Breast Cancer Walk at Howard Houses

On October 16, Howard Houses resident Tracy Tomer walked with her neighbors, family, and friends in the annual breast cancer walk she organizes regularly to raise awareness about breast cancer and fundraise for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer from the American Cancer Society. 

Tracy, who is also a NYCHA employee, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and is currently in remission. She shares her story often to make a difference for others and has appeared in news features, commercials, and other media to advocate for increased access to cancer treatment and funding for research. (Read more about Tracy here.) 

“I started organizing this walk in my Brownsville, Brooklyn, neighborhood to spread awareness about breast cancer,” Tracy said. “I want to encourage women to get mammograms done and do self-examination, as well as let them know that they are not alone in their journey. I also would like to one day see a facility in my neighborhood where women can receive the best care without having to travel 45 minutes to an hour for mammograms, biopsies, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.” 

More than 80 people participated in the walk, including Tracy’s doctor. “The best part of the walk for me was my surgical oncologist, Dr. Vivian Jolley Bea, attending with her children. I was so emotional to see her face and to thank her for assisting with God in saving my life and encouraging me to become the advocate that I am today. If it had not been for her, my story would not have gotten out to encourage others to take care of themselves.” 

Joining Ms. Tomer in organizing the walk was Howard Houses Resident Association President Naomi Johnson and retired NYCHA employee Sadie Saunders, as well as Tracy’s four daughters: Tailaya Tomer, Taisheena Hazel, Taiquana Hazel, and Tiffany Bolden.