African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association celebrates 20 years of advocacy and support for survivors

African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA)which works to reduce the burden of cancer on African immigrant women and their families, is proud to announce its 20th anniversary fundraising gala.

Event hosted by FOX5 DC anchor MaureenUmehwill be held at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland at 8:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 18, 2024. AWCAA will commemorate two decades of providing critical support, education and patient navigation services to the more than 1,200 women each year diagnosed with breast cancer.

America’s African immigrant population is one of the most affected by health inequities in the US. Some people do not seek medical care because they do not have documents. They also experience language barriers and strong cultural stigma around cancer, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. By the time they come for screening, they will have already detected a lump, which may be too late for a positive result.

AWCAA strives to help African immigrants overcome these barriers, gain easy access to health care, and live to survive breast cancer.

This year, AWCAA aims to raise $20,000 for breast cancer patients and survivors in need. Since its founding, AWCAA has remained a beacon of hope, accompanying women through the most difficult battles of their lives, offering not only medical advice, but also practical emotional and social support.

“For 20 years, we have been committed to raising awareness and supporting African women who are disproportionately affected by breast cancer,” says AWCAA founder Ify Nwabukwu.

“With 42,250 women expected to lose their lives to breast cancer this year, we remain committed to reducing this number. Through two decades of education, support and advocacy, we have empowered women to prioritize their health, and we will continue to do this crucial work.”

Proceeds from the 20th Anniversary Gala will be used to pay for 3D mammography screenings and to purchase groceries and transportation for uninsured, underinsured and underinsured African immigrant women with cancer.

This groundbreaking event promises to be an evening of inspiration, entertainment and deep reflection on the battles fought and won against breast cancer in African communities.

The evening will feature:
Afri-Couture Survivor Fashion Show – a powerful runway showcasing resilient, survivors, adorned with fashion, representing strength, beauty and victory over cancer.
Impact Awards – Honoring people and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the fight against breast cancer.
3-course dinner – selected culinary delicacies for an evening of exquisite cuisine.
Entertainment – performances that will lift your spirits, including music, including: DJ Akuaa.
Speakers from Johns Hopkins, Howard University, FOX5 DC and more – inspiring words from healthcare and media leaders.

AWCAA is proud to partner with BellaNaija, a global media leader, to share this momentous occasion with the world and highlight their ongoing mission. To date, AWCAA has provided over 40,000 women locally and internationally with access to life-changing health care and resources on their cancer journey. They continue to impact the lives of thousands through breast cancer education, patient navigation services and medical missions.

Tickets are $150 per person, with all proceeds going directly to expanding AWCAA’s lifesaving services around the world. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all ticket purchases are tax-deductible, and every dollar raised will help AWCAA reach even more women in need.

Guests who are unable to attend the event are asked to participate in AWCAA’s “20 for 20” campaign. To celebrate their 20th anniversary, they are calling on everyone to donate $20 to support AWCAA’s mission.

Each donation brings AWCAA closer to expanding its global impact and ensuring that no woman fights breast cancer alone. Find out more about how you can support them here.

More information about the 20th Anniversary Gala can be found at this link.

To purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit the Eventbrite website, and to sponsor the event, please contact us: (e-mail protected).

About the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA)
The African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) impacts thousands of lives through breast cancer education, patient navigation services and medical missions.

AWCAA focuses on both increasing knowledge and awareness of cancer among the African immigrant community. We conduct various social activities led by trained cultural ambassadors.

Our trained cultural ambassadors organize events in their communities with the support of local partners including, but not limited to, churches, mosques, community centers, grocery stores, beauty salons, schools and embassies.

Through its efforts, AWCAA has reached thousands of African immigrants through community events in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Washington, and Virginia counties. Visit their website to learn more.

BellaNaija is a media partner of AWCAA