As you know it’s breast cancer awareness month and BCG is laser focused on highlighting breast cancer survivors and sharing ways we can all be proactive and protect ourselves from this cancer which is the most common among African American women. Today meet Survivor, Visionary, Philanthropist, and syndicated radio host, Ebony Steele, an immensely talented On-Air Personality who serves as co-host on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, an HBCU alumna who is loved by many. Ebony chatted with BCG on how she gives back, her personal fight with breast cancer and her special message to our readers.
BCG: When did you discover you had breast cancer? How did you find out? What drives your passion behind your support of breast cancer?
Ebony Steele: It was September 2007 when I personally found the lump on my breast. Not knowing much about breast cancer, I was ignorant on the subject and needed to educate myself on the disease. It was also very important for me to follow the instructions of my doctors and to learn what I needed to know to survive. After I won my fight, I felt it was critical for me to share my experience with other women and help them make it through.
BCG: What annual events do you host to bring awareness or fundraise for the cause?
Ebony Steele: I participate in various events and charities throughout the year. If it is presented to me, if I am available, breathing, willing and able, I’m there. I want to utilize every opportunity to educate women and men about breast cancer. Since I am a Global Ambassador for the Susan G. Koman Circle of Promise, during the month of October, I celebrate my campaign Bare Chest for Breast Cancer…which raises money for the organization.
BCG: What is the target age group or demographic that you hope to reach with your message?
Ebony Steele: Because I was diagnosed at an earlier age, I really do not have a certain age group I target. My goal is to speak to anyone who has a family history of breast cancer. With healthcare being an issue within our community, for everyone who is in a position to be screened for breast cancer or any type of chronic illness, I suggest they do so yearly.
BCG: How can others get involved with your cause within their local communities?
Ebony Steele: We are always seeking volunteers to assist with our cause. If anyone is interested in volunteering for Ebony Steele’s Bare Chest for Breast Cancer, I ask that you please visit www.ebonysteele.com and send us an email about how you would like to volunteer. Also, I suggest volunteering with Susan G. Komen and the CircleofPromise.org. As a survivor, I work alongside Vanessa Bell Calloway for a hair company, hairfinity.com. The hair company specializes in women that may have gone through chemotherapy.
BCG: What are your major accomplishments/awards?
Ebony Steele: I think it’s tough to name your major accomplishments or awards. I’ve attended dinners where I was honored for the things I have accomplished in the community, but I think it’s everybody’s duty to give back. For me, the most rewarding accomplishments are the ones when people who are having a bad day come to me and say “I listened to you guys today on the radio or I saw you on Dish Nation and you really made my day!” To me, those are the best rewards…making someone feel better.
BCG: What final words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?
Ebony Steele: If you are going to worry, don’t pray…If you are going to pray, don’t worry. Simply put… You have to save enough energy for the next problem once you get over the current one. And for those that are ambitious and of the Lord…and are driven and are of favor, those things will come. Those are the only words of wisdom I can give.
BCG: Our slogan here at BCG is Giving Back Is Good for the Soul, what does that mean to you?
Ebony Steele: With each one, teach one. There’s a reason that generations are measured between 27 and 30 years; it is our duty as leaders of the present to pass down knowledge experience and wisdom to the future leaders of tomorrow.
BCG: Are there any national or local breast cancer organizations that you advocate for or support?
Ebony Steele: Definitely! There are many, but Susan G Komen overall…in every regard. Susan G Komen Circle of Promise which is the African American arm and Sister’s Network, which is one that looks at people that may be genetically connected to breast cancer. So there’s so many on a big and small scale and I think every organizations purpose is so different. The overall approach for how each organization raises awareness on breast cancer varies, but at the end of the day we all have the same underlying goal. So whenever I can be a part of that no matter if it’s an international organization or something as small as a community fundraising benefit, I’m there if I’m able to be there.
Lots of thanks to the beautiful Ebony Steele for sharing some valuable advice and her personal story with BCG! Be sure to follow Ebony on Twitter to catch up with all the ways she’s giving back this month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! To find a mammogram screening center near you click here, remember early detection is key, together we can save lives!
And one shameless plug, our Beauty for the Bold campaign is officially on, as part of the campaign we are running a free wig request line for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. If you or someone you know is undergoing chemotherapy, in need of a FREE wig, please contact our Free Wig Request line at (888) 350-8720.
