SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — For Brenda L. Jackson-Brown, breast cancer hits close to home.
While not a survivor herself, the social worker for Hospice Savannah has known several women who have endured a battle with the potentially deadly disease.
Following a nomination by Bishop Jackie Gilbert Grant, Jackson-Brown was selected as one of 16 community leaders in Savannah and Brunswick to lead Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia’s breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign in 2019.
The Big Wig campaign, launched to raise money for local breast cancer patient services and education programs, runs through Nov. 17.
A Big Wig, according to Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia, is a leader who’s passionate about helping others in their community, especially under-insured women who need access to breast healthcare.
Jackson-Brown has suffered complications with her own breasts in the past — another reason why raising awareness is an effort that is near and dear to her heart.
“When I was younger, I could never afford to get a mammogram because of not having insurance,” Jackson-Brown stated on her campaign landing page.
“I needed to have a free mammogram, which I did because of Susan G. Komen,” she told News 3.
It’s her very first time participating in the Big Wig campaign, which involves her working to meet her $5,000 fundraising goal while rocking a fabulous cotton-candy-pink afro wig.
“It’s such a great, fun task, and I’m enjoying doing it,” Jackson-Brown said.
All of the 2019 Big Wigs get to choose their own style of hairpiece, she told News 3.
“I chose a wig that I liked, that I thought would fit me better,” she said.
‘Men get breast cancer, too’
When Jackson-Brown was assigned her Big Wig responsibilities, she made it her mission to shed light on the fact that not only women are impacted by breast cancer.
Earlier this week, Mathew Knowles, father of singers Beyoncé and Solange, revealed his own recent breast cancer diagnosis.
On Sept. 29, Jackson-Brown invited men of the community to pose for a photoshoot on Bull Street in Savannah.
At least 30 men — and one little boy — came out to join women for the breast cancer awareness event.
“Men dressed up in pink and white, and it was just amazing to see that men care and they support [fighting] breast cancer also,” Brenda-Jackson said.
The money raised by the Big Wig campaign stays within the local community, she explained.
“I’m raising as much money as I can,” she said. “Our goal is $5,000 per person, so donate, donate, donate!”
For more information on the Susan G. Komen Big Wig campaign, click here.
To view a list of Breast Cancer Awareness Month events happening throughout October, visit this page.
