Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 1-15-16 Edition

Features
Community Festival To Feature Mammography Bus
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Monday, several activi- ties will take place throughout the country. The Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography will be in attendance at the Belmont Heights Little League Park to conduct the exams from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography is partnering with the East Tampa Business & Civic Association to offer the services during the 6th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Com- munity Festival.
Ms. Dianne Hart, CEO of the East Tampa Business & Civic Association said, “We know that many women put off having their annual mammo- gram screenings. This is impor- tant because even though African American women have fewer cases of breast cancer, we die more because of less oppor- tunity for testing and follow- ups. Women having a mammogram can also obtain a pap smear.
“For more than 20 years,
Ms. Estrella Lopez Lara,
A.R.N.P., has been in the fore- front of obtaining health screenings and providing edu- cation about breast cancer.”
Ms. Hart further said that the lack of insurance is one of the reasons women delay hav- ing the exams because of the out-of-pocket expenses.
MS. DIANNE HART CEO, East Tampa Business & Civic Association
“We are proud to be work- ing with CMA Tampa and the Hillsborough County Health Department Breast and Cervi- cal Screening Program to pro- vide 3D screening mammogram at no cost for those who qualify. With the mobile coach, we can take away excuses because we are bringing the mammography to communities.”
The results of the mammo- gram will be forwarded to a board certified, fellowship trained breast radiologist and directly to the patient’s physi- cian.
Tampa Bay Mobile Mam- mography accepts most major insurances. For those who are uninsured, a free 3D screening will be available for those who qualify.
For more information about the screenings or to register, contact the East Tampa Busi- ness & Civic Association at (813) 248-3977.
Plans To Bring Injured Cheerleader Home Enters Final Stretch
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Nearly a year ago, on Jan- uary 20, 2015, a traffic acci- dent left a young girl severely injured and a family in dis- tress. However, in the past year, people have opened their hearts and donated to help the young girl come home.
The accident that left ShaTayshia Brinson se- verely injured occurred as members of her family were returning to Tampa from Gainesville. Several family members had attended a men’s basketball game be- tween the University of Florida and LSU. Their family mem- ber, Jordan Mickey plays for LSU.
ShaTayshia was ejected from the vehicle as it flipped several times. She received the most severe injuries of the family members.
When her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Freddie (Jencey) Brinson, Jr., arrived at Shands Children’s Hospital, they weren’t given much hope. In fact, her mother said the at- tending physician suggested they say their goodbyes.
But, the now 12-year-old did survive.
Mrs. Brinson said de- spite what the doctor said, she is a praying woman and never gave up. In fact, she prayed not only for recovery, but restora- tion. And, for months, she re- mained by her daughter’s side as her husband maintained their home here and traveled between the two cities.
After being discharged
SHATAYSHIA BRINSON
... Injured in Car Accident January 20, 2015
from Shands, ShaTayshia was transferred to The Chil- dren’s Center at Sabal Palms, in Largo.
In the interim, her family began raising money to reno- vate their Grant Park home to accommodate her needs.
Her family obtained a grant through the Florida Home Partnerships to help de- fray the cost, and Habitat for Humanity is also providing as- sistance. But, the family must be responsible for things such as providing a wheelchair ramp, removing the carpeting from the home, enlarging the doors, and other renovations that must take place inside their home.
Mrs. Brinson said they are in the final stretch of preparations to bring the pre- teenager home. They have se- cured a contractor, the permits needed have been pulled, and securing the subcontractors.
“I would like to thank everyone for your thoughts
and prayers. Each donation re- ceived will 100% go toward furnishing ShaTayshia's room. God bless you,” Mrs. Brinson said to all who have donated and all who may do so in the future.
They must also obtain funding to purchase a van to transport her. They also are still in need of furnishings, items to stimulate her senses such as a baby mobile and toys that make noise.
Before the accident, ShaTayshia was a very active student at Ferrell Middle Mag- net Girls Academy, and a member of Friendly M. B. Church. She also loved danc- ing and was a cheerleader for the Fair Oaks Rattlers and had aspirations of becoming a model.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution can visit the “ShaTayshia Brinson’s Building Fund” at https://www.gofundme.com/ kpf340.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016