McCOOK, Ill.—Warriors Talk Inc. recently held its 9th Annual Survivors Celebration, “Honoring Cancer Survivors and Warriors in Battle,” at the Crystal Sky Banquets in the Chicago suburb of McCook, Illinois, on October 18. This year’s theme for the gala was “United By Courage, Anchored By Faith.”
Chicago resident and mother of five, Reshelle Matheny, was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in November 2013. She had a sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Her sister, unfortunately, passed away from the disease.
The passing of her sister, along with her own diagnosis, inspired Reshelle to create a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources for women and men in 2014.
“The passing of my sister really put me on my journey to birth Warriors Talk Inc. I just started sharing my journey. The mission of the organization is to empower individuals into action for a healthier lifestyle before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis,” she told The Final Call.
She also started the Warriors Talk podcast, which covers topics such as “How cancer and other diseases are running rampant throughout our country.”
“The mission of the podcast is to move from awareness towards action. Listeners are left feeling empowered, informed, and connected to not only survive but also thrive in life. Guests on the show have consisted of battle survivors, doctors, nurses, researchers, and more,” Reschelle explained.
Black women have a 38% higher likelihood of dying from breast cancer compared to White women, despite a 5% lower likelihood of being diagnosed, according to cancer.org.
The gala’s co-host, Sister Kacia Muhammad, and Reshelle have been friends since they were 14. “When she confided in me about her cancer diagnosis, I felt that deeply. Reshelle means a lot to me, and she was the first close person I knew with cancer. I am proud of her for writing a book and honoring those struggling with cancer even through her own journey,” said Sis. Kacia. “I wanted to assist her in whatever way I could, so I attended the second gala she held and it has been my pleasure working with Reshelle.”
Viveca Gipson-Williams is a wife, mother, and grandmother, and she was also honored as a survivor. Ms. Williams serves as a licensed evangelist missionary and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in May 2024.
“I found my own lump because I was not a stranger to lumps, because I am fibrocystic. I have always had mammogram exams, and usually the lumps would only be cysts. However, this particular lump felt different.”
“I did not smoke, I did not drink alcohol, I kept a healthy diet, and I did not have weight issues. I demanded a diagnostic ultrasound because I knew right away that something was wrong. We must become advocates for ourselves when dealing with our health,” Ms. Williams stated.
Brenda Venor was a survivor honoree at this year’s gala. Brenda is a devoted mother of three and grandmother to seven granddaughters and two grandsons. “I was diagnosed in May 2023 with stage one triple-negative carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. Initially, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I was introduced to Reshelle, and she has been a Godsend.”
LaTonya Teplan was also honored as a survivor at this year’s gala. She was diagnosed with a form of breast cancer known as invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2B; however, when the cancer was removed, it was stage three in August 2022. She has undergone several rounds of treatment.
“Prior to being diagnosed, I didn’t experience any significant symptoms outside of being tired and having a lingering cough.”
She has known Reshelle since Reshelle was 16 and contacted her after receiving her own diagnosis. She said Reschelle came to her home. “I have a great support system,” she said.
Attendees enjoyed a nice lunch, a raffle, and were introduced to “When Warriors Talk, God Listens: A Tell-All Collection of Cancer Journeys.” This book is an anthology from the voices of women who have been diagnosed with and are battling cancer.
(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at [email protected])