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Meet Barney Jackson of Every Color Matters Cancer Awareness in Metro Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barney Jackson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Barney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Every Color Matters Cancer Awareness Organization began under the leadership of my Godfather, Pastor Eddie F. Thomas. At that time, it was not established as a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Rather, it was an annual breast cancer awareness walk named after my godfather. Following his untimely death in 2011, I was compelled to not only continue the great work happening in our community, but also improve upon the existing program. After losing my godfather to Colon Cancer in 2011, my biological father to Kidney Cancer in 2014, my god-brother to Brain Cancer in 2017 and my stepfather to Lung Cancer in 2017, I simply had to find a way to bring greater awareness to all forms of cancer and find a way to assist families battling this disease as I had many times over. So, my personal experiences are the impetus behind the name Every Color Matters. I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious. Vince Lombardi

Our mission is to educate metro Atlantans and those in surrounding communities about all forms of cancer. We do this by providing educational material to inform people about the causes, prevention, and the importance of early detection. We also provide funding for cancer research and assistance to families in our local communities, currently fighting cancer. We do this work through our two major annual fundraisers, our Gala and the 5K Run/Walk.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. However, I understand real service to others requires persistence, sacrifice and boldness to dream out loud. In fact, dreaming out loud has frequently surfaced as an area of personal struggle. I sometimes get into my head about how others will receive or accept my ideas. On a broader level, watching people suffer from cancer is a struggle I carry daily. It’s difficult to see a vibrant person, a seven-month-old child, or anyone who succumb to this disease. However, we are always grateful to be a source of service and support.

We’d love to hear more about Every Color Matters.
Every Color Matters exists to provide hope and support to those in our local communities affected by cancer through fundraising and raising awareness of its many forms. Our vision goes beyond the Cancer Awareness color chart, but it represents every race, religion, and creed. Cancer does not discriminate, so why should we. When cancer strikes, it doesn’t consider any of that. Raising awareness towards every form of cancer sets us apart!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I would recommend our city for start-ups.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Tobias Smith Photography, Elite Media Studios, Will Brown Photography

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