Cancer survivor tea party

Battling cancer is one of the toughest trials a person can go through, but overcoming it is one of the greatest triumphs. News 25’s Kendra Turley takes us inside a celebration that honored women who have bravely fought the fight against cancer and won, along with those who are still battling it.
Cancer affects millions of women in the world each year and each of those individuals has a unique story to tell about their journey. Cancer survivor Rutha Evans said, “I had a journey, a very emotional journey for the first three years. My equilibrium was off. I was at work and I wasn’t balanced.”
The non-profit Pink Heart Funds hosted a tea party in Gulfport to connect women who are currently battling the disease and women who survived it. Pink Heart Funds Founder Joan Nicely said, “So many times, we don’t really get to have something fun and dress up and look pretty for when you’re going through treatments. This makes it very special.”
The evening included tea, heartfelt stories, and constant exchange of both advice and words of encouragement. “A lot of the experiences you won’t find out sitting in a doctor’s office. They tell you the medical information, but they don’t tell you about the emotional part and here we can be here for each other and I just think it’s a wonderful opportunity.”
The group of women ranged in age, race, and diagnosis, mirroring the diverse population of women fighting cancer across the country. Sponsor and cancer survivor Linda Peranich said, “We’ve been doing this all day and I love it because women are just inspirational and encouraging.”
Organizers say the goal of the event is to create an ongoing support system and encourage even the smallest warriors to keep smiling and keep fighting. Cancer survivor Daisy Davis said, “Don’t be afraid of cancer. Don’t think that something can stop you.”