SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The WKW Cary Foundation Inc. is raising awareness for high-risk medical diseases among men and women of color.
The foundation held its “Unleash the Confidence Women’s Health and Wellness Expo” Feb. 15. Ariel Cary, president of the WKW Cary Foundation, hopes to empower communities and foster health equality.
The expo included a confidence workshop and self-defense class, followed by several speakers discussing perimenopause and the long term effects of trauma.
“How to get over trauma, thrive and grow so we can be our best versions of ourselves, which is all about having confidence,” Cary said. “I just want you to take care of yourselves, physically and mentally. I want you to take care of your health.”
The WKW Cary Foundation brings awareness to health conditions, both physical and mental.
Toni Owens, a pharmacist, said that, “in the Black community, we don’t ask for help, or we suppress different things. We don’t know that we may need something. Just getting out and being surrounded with like-minded individuals and different women to discuss certain issues that they may not know that they’re having.”
Vocalist Sheila Holman said, “I share part of my wellness story, my story of survival with throat surgery. It was just a wonderful event, women coming together to share their experiences being vulnerable, being able to communicate with other women and sharing stories because we all have a struggle.”
Holman added, “it’s important because women need to know that there are other people who have the same struggle. A lot of times we’re not willing to talk about things because we’re embarrassed. Just the feeling of togetherness, knowing that people share the same things. They share the same weaknesses. Some of the same disappointments, if you will. Just the point of knowing that there are avenues, there is a place that we can get help and a place for therapy.”
The 2nd annual Pink and Blue Warriors event is Sept. 20. Cary told WAVY.com it will honor breast, colon and prostate cancer survivors.
Learn more about the the WKW Cary Foundation at thewkwcaryfoundation.org.