06/20/2026
The Pearl in You
An Afternoon That Reminded a Community That Hope, Healing, and Beauty Can Emerge from Life's Greatest Challenges
HENDERSON, N.C. — Without speaking a word, they said everything.
Dressed in pink bows and pink neckties, young ladies and gentlemen ranging in age from 3 to 14 quietly walked throughout the room, placing a long-stem pink rose into the hands of every guest attending S!sters Speak Life's inaugural Pearls, Tea & Wellness event.
Smiles appeared. Tears were wiped away. Hugs were exchanged.
Before a single testimony was shared, the children had already delivered one of the day's most powerful messages: every person deserves to be seen, valued, honored, and celebrated.
In just a few quiet moments, the children transformed a room full of guests into a community united by compassion, encouragement, and hope. That simple yet heartfelt act set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon centered on hope, healing, education, and community.
For many in attendance, the presentation of a single rose became one of the day's most meaningful moments—a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness has the power to lift a spirit, inspire hope, and let someone know they are not alone.
Founded through Founder and CEO Freddie Harris' second breast cancer journey, S!sters Speak Life continues its mission of inspiring hope and healing by promoting breast health awareness, early detection, education, and compassionate support. In partnership with Stop My Swelling and Fern Medical, the organization welcomed survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, supporters, women, men, and young people to the Center for Innovation for an experience that celebrated not only survivorship, but life itself.
Guests were warmly welcomed by hostesses Yolanda Parham and Erica Romero and invited to select a fascinator pillbox hat from a beautiful array of colors. The elegant hats provided the perfect finishing touch, allowing each guest to complement her tea party attire while adding grace, beauty, and sophistication to the afternoon's celebration.
From the moment guests entered the beautifully decorated room, the beautiful sounds provided by JAX Audio Services, featuring Joshua Waverly and Michael Edwards II, set the atmosphere for an afternoon of elegance, fellowship, and celebration. Their thoughtfully curated music welcomed guests, complemented each presentation, and created a warm and uplifting environment throughout the event.
The room was adorned with elegant pink and green table linens, teapots, teacups, floral accents, and touches of pearl-inspired décor that reflected the day's themes of wellness, hope, and sisterhood. Easels displayed photographs of local breast cancer warriors alongside images of the Invision Diagnostics Mobile Mammography Unit, reminding guests of the courage, resilience, and determination that continue to inspire the mission of S!sters Speak Life and the importance of early detection.
The program officially opened with welcoming remarks from Founder and CEO Freddie Harris, followed by an opening prayer from Pastor Eardine Perry and the blessing of the food by Rev. Florence Cheek Vass.
With the atmosphere already set by the children's heartfelt presentation of roses, the afternoon continued with a moving testimony from Michelle Allen. Her personal story of perseverance and faith reminded everyone in attendance that hope remains possible, even during life's greatest challenges.
Building upon that message, Dr. Jillian Myer of Stop My Swelling and Hannah McHugh of Fern Medical educated attendees about lymphedema awareness, treatment options, and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. Guests explored educational displays featuring compression garments, compression stockings, and wellness resources while receiving wellness gift bags provided by Stop My Swelling and Fern Medical, reinforcing the message that knowledge, early intervention, and access to care can change lives.
One of the afternoon's most meaningful moments came when representatives from Nordstrom -The Streets At Southpoint in Durham, NC traveled to Henderson to share information about professional bra fittings for women of all ages, including specialized post-mastectomy bras, prostheses, and certified fitting services. Guests learned that many women are unaware these personalized services exist and that many post-mastectomy products may be covered by insurance.
Linnoya Williams Royster thanked Nordstrom for being present and reflected on conversations she had shared over the years with her friend, Freddie Harris. She spoke about Harris' desire and determination to help women find resources that restore confidence, dignity, and beauty following breast cancer.
Williams-Royster stated that all women deserve to feel beautiful.
For Harris, seeing Nordstrom seated at the table represented a full-circle moment. During her second breast cancer journey nearly eighteen years ago, her search extended far beyond finding a properly fitted post-mastectomy bra. She was searching for beauty, color, comfort, confidence, and dignity because she believed every woman, regardless of her diagnosis, deserves to feel beautiful. That personal journey eventually inspired her book, Loving Me, and later became part of the vision behind S!sters Speak Life. For Harris, the partnership represents more than professional fitting services—it represents the fulfillment of a vision born from personal experience and a commitment to ensuring that other women have access to the resources she once searched for herself.
