TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – During her journey battling breast cancer, the motto that got Jessica Morton-Williams through the tough days was, “When life gives you lemons make pink lemonade.” Now one-year cancer-free, she is taking this message to new heights.
As someone who experienced a health scare themself, Morton-Williams felt it was critical to educate the community on staying proactive.
The first ever, “Make Pink Lemonade,” health fair ensued at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and featured various organizations that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
“I like to have fun with my health,” Morton-Williams emphasized. ” I don’t take things too seriously and I think some people get scared about health and I am like, no let’s get excited, let’s have fun, and let’s get educated about our health.”
Morton-Williams was first inspired to pursue this event when her care team specialist Robin McKay asked to bring an inflatable colon to her church as a way to teach the importance of screenings.
The theme of the day was to “Stop ignoring your maintenance required signs,” with hopes of educating the community.
McKay, with Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center, served as the keynote speaker.
“Having a fun event like this where you can walk through a large inflatable colon and give some cancer a good punch is a really disarming way to start a conversation and many people just aren’t aware of the need for screening,” McKay said.
Executive Director of Topeka Doula Project, Abrionna Markham, says she understands that many people are anxious when it comes to reaching out, so it is critical to have events where they can reach the community directly.
“I hope they leave her knowing I am a part of their community and I am just here to help with whatever those needs may be,” Markham emphasized. “I told someone today I like to stand in the gap and that’s what I do “
Amber Saale-burger was discussing the dangers of fentanyl at her booth. As someone who lost four family members, she hopes that she can help the community learn more about the things she didn’t.
“We didn’t really know much about it until it did, so whenever you are in the community like this, you are able to talk to people and let them know it could be you,” Saale-Burger said.
Today’s event was not solely focused on physical health.
Stand Up 4 Life is an organization that fights to end youth violence. They want everyone to know that keeping the community safe is an important piece of a community’s health.
“Right now with the crime rates accelerating, last year was one of our number one years in homicides alone and so we are out here in the community bringing peace and bringing love,” co-founder Danette Elkins said.
Morton Williams says this is just the beginning for “Make Pink Lemonade,” and is confident this event will become annual.
Morton-Williams gushed, “We might just paint the town pink.”
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