Outreach

The vision for F.A.C.E.S. (Fighting Against Cancer Awareness for Everyone in the Spirit), was created in 2013. As a healthcare worker for more than 15 years, Bernice Livingston had the opportunity to engage with many patients facing diagnostic imaging (Xray, CT, Mammograms, etc.) appointments. Those scheduled for mammograms seemed to exhibit the most fear and anxiety. Assisting these patients to help calm their fears lit a spark for the need to share more information about the procedures and the benefits of early detection. She also wanted to help bring awareness so that our community would become better health advocates for themselves no matter what health challenge they faced.

The annual events began at Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Compton, California, pastored by Dr. Frank N. Jamerson. The Breast Cancer Awareness symposium was initiated in October 2013, followed by Prostate Cancer Awareness in June 2014. Ms. Livingston, a cancer survivor, invited doctors, technicians, cancer survivors, and caregivers to speak about their experiences and share their knowledge and expertise, providing an opportunity for community members to ask questions and discover new treatments and encourage participation in trials. The events relocated to Inglewood Southside Christian Church, in Inglewood, California in 2019 under the leadership of Pastor Herbert Botts.

Supporters, Dr. Juana Gatson, of Charles Drew University, Erika Cobb and CORI GROUP provide assistance to help increase outreach. In 2023 FACES launched their inaugural Scholarship Award to support students seeking a career in STEM.

With each event, the organization also includes other conditions and diseases impacting our community such as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.

Board Members include Karan Brown, Violet Chapman, Charles Coleman, Mary King, Terryl Martin, Senoia Rios, Anita Savage, and Trina Tyson. We continue the fight to kick cancer’s butt!