During her short, yet monumental life my mother left a preserving memory in everyone’s mind that she encountered. Small in stature, voice so softly spoken it sounded like a whisper, with the shyness of a young child attending the first day of school, yet the tenacity of a woman who has overcome major life obstacles and the faith that she could do “anything through Christ that Strengthened her.” She had characteristics so humbling that it left you with a desire to want to know more about this person. My mother was a woman of great moral, intellectual and spiritual value; therefore, worthy of commemoration. The Yvonne McCalla Foundation Incorporated (YMF Inc.) is befitting of the life that she lived.
Growing up in a single parent household, I saw how much harder my mother had to work to achieve her education while being a great parent and a wonderful role model to my brother and myself. It is very important to me to help to alleviate some of the financial burden for a woman who has similar life circumstances. Additionally, while my mom was experiencing her battle with breast cancer, she often expressed to me the importance of increased breast cancer research as it pertains to the biology of minority women.
The Yvonne McCalla Foundation Inc. (YMF Inc.) seeks to honor the legacy of Ms. Yvonne M. McCalla who dedicated her life to public health. Yvonne first began her career in the health care profession by working as a Home Health Aid Attendant while attending school to become a Nurse’s Assistant. Yvonne had a strong desire to pursue higher education; therefore, she began attending the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to begin her pursuit of a career as a Registered Nurse. For several years she was employed full-time in a medical capacity while attending school. She obtained her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
As a LPN, she began working at a non-profit organization providing medical care to underprivileged children residing in the foster care system. Yvonne successfully completed her Bachelors of Science Registered Nurse Degree (BSRN) from Dominican College, located in Blauvelt, New York. With a compassionate heart, a warm touch, respect for the medical profession and a genuine love for people, Yvonne then began her life long dream of working in a hospital setting. Yvonne worked on the Oncology unit attending to the medical needs of many cancer patients. Yvonne was a member of the Abundant Life Family Worship Church (ALFWC) where she served on the Sozo health ministry. She was also a member of the Sister’s Network of Central New Jersey, an African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization. Yvonne loved horticulture and enjoyed spending time cultivating her garden. Yvonne also enjoyed spending time with her grandsons Quince and Zahire.
In March of 2005, Yvonne was diagnosed with breast cancer. On August 12, 2006, Yvonne lost a courageous 1 ½ year battle to the disease. Yvonne’s faith, strength, generosity, love for people and most importantly; her love for GOD were an inspiration to all those she encountered
