Ora Lee Anderson
Cont.
admitted into the Nursing Program. After graduation, I was subsequently offered a position as a Registered Nurse with Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut. As a result, my family and I relocated from South Carolina to Connecticut. It was there that I met my husband, and we raised three beautiful children.
I am a member is Bethel AME Church in Norwalk and am a Life Member of the Missionary Society. I have worked tirelessly in organizing health fairs and health initiatives locally, regionally, and nationally to support the health of women.
In March 2000, I had my regularly scheduled mammogram and received an “all clear” report. I continued doing self-breast exams as recommended. In the month of April, I discovered a lump and followed up with physicians who recommended that I have a biopsy. The results of the biopsy confirmed that the lump was malignant and I had ER+ breast cancer on my left side, which was almost Stage 2. I received treatments of radiation and chemotherapy and now, in 2020, I have remained cancer free for 20 years.
I continue to be an advocate for women’s health by reminding women to have yearly physicals, frequent self-breast examinations and yearly
mammograms. I also encourage women to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising.
My favorite scripture is Psalms 91: 1-2:
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high, shall abide under the
shadow of the Almighty.
“I will say of the Lord. He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him I will trust.”
My motto is: “One Day at a Time.” Find strength in our “Sisters’ Journey.”