Breast Cancer Survivors Needed to Build a Brighter Future

"As a breast cancer survivor, I am happy to be alive..."

Dr. Sheron C. Patterson is a survivor who believes in helping others survive on an international basis. In 2006 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and turned what could have been a tragedy into a triumph by taking the public with her every step of the way. She created a radio, print and television education/inspiration campaign to help others face their health issues head on. She is now an enthusiastic health and wellness advocate and the driving force behind The Patterson Pledge, a program that motivates thousands to take control of their health. In 2007 Dr. Patterson began to collaborate with the U.S. State Department and host international delegations of breast cancer survivors for informational and inspirational visits.

In 2008 she launched Breast Cancer Builds a program that brings survivors of breast cancer together to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Dr. Patterson calls Breast Cancer Builds a gratitude project, because she and the other survivors are grateful to God to be alive and this one way to give back. This project raises awareness about breast cancer prevention and raises funding to provide low income women with free mammogram's via a second project called Mammogram's for the Masses. Once Dr. Patterson learned of the disparities in the health care system she began reaching out to low income women, to ensure that they had access to breast health. In 2007 she partnered with two Dallas hospitals to penetrate low income areas and provide not only mammogram's but breast health information as well.

Dr. Patterson is the Senior Pastor of Highland Hills United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. She holds the distinction of being was the first African American woman to be ordained in the North Texas region of the United Methodist Church. These extraordinary accomplishments landed Dr. Patterson a place of honor in the National Women's Museum.

In the Dallas community she has a high profile. She is a member of the SMU Board of Trustees, the Dallas Assembly, the Dallas Summit, the Dallas Symphony Board of Governors', Methodist Health Care System Board of Trustees, The Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series Board, Perkins School of Theology Board of Directors, The UMR Communications Board of Directors.

Dr. Patterson's breast cancer efforts have been lauded by The Elite News, Strausberger and Price Law Firm, Methodist Health Systems and Baylor Hospital.

She is the author of eight books, a frequent columnist for The Dallas Morning News and has been featured on CNN.

Dr. Patterson holds an undergraduate degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, two Masters Degrees and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dr. Patterson is married to Robert Patterson Sr. and together they have two sons, Robert Jr., and Christian.