'Women on the Journey': Traveling mural hopes to inspire those touched by breast cancer
A Central Alabama organization has a goal of inspiring women whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.
Deidra Green, founder of VIRTUE, Inc. said her organization commissioned a mural called "Women on the Journey" a year ago, in hopes of uplifting women and also raising awareness.
"I got a vision to do a mural that represented hope, faith and healing to women that are on this journey of either they're newly diagnosed, they are in the midst of treatment, they are on the other side of surgery, just wherever they are and that it would just speak to them," Green said.
The traveling mural is currently on display at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, and last year, it was installed at Birmingham's City Hall.
The art, created by Jamie Bonfiglio, shows many different types of women, which Green said is intentional. She knows all too well that breast cancer can touch anyone at any stage of their life.
The work VIRTUE does was inspired by a woman named Robyn. She was the administrative assistant for Green's husband. In her early 30s, she was newly married with young children when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Sadly, Robyn died, but Green promised she would continue promoting early detection.
"We hate that she's not here, but the message and the impact of it all is still making profound differences in women's lives today," Green said.
Green said Robyn's story continues to inspire people to prioritize their health and pay attention to changes in their bodies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can't prevent breast cancer but can catch it early when it's easier to treat.
Experts recommend women who are 40 to 74 years old, and at an average risk, get mammograms every two years. It is important to talk with your doctor about how frequently you should be getting screened.