"She would tell you about yourself," Lorenzo Malcom Wooten Jr. said. "She would tell you to take your medicine or put down that fried chicken. She only weighed 100 pounds, but she had a presence."
Malcom Wooten sponsored the first Betty T. Wooten Golf Tournament on April 24 in honor of his mother, who died in January after a 13-year battle with breast cancer. Wooten, who lives in Bowie, used the tournament to raise money for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and boost awareness about early detection and aggressive medical intervention.
Wooten says his mother was a compassionate woman who taught nursing at the University of the District of Columbia and the University of Maryland, College Park. She also founded the health ministry at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington. Originally from North Carolina, she lived in Accokeek for 40 years.
Prior to the tournament, friends, family and members of Ebenezer had already raised about $26,000 for the Avon foundation. Wooten organized the tournament at the Glenn Dale Golf Club to direct additional proceeds toward breast cancer awareness, research and treatment.
He planned the event within three months to coincide with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer last weekend in the District.
Men as well as women must get involved in the fight against breast cancer, Wooten said.
"I have an older sister, a niece and a daughter," he said. Men also can get breast cancer, he added. In addition to promoting detection, he urges county residents to listen to their doctors after a diagnosis of cancer.
Wooten's mother received an initial diagnosis in 1997, but the disease came back at stage 4 in 2001 and eventually spread to her bones. He and his family members accompanied his mother on medical appointments and researched information. Their proactive approach spurred doctors to work hard for his mother, he said.
"That's why she survived 13 years," Wooten said. "I know we had those extra years because of her diligence, great doctors, family support and faith."
Unfortunately, many people don't seek out or follow a strict medical regimen due to fear or a lack of education, Wooten said.
"People say they don't want a mammogram because they don't trust doctors," he said. "They don't understand the techniques and treatments that are available."
Wooten says he's been encouraged by the community's response to the tournament.
"Planning this event has given me a sense of healing," he said. "I want to continue her legacy, promote good health and inspire others to share their stories."
How he makes a difference: Wooten recently sponsored the Betty T. Wooten Golf Tournament to raise funds for breast cancer research. Visit www.bettywooten.com.