From OHC
October 26, 2023
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and at a more advanced stage than white women. They are also more affected by aggressive types of breast cancer, leading to a disproportionate outlook, even though white women are more often diagnosed. OHC breast cancer patient and survivor Jacqueline Hawthorne-Evans knows these statistics all too well and has created an organization to help address one of the disparities through awareness and make a difference among women of color.
Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast at the age of 56, Jacqueline was referred to OHC medical oncologist and hematologist Prasad R. Kudalkar, MD by her breast surgeon, Jacquelyn A. V. Palmer, MD of Mercy Health. “Triple negative is an aggressive form of breast cancer. Because of this, Jacqueline’s treatment plan included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation,” states Dr. Kudalkar. “Jacqueline is a positive individual who has approached her diagnosis head-on and with determination to not only succeed but to help others as she does so,” adds Dr. Kudalkar.
Jacqueline says that OHC is the best place to be for her. “It’s amazing to see everyone here care so much about their jobs. Everyone has a passion for what they do and to see you survive. The experience is a relationship, more like family. I know everyone from the front to the back of the office, and I chat with them about their lives, and they ask about mine. It’s personal,” says Jacqueline.
After Jacqueline’s diagnosis in 2019, she created Pink Is My Power Color (P.I.M.P.C.). A grassroots organization focused on increasing breast cancer awareness and offering support in the black community, P.I.M.P.C. has been a source of hope for others and even for Jacqueline. “I love what I do, it’s a part of my journey,” explains Jacqueline. P.I.M.P.C. provides transportation, meal prep, childcare, and even light housekeeping for other women and men in the black community who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They also focus on awareness and education, teaching women to perform self-breast exams and advocating for second opinions. As a part of their outreach, they’ve recently been focusing on educating men in their community of their risk of breast cancer.
Jacqueline is fighting her battle again as her cancer returned in 2023 and has spread to her liver, lungs, and bones. She is even more focused as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment again. Her mission is to grow her organization and educate men and women on the importance of awareness, prevention, and screening. “My faith and hope tie in together, I know it’s all for a purpose, and I believe P.I.M.P.C. is that purpose,” says Jacqueline.
In addition to helping women with social and emotional support during their diagnosis and treatment, she also highly recommends OHC to the women she helps. “I tell them, just like P.I.M.P.C., OHC is a family, ready to walk the journey with them,” she adds. Jacqueline represents her organization at many community events, including a recent Comedy Night. Jacqueline was also recently interviewed by Tanya O’Rourke of WCPO 9News about her organization. Blessing, diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 41 and just one of the women helped by Jacqueline’s organization, says “I’m incredibly thankful for the support I’ve received from P.I.M.P.C.”
We had the pleasure of sharing Jacqueline’s story in June 2022. For more information on Jacqueline’s amazing organization, P.I.M.P.C., please visit www.pimpc.org. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer or would like a second opinion, contact OHC at 888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.
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