African American Women in Touch

For more information on Memorial's Women in Touch, please call 574-647-6944

African American Women in Touch had an informational booth set up at each of the following events, providing important educational materials on breast health. They were also available to talk to women about the importance of breast screenings and provided them the opportunity to sign up for a mammogram. Financial and clinical issues were referred to WIT office.

Booths at Health Fairs

Health Fairs were held at the following sites this summer to help people by providing important health information. WIT participated by providing educational materials on breast health. The dates and sites included:

  • 6/13/09 - Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church - There was also a Hat show & luncheon provided.
  • 7/11/09 - Mt. Calvary Health Fair (Niles, MI)
  • 7/16/09 - Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Health fair
  • 7/16/09 - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Fun Carnival at Beacon Heights
  • 7/18/09 - Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Health Fair
  • 8//8/09 - Indiana Health Center Health Fair
  • 9/12/09 - Hispanic/Latino Health Coalition of Elkhart, County - WIT nurse performed clinical breast exams, while volunteers signed up women for mammograms and distributing educational materials. More than 1,000 people attended the event.
  • 11/9/09 - Hispanic Angel’s Night Out - Event was held at the NIPSCO building in downtown South Bend. WIT nurse provided clinical breast exams and provided educational materials.
  • Madison Primary Center Health Fair. 
Annual Juneteenth Celebration

This annual weekend event was held on June 20-21, 2009 and was sponsored by the Indiana Black Expo-African American community, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States through reflection and celebration. It was a family event which included picnics, music, dancing and speakers. There were also vendors and health booths set up to provide educational information on important health issues. 

Gospel Expo 2009

This is an annual event, which was held this year on July 10. Local pastors and congregations came together to listen to singing and a message presented by the Rev. Ray Owens of the Macedonia Baptist Church. It was followed by an enjoyable meal at the Blue Herron, overlooking Blackthorn Golf Course. It was also another opportunity for various vendors and health organizations to provide important health information.

Paint the Town Pink

The ceremony this year was held in conjunction with The American Cancer Society’s, “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer," which was held at Howard Park on Oct. 10, 2009. A proclamation was read by Mikki Dobski of Mayor Stephen Luecke’s office, as well as remarks from Congressman Joe Donnelly and others. Prayers from two community ministers were presented, and then everyone threw pink carnations into the St. Joseph River, in honor or memory of a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer. We had a good turnout from the South Bend community.

Lee National Denim Day Campaign

Women in Touch are affiliated with the National Breast Cancer Coalition Board of Directors, in Washington, D.C. This fundraiser is a nationwide event that helps to support breast cancer research and education. Participants wear jeans and donate money to fight against breast cancer. There was a campaign rally held on Oct. 24, 2009 at several locations, including the WUBS 89.7 FM radio station, Kroger’s on Western Avenue and Wal-Mart’s at Indian Ridge. There were also display boards available for donors to write a name in memory or honor of someone diagnosed with breast cancer.