Elect Lady Empowerment Ministries and Oak Grove Baptist Church Promiseland Ministries will hold its sixth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon & Balloon Release on Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m. 

The event will be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church on Highway 158 outside Littleton. 

This free community event was founded by Rev. Annie S. McCollum after her own battle with cancer, as a way to encourage early detection, support survivors, and honor loved ones who have fought this disease.

“After bravely battling stage 4 breast cancer and entering remission, Elect Lady McCollum felt a clear calling: To walk alongside those currently on the journey, and to make sure no one faces cancer alone,” organizers said. “While our primary focus is breast cancer awareness and early detection for women and men, our resources and encouragement are available to anyone in our community battling cancer.”

The program includes live music by recording artist Natasha Moore, a keynote message from Dr. Carol Rupe and a balloon release ceremony in honor of survivors and those who have been lost.

The ministry does the following to raise awareness:

Provide hot meals or meal gift cards during treatment weeks

Offer gas cards for trips to appointments

Share resources for aid, counseling, and local support

Encourage screenings and early detection for all

Hosts annual Breast Cancer Awareness events every October