There is nothing like Delta women on a mission, says Paula Provine, who is a seven-year breast cancer survivor.
Provine is a board member of Delta Cotton Belles, a Greenville-based nonprofit that provides services to the uninsured and underinsured across the Delta who are dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Provine volunteers for the organization, serving as a Delta Cotton Belles representative for Leflore, Carroll and Grenada counties. She also provides emotional support to those who find themselves facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
She said, however, she receives more from her work than she gives.
During her volunteer work, she met two women, each of whom she calls an “inspiration.”
Provine had been assigned Greenwood resident Bessie Swims in the “Wrapped In Pink” program, which provides “not only transportation assistance, but also the service of providing a wig due to the loss of her hair during chemotherapy treatment,” Provine said.
Provine had been in contact with Swims and her goddaughter and caregiver Bett Jones through text messages.
“We set up a time to meet for Bessie’s wig fitting,” said Provine.
Provine arrived for the fitting, but Swims and Jones were not there. She tried calling them, but no one answered. Finally, she received a text, and they had gone to a different store.
“When they drove up, I jumped out of my car and began introducing myself,” and was “talking up a storm,” said Provine. “When their response was silent but with movement of mouth and hands, I realized they were both deaf.”
Provine said she immediately felt compassion for Swims, knowing how difficult a diagnosis of breast cancer must have been for her.
“How humbled I was that not only was I a survivor, but I also had my hearing,” she said.
Swims has faced breast cancer before and is a 21-year survivor. She had a recurrence, however, and was diagnosed with breast cancer again in January 2019. Shortly after that, she met Provine.
Since first meeting Swims and Jones, a “silent” relationship has flourished, said Provine. They communicate mostly through text messages, or the sign language sign for “I love you.”
“They are an inspiration to me,” Provine said.
Swims said, through a text message sent by her goddaughter, that the services provided by Delta Cotton Belles has meant so much to her and her family. “It’s the best support I’ve received.”
Jones said, “Delta Cotton Belles has made a big impact on my godmom, Bessie. ... I’m very grateful for the support shown to my family.”
Swims recently had surgery and is now cancer-free. Because of the type of cancer she had, Swims will have six more chemotherapy treatments in Jackson and will continue to receive support from Delta Cotton Belles until she finishes her treatments.
Swims said her advice to others who may be facing a similar diagnosis is to not be nervous, although she was at first.
“I was nervous until I met Paula,” she said.
Provine said, to her, Breast Cancer Awareness month “is a time to personally celebrate strength and survival.
“As an advocate and volunteer for Delta Cotton Belles, it’s about educating people about the realities of breast cancer and the importance of self-exams and mammograms,” she said. “It’s also a time to be reminded that too many women — and men — succumb to the disease.”
On a solemn note, she added that it’s also a time when she remembers “those whom we have lost.”
Delta Cotton Belles
Delta Cotton Belles was established in 2007 after its founder, Beth McKnight of Greenville, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. In 2008, she and a group of close friends volunteered their time and began raising money to increase breast cancer awareness with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Research conducted by the foundation in 2007 found that the Mississippi Delta had the highest incidences of stages III and IV breast cancer in the state. McKnight established Delta Cotton Belles as a nonprofit in 2010 to ensure funding would stay in the Delta. It serves 10 area counties, including Leflore and Carroll.
The organization aims to promote breast health awareness and to provide free clinical breast screenings, free mammograms and services not covered by insurance for those with breast cancer and support programs.
Some of its services include Pink Check-up, free breast screenings and education; Pink Promise, a free mammogram program; and Wrapped In Pink, a support and services program for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
Since its inception, more than 700 mammograms have been provided. Since 2013, 60 women living in Leflore and Carroll counties have been provided with free mammograms, educational material and comfort items, wigs, scarves, caps and hats, and transportation assistance, as well as emotional support.
For more information about the services offered, visit deltacottonbelles.org or call 662-390-6009.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7235 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
