Christmas will be celebrated by ‘going pink’ with a special summit presented by the Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Coalition on Saturday, December 9 from 8 am-2 pm.

The summit will be held on the campus of Meharry Medical College in the Cal Turner Family Center, 1011 21st Ave. N. Registration is free along with manicures, seated mini-massages, breakfast, lunch, gift bags and access to many heath care industry vendors.

An expected group of over 600 women will be attending as breast cancer survivors, those who consider themselves at risk, and those whose lives have been touched in some way by breast cancer.

The summit, ‘LIVE! African American Women Surviving Breast Cancer through Education, Early Detection, Screening and Treatment’ will teach the women how to be advocates for breast cancer education, early detection, screening and treatment among family, friends and the community.

It is said that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While breast cancer is not preventable, it is treatable. The earlier the detection, the better the odds are of treating the situation and carrying out a normal life.

“I am grateful to be a part of this type of activity because there are so many women that don’t feel the need to get breast examinations when they are feeling well and healthy,” said Janice Woodard, a member of one of the sponsors from The Links, Inc. Parthenon Chapter. “I urge women to attend whether you have had a diagnosis or not. Just come to get more knowledge so that you can make someone else aware.”

Woodard also spoke of the need to share information with family, church family, co-workers and friends.

The Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Coalition consists of over 23 members that include organizations, church and health and affiliations.

Register in advance at ‘livejustasyouare’ and visit twitter or Facebook under the same name.

Information can be obtained from Meharry Medical College or the Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Coalition.