Breast cancer survivor ensures others need not suffer alone

Pamela Weems never set out to become a community leader. But after surviving breast cancer not once but twice, she made a quiet promise to herself and to other women like her that no one would have to face the journey alone again.

Weems, founder of the Minnesota-based support group Pink Ladies MN, will be honored with the Legacy of Light Award this month during Sister Spokesman’s “Live. Laugh. Learn. 2025” event on September 20 (see details below).

For Weems, the recognition is a reflection of over a decade of service, but also of survival. “I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer when I was just 39 years old,” she said. “And I was pregnant at the time.”

The diagnosis was missed at first. Doctors dismissed the lump in her breast as a swollen milk gland, common during pregnancy. But the lump didn’t go away. Eventually, the truth emerged: cancer. Stage 4. Her youngest son was just three years old.

It was the beginning of a long and difficult fight. “There were times I didn’t want to go to chemo. I told my mom, ‘I’m not going.’ But she would make me. ‘You have to go,’ she’d say. And I did.”

Weems credits her family, especially her children and her mother, for giving her the strength to keep going through months of grueling treatment. “It knocked me down completely,” she said. “I know everyone’s journey is different, but for me, chemo was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through.”

She eventually went into remission, staying cancer-free for 12 years. But in a cruel twist of fate, the cancer returned on the exact same day as her original diagnosis, 12 years later. This time, however, it was caught early. A mastectomy was required, but no chemo, no radiation.

“Because it was found so early, I didn’t have to go through all that again,” she said. “That’s why I’m such an advocate for early detection. It saved me the second time.”

That second diagnosis was also the spark that ignited Pink Ladies MN, a sisterhood of survivors and supporters who show up in bold pink wigs and radiant energy at community events across Minnesota to bring visibility to breast cancer disparities affecting women of color.

“The pink afro is a symbol,” Weems explained. “It represents our strength as women of color. It’s a statement because even though more white women are diagnosed with breast cancer, more of ‘us’ are dying from it,” she said, referring to the disproportionate rates women of color face in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

The group focuses on breaking down stigma, encouraging early detection, and offering direct, hands-on support to women going through treatment. Whether it’s shopping for wigs, helping with bra fittings, or hosting healing circles, the Pink Ladies show up.

“I handpicked every woman in the group,” she said. “There are 12 of us in total — five survivors, the rest are supporters. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Outside of breast cancer work, Weems also created Rebel With a Cause, a grassroots initiative that provides snack boxes and healthy treats for children whose mothers are undergoing cancer treatment. It’s named after her grandson, Rebel, who inspired the idea.

“When I was going through treatment as a single mom, I realized there were resources for food, rent, utilities, but nothing for the kids,” she said. “No juice boxes. No fruit snacks. Just the basics. So Rebel With a Cause was born to help fill that gap.”

Though the program took a brief pause due to financial strain, Weems says it’s back up and running with the help of a new fiscal sponsor, the Anika Foundation. She continues to fund much of the work herself while working toward full nonprofit status.

This year marks 14 years of Pink Ladies MN. Next year, Weems says, they’ll celebrate 15 years with an “extravagant” anniversary party and a renewed commitment to expanding their reach.

Asked what the Legacy of Light Award means to her, Weems didn’t hesitate.

“It’s that light…I’ve always seen in other women. It’s that moment when someone who’s scared and newly diagnosed meets us and realizes, ‘I’m not alone.’ That’s what keeps me going.”

To those currently facing breast cancer, Weems offers this message: “Keep your head up. Keep smiling. Stay positive. And trust and have faith in God.”

For more information on the Pink Ladies MN, visit www.pinkladies.org.

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.