Norfolk, Va. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we're shining our light on a breast cancer survivor who we surprised for all she's doing through her church in Norfolk to take action for other women battling this disease.
Marion Norris was completely stunned when we walked into her husband's church, Friendship Baptist in Norfolk. We explained to her we got an email nominating her for a People Taking Action award.
Three years ago, Marion was battling breast cancer and in the middle of her fight, she decided to focus on others. She created a foundation called "All Together Lovely 4 You." Through fundraisers, her group is able to pay for mammograms for women with no insurance. The foundation also supports a salon that opened in the church where women can get custom wigs and pampering all at no cost.
It was Miya Bryant, a fellow church member who sent us an email about Marion. In it she wrote, "I am totally amazed by her continued dedication and commitment to helping women in the struggle, especially while in the midst of her personal struggle."
Marion's is helping women like Elsie Burrus, who recently found out she has breast cancer. In Elsie's case, she really needed to talk with Marion, someone who's walked in her shoes. Elsie's chat with Marion made an impact on her.
"It meant a lot because at first, the first time cancer came out of the doctor's mouth, I felt a little down," says Burrus.
In addition to receiving a People Taking Action award, we also presented Marion with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank. Her reaction? "Oh my, I'm just speechless. I don't know what to say."
