Although breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control, tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly, according to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“By the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. Some tumors are aggressive and grow much faster,” the foundation reported. (https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/facts-statistics/what-is-breast-cancer)

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Janet Hall, founder of the Janet Hall Foundation, is a champion for breast health and breast cancer survivors. Women like Hall fight breast cancer on the community level, one person at a time, armed with breast cancer facts and information that could save lives. Hall founded a breast cancer survivorship organization in 2015 to uplift women who are underserved with information, resources and events to help to ease the stress of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The reason why I started it was because I had a family member come to me and ask me if I would talk to another lady who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. That particular month, I was introduced to three ladies, and that’s when I decided that I needed to do something,” said Hall.

Hall explained that baskets are provided by women who must go to the hospital because of a mastectomy or lumpectomy procedure. She ensures that the recipient of the basket has supplies or items such as a food gift card upon returning home. The Foundation gives back to survivors with massages, resources and education about early detection of breast cancer.  

“And then I have a pop-up shop at my home where I have wigs, prostheses, pillows, accessories and I also go to the doctor with some of the young ladies if they need a ride.  I try to network with other support groups, because sometimes the ladies in one group can help another lady who’s going through breast cancer,” Hall added.

Hall’s organization serves women in Baltimore and surrounding counties such as Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s. Additionally, Hall serves in Atlantic City in New Jersey. 

Hall not only serves other women who could benefit from support while navigating through a breast cancer journey, but she also had a personal experience that led to her diagnosis.

“I didn’t find a lump. I had a rash on my breast. A lot of people don’t know that it’s not always a lump. So, with breast health, continue to examine your breast and see if there’s anything that’s abnormal, not usual, that requires you to contact your physician,” she stated.

The nonprofit leader was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983 when she was 33 years old. Hall was able to take care of her diagnosis early. This year marks her forty-second year being a breast cancer survivor.   

“I was proactive, but you have to remember, I was actually diagnosed a year after Susan G. Komen,” she explained.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded by Nancy Goodman Brinker in 1982 in honor of Goodman Brinker’s sister, Susan who died in 1980 at 36 years old. Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984. 

Back when Hall was diagnosed, the resources that she needed to navigate through her journey were unknown to her.

“I had to go find things for myself. It was even hard to get a prosthetic,” said Hall. “I started doing my research and looking for things that I needed. That’s when I started my foundation.”

Hall incorporates health and wellness and positive affirmations into her events. When Hall is not hosting events, she continues to suggest that women should not feel fearful of getting their mammograms.  

“I know some ladies feel as though it hurts, but it can save your life,” said Hall.

Hall encourages women to find out their family medical history and ask medical providers about genetic testing for breast cancer, if it is warranted due to a family history of breast cancer.

“If there’s somebody in your family that you know [had breast cancer], we need to talk about it,” Hall reminded.

Join the Janet Hall Foundation for The Pink Dandy Soiree on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks located at 711 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 from 3-6 p.m. The community discussion for patients, survivors, families and caregivers will illuminate the mental toll of breast cancer. Visithttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pink-dandy-soiree-tickets-1542177005939  for ticket information andhttps://janethallfoundation.org  to learn more about the Janet Hall Foundation.