(NNPA)—Cervical cancer is in many ways unlike other cancers. It strikes women in midlife when they are often taking care of families. Cervical cancer is also one of the few types of cancers that is caused by a virus.

Fortunately, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and also, when caught and treated early, one of the most curable cancers. Now is the perfect time to educate yourself about this disease and what you can do to protect yourself.

When 18-year-old Margaret Larkins graduated from McKeesport High School and headed off to the University of Pittsburgh, it was the a result of mastering an extremely difficult advanced science class that had landed her admission into the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She had never been that far out of McKeesport.

Literally a real life “coal miner’s’ daughter,” she had always been told by her parents that she could be whatever she set out to be, and she mastered the art of believing them. With four siblings, finances were at a premium for her family; and winning this scholarship was the timely ticket that would make her the first in the family to receive a college education. “I recall the day my mother came to the University of Pittsburgh financial aid officer to ask him when she could get the $50 due to us so that we could purchase my books,” said Margaret. How ironic it was that same finance officer at that time was 25-year-old Chenits Pettigrew, who would later become Margaret’s husband, held various progressive positions within the university.

MARGARET LARKINS-PETTIGREW

Sudden Infant Death Services of Pennsylvania, held their fifth Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner at The Omni William Penn Hotel on William Penn Avenue, Downtown.

SIDS of PA, is a voluntary health organization whose mission is to provide support to families, friends and communities affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or other infant death.

PROUD AWARDEE—From left: Jean Bryant, founder of Miss Black Teenage Pageant, Judith A. Bannon, executive director of SIDS, and Brenda Waters of KDKA-TV.

It is the most common mind diminishing disease and approximately the seventh leading cause of death among individuals over the age of 60. But it is the least likely to be talked about or taken seriously, until it strikes one’s family—it’s Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Jeffrey Harris, of Harris Neurological Associates and an Alzheimer’s disease specialist in Alabama, says that Alzheimer’s is a progressive memory disorder that starts with the loss of short-term memory and progresses into long-term loss. One loses the ability to do any activity associated with daily living, for instance feeding themselves, grooming themselves or going places without assistance.