TUPELO, Miss – North Mississippi Health Services Cancer Care has awarded Shirlette Judon the 2025 Breast Cancer Advocate Award. 

Judon, a 18-year breast cancer survivor, is the president of the Sisters Circle, a support group for cancer survivors, providing education, inspiration and motivation as a part of the non-profit organization Wear It Well. As part of its commitment to community wellness, Wear It Well hosts a Pretty In Pink gala every October to encourage breast cancer awareness and assist in providing breast cancer screening. 

“Shirlette exemplifies the meaning behind the Breast Cancer Advocate Award,” said Alison Christopher, NMHS Cancer Care breast cancer nurse navigator. “She has touched hundreds of lives by organizing meetings, planning events and creating a safe space where survivors can share their stories and experiences.”

Judon, who lives in Tupelo, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 31. She lost her maternal aunt to breast cancer, and her paternal grandmother was a breast cancer survivor. 

In nominating Judon for the Breast Cancer Advocate Award, Wear It Well Founder Katina Tucker wrote, “Her impact has left a stamp on the lives of many breast cancer patients by delivering care packages, cancer care boxes and mattresses. She also makes herself available at some of the hardest times for patients, even driving hundreds of miles to be with patients.”

In accepting the award, Judon said her work with the Sisters Circle is a way to give thanks for all the support she has received.

“Knowing what I went through when I was diagnosed and how much people helped me through my journey, it means so much to be able to work with cancer patients, particularly breast cancer patients,” Judon said. “I hope people become more aware of what cancer patients go through when they are diagnosed with cancer and what they can do to support them through their cancer journey.”

The Breast Cancer Advocate Award was the vision of the late Dr. Charles Montgomery, who served as a hematologist-oncologist in Tupelo from 1979 until his death in 2023. To nominate an advocate for the award, visit nmhs.net/breast-cancer-advocate-award.