Special to IFN

The Divas Fighting Like Girls breast cancer support group recently held its biannual 50 Shades of Pink Ball at the Statesville Civic Center.

Treva Miller, a breast cancer survivor, and a group of her close friends started Divas Fighting Like Girls in 2013 to provide empathy, understanding, education, and practical assistance to women in all stages of breast cancer. The group regularly visits Iredell Infusion Care, a part of Iredell Health System, to bring snacks and offer support to patients receiving chemotherapy.

They encourage others with the message “Cancer, if you’re going to come back, then you’re going to have to keep up with me because I’m not just a survivor … I’m a thriver!’

Tables were decorated in white, pink, silver, and gold with candles and pink high heels (a play on
the group’s slogan “Pink Heals”). Guests were treated to a full meal by Scott’s Catering and music from DJ Tenor. Guests wore various shades of pink.

Melissa Cauthen, a breast cancer survivor of 35 years, was honored for her fight against the deadly disease.

This year, Diva’s Fighting Like Girls presented plaques to the families of two members who passed away from breast cancer, Deborah McCullough-Reynolds and Sylvia Young. These two women will forever be honorary members of the organization.

Registered Nurse Rhonda Simpson accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Iredell Health System’s Radiation Therapy Department for their work in cancer treatment.

Judy Porter, Oncology Navigator for Iredell Health System, was presented with this year’s Community Service Award for her work with cancer patients and organization of the health system’s first annual Lacing Up for a Cure 5K.

Southern Oncology Specialists were also recognized with a certificate of appreciation.

“Receiving this award was an unexpected acknowledgement,” said Porter. “The Divas Fighting Like Girls have been doing selfless acts of kindness for our community’s cancer patients for several years. To be honored by the Divas definitely adds to the pride I have in my role as IHS’s Oncology Navigator. The 50 Shades of Pink ball was a magical evening, filled with so much love, hope, blessings and acknowledgement of the many survivors.”