Anieshia Brooks hoped to educate other women about cervical cancer when she got better.
She never did.
She lost her 10-month battle with the disease on Oct. 1, 2007. She was 24.
Now, to mark the first anniversary of her death, her family is organizing an event to raise public awareness and money for cervical cancer research.
Proceeds from the Oct. 5 dinner and show will be donated to the American Cancer Society in her memory.
"It was her wish to do it if she were healed," said Brooks' mother, Angela Lawrence of Elk Grove, who is organizing the fundraiser.
The event will be headlined by singer Krys Ivory. The show also will include dancers and speakers, said Brooks' brother Mykel. Ivory is a friend of Mykel Brooks, who battled Hodgkin's disease.
Those who attend the fundraiser are asked to bring a toy to the event. The toys will be distributed to local hospitals, Mykel Brooks said.
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 11,070 new cases of invasive cervical cancer in the United States this year, with 3,870 women dying from the disease.
Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer for women in the United States, but the number of cases and deaths have been reduced significantly in the past 40 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That's in large part to many women getting regular Pap tests, which can detect cervical cancer early. Two preventive measures include getting regular Pap tests and getting the human papillomavirus vaccine, according to the CDC.
Anieshia Brooks was the oldest of five children. Her mother is the guardian for Brooks' two sons, Samual, 6, and Elijah, 3.
Lawrence said it is important that women of all ages ask their doctors about the risks and ways to prevent and detect cervical cancer.
Mykel Brooks said the fundraiser is the first step for the family. They hope to start a foundation that would focus on raising money for awareness and research on cervical cancer.
He said his sister would be proud of the various ways that the family is working to help spread the word about the disease.
"It makes me feel better," the 22-year-old said. "It helps me cope with her not being here."
IF YOU GO
What: Benefit dinner and show in memory of Anieshia Brooks
When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5
Where: Laguna Town Hall, 3020 Renwick Ave., Elk Grove
Cost: $35 per person, RSVP by Wednesday
To go: Call Mykel Brooks at (818) 915-5609 or Angela Lawrence at (916) 207-4146.
Call The Bee's Sandy Louey, (916) 478-2654.
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