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Twelve years ago, when Jerry Parker, 60, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, not much was known about aggressive breast cancer compared to today except that the outcome was certainly grim.

She was in her 40s at the prime of her career; the diagnosis changed her entire world. In the course of the treatment, Parker endured eight rounds of chemo, 35 rounds of radiation, two surgeries, and the side effects of being on the chemo pill. 

“I’m tired of going to celebrations in black dresses and black shoes. I felt that this celebration was a great way to bring people together,” Parker said. “Surviving traumatic events isn’t celebrated enough, which is why this celebration isn’t about me but about everyone sitting here.”

Parker of Laplace, a 12-year breast cancer survivor, disclosed this at her 60th birthday celebration, which also coincided with her 12-year cancerversary journey. In a heartwarming display of solidarity, guests gathered at Riverlands Golf and Country Club in Laplace on Sunday to celebrate the milestone.

The event, designed to honor Parker and uplift those who have faced breast cancer, also offered a day of celebration for survivors and community bonding.

“I told everyone I loved them today, and they can remember that for the rest of their lives. And I want you to find that person in your life; they don’t have to have done everything. Anything, if they just smile at you, shake your hand, honor them,” she said.

As part of the festivities, Parker gave her mother and siblings special awards, an unexpected honor that filled them with gratitude for being a part of her support system in her cancer recovery journey.

“The message I have to tell people is to keep smiling, meaning, get up, get out, do something, not just for yourself, but do it for other people,” Parker said. “Bring the people together so that people can live with each other because you never know how long you will be on the earth.”

Among the attendees was Lisa McKenzie, founder/creator of You Night Events, who shared Parker’s inspiring journey as a cancer survivor with her organization two years ago at a world record event. McKenzie also highlighted the emotional rollercoaster that many breast cancer patients face. 

“Everyone of these ladies is united as sisters because of you,” McKenzie said. “When she says, keep smiling, we do. We believe it because everything about you is so positive.”

The event that began as Parker’s birthday celebration evolved into a carnival-like event with dance and eulogies for cancer patients and survivors. There was scrumptious food and an open bar with fine wine.