Zora Kramer Brown | |
---|---|
Born | Elzora Mae Brown March 20, 1949 |
Died | March 3, 2013
Oklahoma City, US | (aged 63)
Alma mater | Oklahoma State University |
Known for | Breast cancer awareness |
Elzora Mae Kramer Brown (March 20, 1949 – March 3, 2013) was an American breast cancer awareness advocate. Brown worked to improve awareness of breast cancer in the African-American community. She was the first African American woman to serve on the National Cancer Advisory Board.
Brown was born Elzora Mae Brown on March 20, 1949, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. [1] She was raised in Oklahoma City. [2] Brown earned her bachelors degree from Oklahoma State University in 1969. [3] Brown first worked as a secretary at the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and then in the lobbying office at Ford Motor Company. [4] In 1976, she started working as an administrative assistant in the White House on women's programs, where she met Betty Ford. [4]
Brown was diagnosed with breast cancer first in 1981 and later in 1997. [4] As one of several women in her family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, Brown created the Breast Cancer Resource Committee (BCRC) in 1989. [5] BCRC helps promote awareness about breast cancer to black women. [2] Black women had higher rates of mortality from breast cancer than other demographics. [1]
Brown was the first African-American woman appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board, where she served from 1991 to 1998, first appointed by President George Bush. [3] [6] Brown's work on the board led to Congress providing funds for breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income and uninsured women. [4]
Brown spread the word about breast cancer prevention in local settings and also on The Joan Rivers Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. [1] She also testified at a United States Senate Cancer Coalition forum about breast cancer. [4]
Brown died on March 3, 2013, aged 63, in Oklahoma City from complications from ovarian cancer. [1]