Via: elev8.com
If you love good music, you love hearing any and every thing singer and songwriter Kelly Price has ever released. Her soulful voice represents what authentic singing is and should be. Kelly is the quintessential woman. All women can relate to the many titles she holds in life- wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, caretaker, business woman and mentor. Even with the multiple duties she has, she continues to stay busy by giving back to the community and world with her service and philanthropy. Elev8 recently spoke with Kelly Price about her activism against breast cancer, upcoming projects and how she was personally motivated by a heart-wrenching family experience that led her to get involved by donating her time and money. Check out what she shared with us…
ELEV8: Kelly, many readers may know a little about you and your husband experiencing both your mothers’ being diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m sure that was a difficult time for your family. Can you share with us how you and your family got through that?
KELLY PRICE: That was 1998 and it was an extremely difficult time in my life. I had just released my first album (Soul of a Woman). When it should have been an exciting time in my life, it was a draining and bittersweet one. I was trying to do the best for everyone and it just took a harsh toll on my family. It taught me a valuable lesson that no one can afford cancer emotionally or financially.
ELEV8: How are your mother and mother in law?
KELLY PRICE: Unfortunately, my husband lost his mom to breast cancer. This was the second time he went through this. His biological mom and step mom succumbed to breast cancer. My mother is doing well and has been in remission for 10 years but her entire lifestyle had to change. It’s so important that we educate ourselves about breast cancer. One of the most vivid memories I have when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer is being in the doctor’s office with my sisters and the doctor asked my mom, “What took you so long to come?” She replied “I was afraid.” I realized FEAR is a big factor and we need to work toward eliminating the fear factor of going to the doctor and getting our annual mammogram. We must be proactive and watch for signs.
ELEV8: How are you being proactive with your health being your mom was diagnosed with breast cancer?
KELLY PRICE: I’m making sure I’m getting my mammograms when scheduled and watching my diet and exercising. I also do breast exams at home. I continue to educate myself and daughter about breast cancer. It’s very important that my family stays informed.
ELEV8: You made a big financial donation of $250,000 to the T.J. Martell Foundation and Denise Rich’s G&P Foundation for Cancer and Research. In addition to that, you also donated proceeds of your single, “Love Sets You Free” to help the ongoing fight against breast cancer. What motivated you to do that when you could have just donated your name and time?
KELLY PRICE: Activism is personal for me. Proceeds to my single are still being donated to the foundations. It’s available on itunes now. My mom’s reply to her doctor motivated me and the experience of both my mom and mother in law having breast cancer. I want to continue to educate women about breast cancer. I’d like to be a spokesperson for breast cancer and start a movement for women to get their annual mammograms. I’d like to get a bus, have someone donate a mammogram machine and travel the country and set up at locations and get women examined and educate them. I know its overwhelming trying to stay current with your mammograms especially when you don’t have medical insurance.
ELEV8: Do you have a foundation that works in conjunction with the other organizations you work with?
KELLY PRICE: Yes, my organization is called Priceless Promises but I’m also working with other foundations that have the same mission. Through my organization, we have also set up a program called, The Look to Live Foundation. It focuses on the families of the sick. We’re interested in assisting the entire family’s well-being and showing them how to move forward beyond the illness. How the family will live after and get on the other side of the cancer. Going through it with my mother-in-law and mother, I would recommend families 2 key things to do when dealing with someone who is ill and going through cancer.
1- Talk to someone on a regular basis.
2- Stay Healthy (Mentally and Physically)
ELEV8: What advice can you give parents who have kids going through this as well?
KELLY PRICE: I would reassure the children and be truthful to them. In me and my husband’s experience, we found it best to explain what’s going on to our kids. Getting pamphlets and having the doctor speak to them is helpful if needed. The truth of the matter helps while going through this type of ordeal.
Stay tuned tomorrow for Part II of our interview with Kelly Price.
“Love Sets You Free” is available on http://www.itunes.com
“Love Sets You Free” Video
Wanna read more of our Kelly Price interview? Click below
Part II-Kelly Price speaks about mentoring kids and upcoming project
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
