Beaufort Kicks Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Inspiring Expo
BEAUFORT, S.C. – This past weekend, Beaufort welcomed an incredible event that celebrated courage, support, and survivorship. The first-ever Breast Cancer Wellness Expo took place at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, marking the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The expo was designed specifically for women, providing them with essential resources, wellness tips, and a sense of community as they navigate the journey of breast cancer.
A Survivor’s Journey
Among the many attendees was Gigi Sharper-Moore, a remarkable breast cancer survivor who has been on her own journey since her diagnosis in 2018. With a warm smile, Gigi shared her thoughts on self-worth: “I have to take care, make sure I take care of my own self-worth, you know, because I’m valuable, you know, I’m priceless.” Her resilience is not just inspiring but also infectious, as she dedicates her time to helping support others facing similar challenges.
Gigi highlighted the importance of support groups, saying, “People get diagnosed every day, and there’s different forms, different stages. Everybody has a different story, everybody is treated differently. And it’s good to have support groups throughout the year.” It’s clear that the expo was not only about sharing information but also creating lasting connections among women who have faced or are currently battling breast cancer.
Education and Empowerment
The Breast Cancer Wellness Expo was organized with the intention of spreading awareness about breast cancer survivorship throughout Beaufort County and the surrounding Lowcountry. According to Chimene Hayward, the breast nurse navigator at Beaufort Memorial, “We don’t celebrate the wins enough in breast cancer survivorship, so they should be celebrated. Whether it’s your first day after diagnosis or you’re just finishing radiation.” It’s crucial that communities recognize and acknowledge the journey of each survivor, and this expo aimed to do just that.
Attendees had access to various resources focusing on survivor education, fitness, beauty, and wellness. Hayward pointed out, “We have literally every type of vendor that you would think of down to skin care. People don’t realize, you know, when you go through certain treatments, you know, your skin may be affected.” This comprehensive approach ensures that women have access to the tools they need to care for their bodies during and after treatment.
Customized Beauty Solutions
One standout at the expo was Elizabeth Thompson, who journeyed from Columbia with her small business, EJStyles. She specializes in providing customizable natural wigs to empower women battling hair loss, a common side effect of cancer treatments. Elizabeth’s heartfelt message to the women she encountered was, “You’re beautiful no matter what, whether you have a handful of hair or not, you’re always beautiful. Be confident in how you look.” It’s affirmations like these that spark a sense of resilience and self-love among survivors.
Looking Toward the Future
As the event came to a close, Beaufort Memorial has set its sights on making the Breast Cancer Wellness Expo an annual affair. The hope is that each subsequent event will build on the previous one, expanding its vendors, resources, and the attendance of women seeking support.
For those seeking more information about available breast cancer survivor resources, you can visit beaufortmemorial.org/survivorwellness. It’s clear that events like these create a powerful community that uplifts, educates, and inspires. Together, we can keep spreading the message of awareness and hope!
