Events

Josetta Wilkins Awards

Click here for the Josetta Wilkins Awards nomination form.

BreastCare’s Josetta Wilkins Awards are given annually to a volunteer individual, a professional individual and an organization that make the fight against breast cancer a top priority and raise breast cancer awareness in Arkansas. The awards are named in honor of former state representative Dr. Josetta Wilkins of Pine Bluff, whose tireless efforts in the legislature resulted in the establishment of the BreastCare program. Individuals and organizations may be nominated for their work in breast cancer education, research, advocacy, treatment, support or services for those in need.

Recipients of this award share Dr. Wilkins’ passion and determination for the fight against breast cancer in Arkansas. Those were the characteristics that helped Dr. Josetta Wilkins lead the legislature in the passage of the Breast Cancer Act of 1997 which ultimately led to the creation of the Arkansas BreastCare program. BreastCare is a comprehensive program that provides free breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment services for Arkansas women who have little or no health insurance.

2009 — Josetta Wilkins Awards

(Left to right) Lisa Nims with the Northwest Women’s Breast Center of Springdale, co-winner for the organization category; Holly Gillies of Harrison, professional individual winner; Leila Alston of Little Rock, volunteer individual winner; and Kathy Grisham with the Community Clinic at St. Francis Clinic NWA, Inc. of Springdale, co-winner for the organization category.

2009 Josetta Wilkins Award Winners

Individual — Leila Alston, Little Rock
Professional — Holly Gillies, Harrison
Organization — Community Clinic at St. Francis House NWA, Inc. and the Northwest Women's Breast Center, Springdale

2008 — Josetta Wilkins Awards

Individual Winner — Francesica Kelley of Little Rock

The "Professional Award" recognition went to the BreastCare Care Coordination Team – Back row: Julie Huntley representing Southwest Arkansas and Debby Harris representing Northwest Arkansas. Front row: Fran Kirk representing Southeast Arkansas, Lisa Martin representing Northeast Arkansas and Polly Lockett-Fox representing Central Arkansas

Organization Winner — Washington Regional Cancer Support Home. Back row: Trace Henley and Susan Earnest. Front row: Audra Flammang and Gina Maddox

2008 Josetta Wilkins Award Winners

Individual — Fran Kelley
Professional — Cancer support Home
Organization — BC Care Coordinators

2007 — Josetta Wilkins Awards

Dr. Josetta Wilkins with the 2007 Josetta Wilkins Award winners – Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman received the Josetta Wilkins Award for a professional individual; Alesa Garner accepted the Josetta Wilkins Award for an organization on behalf of New Outlook: The Women’s Cancer Recovery Program of St. Vincent Health System; and Anita Russell and Mary Green received the Josetta Wilkins Award for a volunteer individual for their work with the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery® program.

(Left to right) Dr. Josetta Wilkins with the 2007 Josetta Wilkins Award winners – Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman received the Josetta Wilkins Award for a professional individual; Alesa Garner accepted the Josetta Wilkins Award for an organization on behalf of New Outlook: The Women’s Cancer Recovery Program of St. Vincent Health System; and Anita Russell and Mary Green received the Josetta Wilkins Award for a volunteer individual for their work with the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery® program.

BreastCare champion and former Arkansas representative Dr. Josetta Wilkins spoke to the crowd at the 2007 Josetta Wilkins Award ceremony calling BreastCare, "One of the brightest lights in Arkansas, throughout the whole nation."

Breast cancer survivor and member of the Breast Cancer Control Advisory Board Stella Hart shared her story of survival with guests at the 2007 Josetta Wilkins Award ceremony.

2006 — Josetta Wilkins Awards

Charlie Stayton and Mattye Willis, both of Little Rock, shared the 2006 Josetta Wilkins Individual Award.

Mary Gunnels, Patsy Bentley, Margie Farrar and Bonnie Zorsch received the 2006 Josetta Wilkins Organization Award on behalf of the Steele Magnolias Breast Cancer Survivor group in Magnolia.

2005 — Josetta Wilkins Awards

Jane McDaniel, 2005 Josetta Wilkins individual award winner

Allison Levin, representing the Ozark Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, proudly displays the 2005 Josetta Wilkins Award presented to an organization.

Dr. Josetta Wilkins stresses the importance of early breast cancer detection at the 2005 Josetta Wilkins Award Ceremony.

Members of the Ozark Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation join Allison Levin (second from left) in accepting the 2005 Josetta Wilkins Award presented to an organization.

Jane McDaniel (individual winner), Dr. Josetta Wilkins and Allison Levin (representing Ozark Komen Affiliate) at the 2005 Josetta Wilkins Award Ceremony.

2004 — Josetta Wilkins Awards

Dr. Josetta Wilkins poses with Patsy Bentley of Magnolia the 2004 Josetta Wilkins Individual Award winner.

Sherry McBryde, Executive Director of the Arkansas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Nan Snow, president of the Komen Foundation board, display the trophy for the 2004 Josetta Wilkins Organization Award which was presented to the Arkansas Affiliate.

Pink Carnation Sunday

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month BreastCare assists organizations in hosting Pink Carnation Sunday (PCS), which is held in many local faith-based organizations around the state of Arkansas. Over 5,000 pink carnations and pink ribbons will be distributed to women 40 years and older as a reminder of importance of regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.

The objective of PCS is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Faith based organizations are an excellent platform to disseminate information throughout our local communities. It is also an excellent strategy to promote and improve women’s health in Arkansas.

Over 100 churches participate in Pink Carnation Sunday each year. It is usually held the fourth Sunday in October. BreastCare staff holds a training the Friday before Pink Carnation Sunday and gives a sample script and other materials to those who wish to speak in front of their congregation. Both individuals and groups act as hosts in their churches. Every faith-based organization conducts PCS differently, choosing that which best fits their congregation. To get your faith-based organization signed up for Pink Carnation Sunday 2009, contact Tatiana Swanigan at 501-661-2432 or Tatiana.Swanigan@arkansas.gov

Pink Carnation Sunday Pictures

Pastor Odell Jones of First Missionary Baptist Church of Blytheville is doing a great job of encouraging women of his congregation to get a mammogram. Mother Zella Robinson pictured is 102 years old.