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April 8, 1993

My Dear Friends: 

Welcome to the inaugural Trumpeter Gala benefitting [[benefiting]] the Center for Cancer Treatment and Research of Richland Memorial Hospital. A labor of love, this event has brought together a gathering of voices from the community to create an awareness of cancer among African Americans while financially supporting the Center for Cancer Treatment and Research. This effort is also a testimony to the energy and determination of a few to assist many in leading healthy lives. 

A substantive influence and spiritual guide for the Trumpeter Gala has been the introduction of the Dr. Matilda A. Evans Award. This award, which will be given annually, will recognize a healthcare professional who has contributed to advancing healthcare in the community. We feel privileged to honor the memory of this outstanding pioneer in healthcare delivery. On behalf of the Trumpeter Gala Committee, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who supported and demonstrated their commitment in making the Trumpeter Gala a successful and memorable affair. The contributions made capture the essence of people caring and willing to come together for a good cause. 

Sincerely, 

Brandolyn C. Pinkston
Chair, Trumpeter Gala Committee 

THE INAUGURAL TRUMPETER GALA

Cancer incidence and mortality rates are generally higher for African Americans than for whites according to the American Cancer Society. In 1989, African Americans had a 6 percent higher rate of cancer than whites. Since 1960, cancer death rates have risen approximately five times more in African American men and women as compared to white men women. 

The five-year survival rate for African Americans diagnosed with cancer between 1983 to 1988 was about 38 percent compared to 54 percent for whites. A large part of this difference in survival can be attributed to late diagnosis. 

Because of this, concerned African American physicians and members of the board of directors of the Center for Cancer Treatment and Research of Richland Memorial Hospital have initiated the Trumpeter Gala. The gala is designed to create awareness of cancer among African Americans while financially supporting the Center for Cancer Treatment and Research. 

A special feature of the Trumpeter Gala is the introduction of the Dr. Matilda A. Evans Award. This award will be given annually to honor an African American healthcare professional who has contributed to advancing healthcare in the community. The award is named after Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans, an Aiken, South Carolina native who practiced medicine in Columbia at the turn of the century. She was the first African American female native of South Carolina to practice medicine in this state.