Even though her mother survived breast cancer, Yobra Shepherd said she never thought to go and get examined for the disease.
"And I was like it's never going to happen to me and sure enough it did," said Shepherd.
The single mother of three is now a two-time breast cancer survivor.
"I had six weeks of chemo and sixth months of radiation. That's the first time around. The second time around was back in 2016 where another lump appeared," said Shepherd.
Shepherd said during treatment she lost her hair.
"They call it the red devil chemo treatment and it made me weak and I couldn't really do too much," said Shepherd.
However, when she lost her hair, she found a support system in Bell County - hair stylists ready to combat that loss.
Mz. Champagne, from Mz. Champagne's Beauty Bar who started the support group, said she has a personal experience with the disease.
"I've had personal friends that have been you know walking through you know the struggle of you know dealing with breast cancer and things like that. I've lost a friend or so you know that has battled with it," said Mz. Champagne.
"I'm doing it in honor of my grandmother who passed away in '92 from cancer herself," said Kevin Ratliff from Neosoul Barber Shop.
The two are offering free hair care services for breast cancer survivors during the month of October.
In addition, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, if you get a mammogram and bring a receipt to the beauty bar, Mz. Champagne will treat you to free hair care.
Shepherd said the community coming together for breast cancer survivors really makes a difference.
"It really made me feel good, put confidence in me of losing my hair and getting me prepared for wigs and what not," said Shepherd.
Copyright 2018 KXXV. All rights reserved.
