and Jeff Hutchinson, MD, COL (Ret), the participants and vendors shared unique insight and professional viewpoints related to Breast and Prostate Cancer awareness, early detection and the importance of maintaining the health of the underserved and communities of color. Several local and national organizations set up booths, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic was made available inside Elgin Recreation center while the Big Pink Bus staff conducted mammograms.

The pavilion became a safe place for community residents and individuals to share dialogue on Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness. Jaqueline Pleasant, Gladys Jones, Shirlee Medlock, and Angela Organ were powerful speakers who shared their personal experiences as survivors and or caregivers. In addition, a Men’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Panel consisted of survivors Mical Roy, Rodney Crain, Leny Dingle, George Storey, Flynn Lee as well as a patient health advocate and educator Sanford Jeames, Ph.D. There was no holding back any information. Questions were asked and answered by certified doctors and people with first-hand experiences.

The Pink & Blue Affair fulfilled its purpose of engaging the community in a conversation on the importance of Breast and Prostate Cancer awareness. More than anything, the importance of sharing family history with all members of the family so that we are all better informed and equipped to navigate routine health and any additional needs and/or concerns. As a result, a better understanding of the health challenges that have affected those whom we love was revealed. Dr. Rocco mentioned to attendees during the Prostate Cancer dialogue session that Thanksgiving would be a perfect opportunity, when gathered around the table, to discuss family history amongst the older and younger family members.

This approach is integral, because all too often, we know that underserved individuals and communities of color, in specific our black and brown populations are not as open to crucial conversations such as these. Due to this positive outcome, the committee and all organizers remain dedicated to leading the ongoing efforts toward continuing future dialogue. Future forums are presently being organized to ensure that safe spaces are made available for fostering more discussions related to the way we view our health and the health of those we know and love.

Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? Committee organizers may be reached at: Pinkandblueaffair1023@gmail.com.