TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- You can knock out cancer. That's the message survivors were sending to those fighting a similar battle at Saturday's cancer symposium.
"My cancer came back but I'm still victorious. I'm still an overcomer. And it has just been a greater impetuous for me to move forward and say that we can win this thing," said Dr. Towanda Davis, Founder of the Cancer Knockout Foundation.
Dr. Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago. She says, her daughter inspired her to fight through it and eventually knocked cancer out.
She started the Cancer Knockout Foundation because she says learning from others gives strength, knowledge and courage to get through it yourself.
"Especially in the African American culture, we don't like to talk about it. But it doesn't make things go away," said Dr. Davis. "And I think by me coming out, and others coming out and others sharing, like, it's nothing wrong. I don't have a plague. I'm still good. I'm still beautiful."
The goal of Saturday's symposium was to help others expand their knowledge and understanding of cancer and how this disease can be tackled.
The Cancer Knockout Foundation is raising awareness about advances in the field with community events like this one. Their message is knock cancer out and many have done just that.
"I'm an 18 month survivor, breast cancer survivor. Just finished up my final reconstruction about a month ago. I've learned a lot about empowerment and listening about my body," said Sherri Winsett.
The free, public event had a panel of speakers who shared the latest advancements in cancer research and treatment.
"To sit among women who are not only survivors, but are current fighters, and men, it's an honor to share what I've experienced and hope that someday it can help them," said Shana Davis, one of the speakers at the Cancer Knockout Symposium.
The group came together and encouraged one another that cancer may have started the fight, but you can fight back.
The Cancer Knockout Foundation is hosting a free, cancer survivors banquet on October 25 to celebrate and honor survivors in the community.
