By Ola Stepien
Presentation to Chicago Urban League Impact Program from the family of Chris-Tia Donaldson
Recently, the Thank God It’s Natural (tgin), a manufacturer of natural hair and skin care products founded by Chris-Tia Donaldson, and its corresponding foundation hosted its sixth annual Cocktails for the Cure fundraiser at The Old Post Office Building in Chicago. Donaldson created the tgin Foundation after she realized when she was diagnosed with breast cancer that social services helping women with transportation, childcare, parking or seeking disability leave from their place of employment are few.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will support African American women under 40 battling breast cancer and the Lyft Partnership, a nationwide program providing free transportation for women to and from breast health appointments, education, and awareness programming.
Audrina Sinclair, who hosted the fundraiser
The fundraiser’s panelists
The fundraiser was hosted by CBS 2 Chicago’s Audrina Sinclair and presented an engaging and informative discussion with prominent panelists: Kanesha Broadwater, BSN, RN, OCN, Brachytherapy Patient Care Coordinator Department of Radiation Oncology Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital; Minister DeeDee Osobor, Founder and President of Sisters in Sobriety Transformed Anointed & Healed; Ashleigh Morgan, Founder, The Stay Beautiful Foundation and Dr. Piper Farrell, Executive Director, tgin Foundation.
“African American women continue to die from breast cancer at higher rates than women of other races,” stated Dr. Farrell. “It’s our mission to support uninsured women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and stress the importance of early detection for women under the age of 40.”
Barbara Bates receiving the award
Bates making remarks after receiving the award
During the event, celebrity designer and breast cancer advocate Barbara Bates received an award for raising funds and awareness of the importance of mammograms.
It also included an appearance from the Silver Fox Squad, the age-defying male group changing the narrative about aging through the power of health, wellness, and style. Other event features included sounds by DJ LMS and Casino Gaming.
The event was sponsored by Wintrust, BMO, tgin Haircare and Eden’s Own.
All images in this article were provided.
