Happy March, everyone! As we step into Women’s History Month, our hearts are full of gratitude and inspiration. At The Putt Away Cancer Foundation, we spend every single day standing alongside our incredible Cancer Warriors. We see their strength; we see their resilience; we see their unwavering FAITH. But this month, we want to take a moment to look back at the incredible Black and Brown women who paved the way for the treatments and support systems we have today.
The history of medicine is filled with unsung heroes. These women didn’t just practice medicine; they revolutionized it. They fought against systemic barriers, changed the way we treat cancer, and provided a blueprint for what it means to lead with compassion. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation honors these pioneers because their legacy is the foundation of the HOPE we provide today.
The Mother of Chemotherapy: Dr. Jane Cooke Wright
When we talk about cancer treatment today, we owe a massive debt to Dr. Jane Cooke Wright. Often referred to as the “Mother of Chemotherapy,” Dr. Wright was a true visionary in the field of oncology. At a time when chemotherapy was considered a last resort, she saw it as a path to LIFE. She wasn’t just following the rules; she was rewriting them.
Dr. Wright’s research into individualized chemotherapy was groundbreaking. She believed that treatment shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, she developed techniques to test different drugs on a patient’s own cancer cells before administering them. This changed everything. It meant more targeted care and better outcomes for patients.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation recognizes the courage it took for her to lead. Dr. Wright became the first woman to be president of the New York Cancer Society and was the only woman among the seven founders of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Her work provided the medical community with the tools to fight back against cancer with precision and HOPE.
A Pioneer of Prevention: Dr. May Edward Chinn
If Dr. Wright changed how we treat cancer, Dr. May Edward Chinn changed how we find it. Dr. Chinn was the first African American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College. She faced immense discrimination throughout her career, but she never let it dim her light. Because she was barred from practicing in many hospitals, she treated patients in her own office and even in their homes.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation values the importance of early detection, and Dr. Chinn was a leader in this space. She is particularly known for her work on Pap smears for cervical cancer detection. She understood that catching cancer early was the key to saving lives. Her dedication to the community in Harlem ensured that Black and Brown women had access to life-saving screenings long before it was standard practice.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation seeks to continue this spirit of advocacy. Dr. Chinn’s life reminds us that access to care is a right, not a privilege. By focusing on prevention and education, she gave her community a fighting chance and a reason to have FAITH in their future.
Breaking Surgical Barriers: Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens
Breaking barriers was a way of life for Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens. She was a powerhouse in the medical world, becoming the first Black woman admitted to the American College of Surgeons. Her focus was on the whole person, and she spent much of her career advocating for the health of women in underserved communities.
Dr. Dickens was a leader in cancer care who didn’t just stay in the operating room. She went into the community. She implemented programs to increase cancer screenings among African American women, specifically focusing on the prevention of cervical cancer. She knew that education was just as important as medicine.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation desires to mirror this level of community engagement. We know that being a “Cancer Warrior” involves more than just doctor appointments. It involves a community that wraps its arms around you. Dr. Dickens showed us that when we lead with a heart for service, we create a ripple effect of HOPE that can change generations.
Connecting the Legacy to Our Modern Warriors
The stories of Dr. Wright, Dr. Chinn, and Dr. Dickens aren’t just history lessons. They are the roots of our mission at The Putt Away Cancer Foundation. These women were the original advocates for “help for cancer warriors.” They didn’t just see patients; they saw people with families, dreams, and lives to lead.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation sees YOU. Whether you are currently in the fight, a survivor, or a family member, you are part of a legacy of resilience. The strength shown by Black and Brown women in medicine throughout history is the same strength we see in our community every day.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation promotes LIFE by ensuring that no one has to walk this journey alone. We believe that by honoring those who came before us, we gain the strength to support those who are fighting right now. We share these “cancer warrior stories” because representation matters, and knowing your history can provide a unique kind of FAITH during difficult times.
The Circle of HOPE: Our Commitment to You
How do we carry this legacy forward? At The Putt Away Cancer Foundation, we do it through action. We don’t just talk about support; we provide it through our “Circle of HOPE Award.” This award is designed to provide direct assistance to those who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation understands that the financial and emotional weight of cancer can be overwhelming. The “Circle of HOPE Award” is our way of saying, “We see you, and we are here for you.” It is a modern-day continuation of the advocacy started by women like Dr. Dickens and Dr. Chinn. It is a tangible way to provide HOPE when it is needed most.
Investing in the Future: The HOPE Scholarship
The legacy of these pioneering women also lives on in the next generation. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation is proud to offer “academic scholarships for families impacted by cancer” through our “HOPE Scholarship” program. We know that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, especially the children who are watching their loved ones fight.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation seeks to lighten the load for these students. By providing “academic scholarships for families impacted by cancer,” we are helping to ensure that the medical pioneers of the future have the resources they need to succeed. Perhaps one of our scholarship recipients will be the next Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, finding new ways to bring LIFE and healing to the world.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation believes that education is a powerful tool for empowerment. We want to help young people pursue their dreams despite the obstacles cancer has placed in their path. This is how we keep the cycle of HOPE moving forward.
Together, We Are Warriors
This Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to breathe in the strength of those who paved the way. Let’s celebrate the Black and Brown women who refused to take “no” for an answer. Their courage is the reason we can stand here today and say that cancer does not have the final word.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation invites YOU to join our community. Whether you want to apply for an award, donate to our scholarship fund, or simply share your story, there is a place for you here. The Putt Away Cancer Foundation is more than just an organization; it is a family.
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation exists to inspire HOPE;
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation exists to encourage FAITH;
The Putt Away Cancer Foundation exists to promote LIFE.
We invite you to learn more about our upcoming events, including our 10-year celebration, where we will continue to honor our warriors and the legacies that sustain us.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Let’s continue to honor the past while fighting for a brighter, healthier future for every Cancer Warrior.
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