After tragically losing his mother to breast cancer in 2009, Lavar Jacobs, Founder of nonprofit organization Not Just October set out to make a difference through education, unconventional awareness, advocacy and compassion. Having a goal of opening the first ever Black-owned breast cancer center in memory of his late mother Kim Jacobs has always been Jacobs' objective. On Saturday, May 1, 2021 that goal will be a reality. From 1pm - 3pm EST, Jacobs will be receiving friends, family and guests for the grand opening of the Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Resource Center (KJC). The Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Resource Center is located at 946 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, Ohio 44314 and will serve as the home of Not Just October. The center is the first and only breast cancer center to be Black-owned and operated in the state of Ohio. Most importantly, KJC will serve as a hub for women, men and families affected by breast cancer to come receive counseling services, speak with an on-site nurse, have access to a food pantry, hair and makeup services, access to library books, a children’s center, and schedule services such law care, snow removal and so much more. Wearing pink in the month of October is a nice representation of and acknowledgement of breast cancer, but if you ask the patients who battle the disease year-round, they’d beg to differ and that’s why Jacobs has made it his life's mission to create an organization and safe space for women and their families ALL year and not just during the month of October. “All of the hard work and dedication in my community over the past six years through Not Just October has led us to this momentous point. Words cannot simply express the excitement flowing through my body as we embark on the journey that is the Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Resource Center! I can feel the presence of my mom in the walls and I know that she is here with me and smiling down from heaven. My mom was the catalyst, passion has been the fuel, and the strength of all of the women currently battling breast cancer has been the driving force of our mission at Not Just October. I’m looking forward to making a huge difference now and forever!” says Lavar Jacobs, Founder of Not Just October. For more information about the Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Resource Center and Not Just October, visit www.notjustoctober.org and on social media @KimJacobsBreastCenter and @NotJustOctober. Media inquiries, please contact Aryel Nicole at aryel@theprimemediagrp.com.
