Sharonda Britton of Highland Park was celebrated twice this week. The first time was Tuesday, when she rang the bell after completing her final round of chemotherapy at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit after being diagnosed with breast cancer last fall.
The second moment came Wednesday (March 18) at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, when her Wellness Wednesdays’ sisterhood came out in force to celebrate Sharonda with flowers and dancing (Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive’’) amid the din of a clamoring pink cowbell.
“These ladies are the best,’’ Sharonda, 55, said of the monthly women’s support group. “They embrace you; it’s a no-judgement zone.’’
As Wellness Wednesdays generally features health-based topics — such as preventative care and wellness — for low-income adult women and seniors, March’s session was no different with lead facilitator Alexis Harvey reminding the group about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, taking their blood pressure regularly, and knowing their A1C number (healthy goal: below 5.7%), among other points.
“Listen to your body,’’ Alexis said, adding that several Wellness Wednesdays participants have begun seeing providers at the SAY Clinic. “Never be satisfied with less than.’’
Sharonda is testament to that. She said her breast cancer diagnosis was discovered following an annual mammogram.
“I start radiation on May 4,’’ she said. “I’m almost there.’’
