Colletta Brabham-Orr

Award Winning Research Scientist and Author

For more than 11 years, EmpowerHER Health Initiative has brought cancer prevention and survivorship programming directly to the communities that need it most. What began as one woman's mission to honor the memory of her grandmother and great-grandmother both lost to breast and ovarian cancer has grown into a national initiative reaching women through churches, health systems, and community partnerships across the country.

Through workshops, support circles, and signature events like the Pink & Teal Experience, EmpowerHER helps women understand their family health history, recognize early warning signs, and build the confidence to advocate for their own care.

We believe normalizing conversations about breast and ovarian health is how early detection and survival becomes possible. Because awareness saves lives, one woman, one family, and one community at a time.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer, and one in sixty-seven will develop ovarian cancer. These statistics serve as a reminder of the many mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and friends who have endured the words "You have cancer."

Colletta Orr knows firsthand the devastating effects of breast and ovarian cancers, having lost a grandmother and great-grandmother to both. Armed with years of research and the desire to understand and fight the cancers that devastated her family, Orr seeks to educate others about ways to prevent and overcome both diseases. Cancer Doesn't Always Win: A Comprehensive Guide to Beating Breast & Ovarian Cancer instructs readers on the causes and symptoms of both breast and ovarian cancers while providing valuable information on:

The link between both cancers
Risk factors for both cancers
Advice for dealing with a diagnosis and the subsequent treatment
Tips for living a healthy lifestyle that lowers your cancer risk
Stories of survival from women who have lived through breast and ovarian cancers

This book will empower you to take control of your health and your life. It is a must-read for anyone affected by breast or ovarian cancer, either as a survivor or a friend of one, and anyone looking for practical and tangible ways to live cancer-free.

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Book

At Colletta Brabham Orr & Associates, LLC, our mission is to help health systems, government agencies, and community organizations close gaps in cancer screening, care, and survivorship outcomes through rigorous, equity-centered consulting.

We specialize in three areas: cancer screening uptake and barriers analysis, care continuum and survivorship program evaluation, and health communication and provider education strategy. Our work is grounded in over 17 years of experience in cancer disparities research, including fellowships with the National Cancer Institute and Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

We believe data-driven, community-informed strategy is how health equity gets built one program, one partnership, and one population at a time.

Colletta Orr & Associates

Annual Events

The Pink & Teal Experience

Pink & Teal Experience where guest speaker will speak candidly and compassionately and breast and ovarian cancers and the impact it has had on their lives. This event will give everyone the knowledge that is so very necessary to reduce the risk of developing these diseases and that it also will empower us with the strength needed to go through this journey. Our panel of speakers will include survivors, healthcare professionals and research scientists. Cancer affects each person in a unique way, but this yearly gathering guarantees that all attendees depart feeling motivated and optimistic, as "Cancer Doesn't Always Win!"

The Pink Brunch

In addition to sporting pink at this event, we’ll be celebrating breast cancer fighters and survivors. Join Breast Cancer Survivors, Caregivers and Friends for a delicious brunch and celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Mix and mingle, make new friends, share stories and experiences.

Cupcakes & Conversations

A conversation about breast & ovarian cancer and the correlation between them.