What once began as a determined search has now become a meaningful partnership with Nordstrom, helping connect women throughout the community with professional fitting services, post-mastectomy resources, and compassionate support that restore confidence and improve quality of life.
Independent Mary Kay Consultant Fredricka Wynn encouraged attendees to "Be As Bold As Your Lipstick," encouraging every woman to embrace her beauty, live confidently, and never allow life's circumstances to diminish her worth. She also stated that confidence and self-care remain important at every stage of life.
Sandra Waverly, affectionately known as Mrs. Peacock, serve as the Mistress of Ceremony for the day but also brought laughter, joy, and inspiration to the afternoon, reminding everyone that laughter truly is good medicine.
Throughout the afternoon, the inspiring sounds of saxophonist Eric Burwell inspired reflection, celebration, and worship. His musical selections beautifully complemented the program, and his moving rendition of "Total Praise" provided a powerful and inspirational conclusion to the day's celebration.
Bringing the day's message full circle, empowerment speaker Cynthia Stokley reminded attendees not to allow life's irritations to define them. Drawing from the event theme, "The Pearl in You," she shared how pearls are formed through irritation, pressure, and time—and that life's greatest struggles often reveal our greatest strength, purpose, and beauty.
As a lasting reminder of her message, every guest received a satin keepsake bag containing a pearl and a special affirmation inside provided by Commissioner Valencia Perry and Sandra Burton-Durham, reminding them that they, too, possess a pearl within.
As guests departed, Tracy J. Mosley distributed bags of Pink Out Popcorn, generously provided by Steven Wolf of Craze Popcorn, reminding everyone to save the date for Pink Out Vance County on October 1. Guests were also encouraged to mark their calendars for November 7, when the Invision Diagnostics Mobile Mammography Unit will once again visit the community, continuing S!sters Speak Life's mission of promoting breast health awareness, early detection, and access to life-saving screenings.
The luncheon was beautifully prepared and catered by Annie Bullock of Crossroads Event Center, whose delicious meal and warm hospitality added to the welcoming experience enjoyed by every guest.
S!sters Speak Life also extends sincere appreciation to board members, Apostle Joann Evans, Sandra Burton-Durham and Dr. Gary Smith, whose faithful encouragement, guidance, and behind-the-scenes assistance in preparing for the event helped bring the vision of Pearls, Tea & Wellness to life.
The organization also extends heartfelt appreciation to its volunteers, community leaders, presenters, musicians, sponsors, and community partners whose servant hearts transformed that vision into an unforgettable experience. Special recognition is extended to Dr. Destiny Ross-Putney and Vance County Commissioner Yolanda Feimster; hostesses Lisa Mitchell, Stacey Mitchell, Yolanda Parham, and Erica Romero; and volunteers Patricia Ellis, Brenda Owens-Tyson, Tracy J. Mosely, Kim Parham, Brenda Branch, Pam Norwood, Cynthia Yates, Elise Frederick, and Beatrice Walker for their dedication, generosity, and willingness to serve.
Perhaps the greatest testimony of the day was not found in any single presentation, but in the way the community came together. Throughout the event, one question could be heard again and again:
"What can I do to help?"
That spirit of service became the heartbeat of Pearls, Tea & Wellness.
As S!sters Speak Life continues to grow, the organization remains committed to building partnerships, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring that no one has to face life's challenges alone.
Pearls, Tea & Wellness was more than a tea. It was more than a wellness event. It was a celebration of hope, healing, resilience, beauty, and community. As guests departed, they carried with them more than a satin keepsake bag holding a pearl. They carried with them a renewed reminder that they are seen, valued, honored, celebrated, and loved. Through faith, perseverance, and community, every person has the opportunity to discover "The Pearl in You."
"Our hope is that every person who attended left knowing that no matter what challenges they face, there is still a pearl within them waiting to shine." — Freddie Harris
Stay Connected
To view additional photographs from Pearls, Tea & Wellness, learn more about S!sters Speak Life, and stay informed about upcoming events, visit us on Facebook:
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