When Kelly Turner Cole was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer 14 years ago, she decided to take action, using her own experiences with the disease to strengthen others.
She continues to do so to this day. Her latest step: Staging a play this Friday evening called The Boobs Monologues at Southern Connecticut State University.
Inspired by the support given to her, Cole (pictured), a retired New Haven police officer, started a not-for-profit, the CHAIN fund, in order to help other patients undergoing treatment. (Read about her personal journey here.)
“The support I was given from fellow church members, coworkers, my family, and just people in general really spurred a passion in me to give back to others who didn’t necessarily have the same support that I was given. Through grassroots funding, the CHAIN fund has assisted a little over 100 families thus far throughout Connecticut” she said.
Cole will be at SCSU along with a group of survivors, to share their stories in The Boobs Monologues. Willette Barnett curated the play in hopes of enlightening others about breast cancer, and to spread a message of hope.
“I wrote the play in exasperation,” said Barnett (pictured). “I kept hearing of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer, and it started to overwhelm me. This play is to spread awareness, to let people know that early prevention is key, and that it is survivable. The play shows that there is always hope.”
Cynthia Harrison, a survivor who is among those telling their stories in the play, knows firsthand that hope is an important source of inspiration for many struggling with cancer. She said she wants everyone to come see The Boobs Monologue, whether or not they are survivors, because cancer is important to everyone in some way or another.
“Breast cancer affects everybody. Even if you don’t have it, you might know someone who does. It touches everybody’s life,” she said.
Harrison said she wrote her monologue based on her own life and experiences, because she wants people to know that breast cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence.
“It’s important that people know that you can still live, and do very well. Funny things do happen to you when you have cancer. Yes, there’s a lot of sadness, but there’s laughter too.”
There was certainly a lot of laughter on the stage during a recent rehearsal, as cast members practiced their monologues, and a couple high school kids played around at a piano.The students, from Hillhouse, volunteered their time to help out. Two girls, Tonija Young and Jaliyah White, were singing, while Reval Martinez, another student, played saxophone. All of the students said they know women battling breast cancer, and wanted to take advantage of the chance to support and acknowledge them.
Evelyn Barrows, another Hillhouse student, said her aunt died from breast cancer. By working on this production, she said, she feels she is giving back.
Another survivor and participant, Eileen Esdaile, says she feels the same way. The play is a way of giving back to those who have passed away, and to those who are still battling cancer.
“Everyone’s journey is different. If I can bless just one person with my story, then it was all worth it.”
“The Boobs Monologue” will take place on Friday, October 17th, at SCSU’s Engleman Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Remember to wear your event t‑shirt, which can be purchased online at www.thechainfund.com.
