Carri's Touch: Empowering Black Women Through Theater and Support for Breast Cancer

Carri's Touch: Origin and Mission

• 💡 Carri's Touch was co-founded by Reverend Tammy Denise nearly two decades ago after her own breast cancer diagnosis.
• 🎯 The organization was established because Reverend Denise couldn't find the specific support and resources she needed as a Black woman.
• 💖 Named after her mother, Carrie, who was a victim of domestic violence, the organization also raises awareness for domestic violence during October.

Navigating Breast Cancer as a Black Woman

• ⚠️ Reverend Denise challenged her doctor to focus on living rather than dying after her diagnosis, highlighting a common fear and lack of positive guidance.
• 🔬 She encountered a lack of data on how Black women respond to clinical trials, prompting her to participate and advocate for better representation.
• 🗣️ The organization aims to educate Black women on how to build effective patient-physician relationships, addressing issues like "white coat syndrome" and distrust.
• 📈 Despite not having the highest diagnosis rate, Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer, a disparity Carri's Touch actively works to change by celebrating survivors.

"Dinner with the Youngers" Theatrical Event

• 🎭 "Dinner with the Youngers" is an immersive theatrical event inspired by Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun."
• 💡 The play explores how a family like the Youngers might navigate a breast cancer diagnosis amidst other life challenges.
• 🤝 It uses theater as a vehicle for open dialogue, promoting healing, and community engagement.
• 🌍 The production has been performed nationally and is being brought to the New York area.

Crossroads Theater Company's "Crumbs from the Table of Joy"

• 🎭 Crossroads Theater Company is opening its 47th season with Lynn Nottage's "Crumbs from the Table of Joy."
• 🌟 The play tells the story of two sisters navigating life in Brooklyn during the 1950s Great Migration, focusing on themes of family, grief, and finding oneself.
• ✊ It highlights the Black experience as a migratory one, moving away from terror towards opportunity and a better future for generations.
• 🗣️ The narrative is largely told through the eyes of a young girl, representing hope and the future possibilities stemming from the family's move.
• 🤝 The play explores universal themes of seeking a better life, becoming part of a community, and the importance of openness and love.
• 🎭 The production incorporates diverse elements, including different cultural backgrounds (German), political movements (communism, labor movements), and familial dynamics.
• 🎟️ Performances for "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" begin with previews on October 24th and open on October 29th at the Crossroads Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Support and Resources

• 🆘 Proceeds from "Dinner with the Youngers" support Carri's Touch's rapid response fund, which assists women nationwide with basic needs like housing.
• 🌐 Information about Carri's Touch and tickets for "Dinner with the Youngers" can be found at carris-touch.org.
• 🎟️ Tickets for "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" are available at crossroadstheatercompany.org.