Latonya McKinney, 38-year-old has been a breast cancer survivor since April 2006 when she underwent a bilateral mastectomy to remove stage two cancer in her left breast, and as a prophylactic for the right breast, because studies have shown that breast cancer is more aggressive and often more fatal in African-American women. Latonya looks forward to reconstructive surgery soon.

With a family history of breast cancer, Latonya began regular exams at an early age. She says, “(Breast cancer) made me value something that we as women take for granted, and that’s our health. I am asking all women at any age to get their yearly mammograms, and also to take their daughters to learn to check their breasts. (I support Komen) to let people know…how one can overcome cancer just by getting early detection.” I count it all Joy to be able to say God brought me to it, and throught it. (Be on the look out for my book in the fall of 2008)

Latonya’s mother, Juanita Massey, Trauma packaging, is a long-time Komen supporter. She adds, “I have been participating in the Race for the Cure for seven years…because I believe that one day we will slowly walk down this awful disease that affects so many women.”