Graceville Woman’s Club holds Breast Cancer Awareness Tea

The Graceville Woman’s Club held a Breast Cancer Awareness Tea on Thursday, October 26 at First Assembly of God in Graceville. The event included guest speaker Heather Shelby, RN and Miss Graceville Emilie Franklin

The evening began with club president Deanie DeFelix welcoming all to the program. Woman’s Club member Samantha Angerbrandt prayed over the food and guests enjoyed an array of sandwiches, finger foods, and refreshments.

Once all had served themselves and enjoyed the company of fellow attendees, Mrs. DeFelix welcomed Bonifay resident Heather Shelby to the podium. Shelby is a Registered Nurse who currently works from home with Humana (also known locally as Emerald Coast Hospice). Prior to that she led a program at Northwest Florida Community Hospital which focused on breast cancer awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of patients.

Shelby spoke about her experience with breast cancer in her own family and how a cancer diagnosis, no matter what type, is traumatic not only for the patient but the patient’s family. She spoke about the different types of breast cancer as well as classifications and stages. She went on to inform the group of the many ways to help with early diagnosis noting that early diagnosis is key to the success of most treatment plans.

Shelby went on to speak about the importance of getting a second or third opinion as well as educating oneself on a diagnosis and the different treatments available. She also spoke about the importance of understanding insurance plans and how many mammograms are fully covered through insurance noting that many allow for one a year.

Miss Graceville Emilie Franklin followed Nurse Shelby speaking briefly on her “peanut journey”. Franklin praised God for the amazing weekend where she was able to meet and create lasting friendships as well as recognize Jesus Christ on a stage in front of thousands. Franklin spoke about how prayer and peace from God had got her through the entire weekend. She noted that not being originally from the area, she had never heard of the National Peanut Festival Pageant until winning Miss Graceville and learning about all that NPF pageant entails. Franklin finished glorifying God for her amazing experience and being able to make it to the top 5 in the competition.

The program closed with club president Mrs. Deanie DeFelix thanking everyone for attending and discussing the hopeful future on the now annual tea. To learn more about the Graceville Woman’s Club contact any club member or call 850-263-6015.