Giving hope; Albany woman helping those struggling with breast cancer

ALBANY, Ga. – One Albany woman is helping those diagnosed with breast cancer in a sign of solidarity and letting them know that they have at least one person in their corner.

Meet Iris Hawthorne, she founded Kindness Kure, Inc. in 2021 with the goal of providing support to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

“…Let’s say if you know someone who is going through cancer, talk to me about it, because I can take some bags with a whole lot of goodies; hats, bandanas, stress balls, bracelets, all kind of things I take to them or you send it to them. And, when I take it to them, I can let them know that they can live and not die without the works of the Lord…” said Iris Hawthorne, founder, Kindness Kure, Inc.

For her, there’s always been a personal stake in wanting to help those suffering from it.

She was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2018.

And, it’s a journey that absolutely isn’t an easy one to go through, so Iris wanted to at least lend an ear.

“I went through it easy, because I made preparations. But, there’s a lot of people, the only thing they need to know is that you love them or they just want you around and listen to them. You know a lot of times, it’s not what you say, it’s what we hear from them. We need to know how to listen as well as speak,” said Hawthorne.

For Iris, it’s not just about supporting women who are struggling with the effects of breast cancer, but advocating for men to get checked for those irregularities as well.

She says a dear male friend of hers named Tony passed away from breast cancer and wants men to be just as vigilant if something’s wrong.

“…He was my voice. Everywhere we go, I would talk about women, and he would talk about the men. Now I’m his voice. He’s not gone because I do talk about it. Men, please go get yourselves checked…” said Hawthorne.

And, as she continues to try and help support women and men struggling with breast cancer, just because the calendar changes and it won’t be October, she won’t let up on trying to give others hope.

“See, I didn’t get cancer in October. A lot of people I know didn’t get cancer in October. So, therefore, why not celebrate this year round? Because we all go through it. And, somebody needs to hear this, besides in October,” said Hawthorne.

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is wrapping up, Hawthorne is going to continue to lend a hand to anyone dealing with breast cancer, and letting them know they aren’t in this alone.

If you’re interested in helping Iris, you can contact Kindness Kure, Inc. at 229-809-2914.

Brian Roche reporting.

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