Look Who it Was Random video

Mel's Club

179 views · Published 13 October 2014 · 2:04 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2014 · News & Politics

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"I've never really been educated about breast cancer before because nobody in my family has it, so I've never really seen the need to go out and learn about it," said Hadessah O'Neal, a 15-year-old Girl's Inc. member.  

Hadessah isn't alone 

"Most girls aren't exposed to the facts about because it's something you learn at a later age," said Jasmine Pulliam, a 17-years-old Girl's Inc. member.

That's exactly what Mel's Club is looking to turn around.  Mel's club was a dream of Mary Ellen Locher, a long time anchor and health reporter at NewsChannel 9. She created the Mary Ellen Locher foundation in 2002, before loosing her battle to breast cancer in 2005.

"As the incidence of cancers among younger women, if we could teach teenagers how to take care of themselves, they will be aware and they won't have as many fears if it does happen to them," said Cindy Pare, administrator at the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation.

According to the Young Survival Coalition, women ages 15 to 34 die more frequently from breast cancer than any other cancer. Cindy Pare and breast cancer survivors now bring Mel's Club, to programs like Girls' Inc and schools, to educate young girls. For about an hour, it's all about breast cancer, from how to give breast self exams to letting the girls feel actual implants.  

"It's an awkward kind of situation, awkward kind of subject but once they start learning about and thinking about it then they start warming up to the concept of hey I need to take care of my breast just like I need to brush my teeth or take a vitamin," said Pare.

They are combining imperative life saving information with a little bit of fun to keep the girls' attention.

"Although most people think it happens later in life but it can happen to teenagers my age as well," said Pulliam.
      
"I think it's really necessary for every woman or girls to learn about it because you know there is always that possibility," said O'Neal.

Besides speaking with Girl's Inc., Pare says the foundation also has a partnership with Hamilton County Schools.

Learn more about the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation here.

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