This year, the men of the Gamma Rho Chapter traded a little of our royal purple for pink. Through our Health Initiatives Program, Relay for Life, the chapter stood with our community in the fight against cancer, and this year we raised a rallying cry against breast cancer, a disease that touches far too many of our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters.

Under the purple “Uplift” tent, neighbors, families, and Brothers gathered shoulder to shoulder. Grandfathers in pink polos sat beside young fathers, and little girls with pink bows in their hair leaned into the laps of the women who love them. It was a reminder of why this work matters: cancer is never one person’s fight. It belongs to the whole family and the whole community.

Honoring Our 2026 Cancer Survivor Awardee

At the heart of this year’s program was our 2026 Relay for Life Cancer Survivor Awardee, Ms. Keisha Seward. When she stepped to the podium, the crowd grew quiet to hear a story of courage and faith.

“On September 22, 2023, my life changed in a way I never expected,” Ms. Seward shared. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and from that moment it has truly been a journey filled with challenges, growth, faith, and deep gratitude.”

She spoke honestly about the past three years: the doctor visits and treatments, the prayers and tears, the victories, and the moments when she had to lean on God more than ever before. “But through it all,” she said, “I stand here today able to say: I am truly blessed.”

Ms. Seward has been married to her husband, Ward Seward, for 30 wonderful years. Together they have two children, Raheem and Zyria, and a granddaughter, whom she calls her strength, her motivation, and her reason to keep fighting. She is a proud member of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr. Travis A. George serves as her spiritual leader and where her faith has carried her through every step of this fight. When she isn’t with her family, you might find her enjoying a good game of Bingo, two simple joys she says always brighten her days.

Her closing words left few dry eyes under the tent: “God has kept me, my family has lifted me, and I continue to stand grateful, hopeful, and determined.”

Fulfilling Our Mandate

The Health Initiatives Program is one of the mandated programs of our Fraternity, and Relay for Life is one way how Gamma Rho brings that mandate home. It is not enough to talk about health; we are called to show up, raise awareness, encourage screenings, and stand beside those in the fight. Honoring Mrs. Seward allows us to do exactly that, celebrating a survivor while reminding every family present that early detection and a strong support system save lives.

As a token of our love and support, the chapter presented Ms. Seward with a monetary gift. Our prayers will continue to be with her and the entire Seward family.

To every survivor, every fighter, and every caregiver in our community: Gamma Rho sees you, and we stand with you.

Encourage the women in your lives to schedule their mammograms and screenings. Early detection matters.