•2025HOST•
Monica
Monica Pearson is the first woman and the first minority to anchor the daily evening news in Atlanta Georgia, where she worked for 37 years at the leading station, WSB-TV. She has won 33 Southern Regional and local Emmy Awards for reporting, anchoring and her Closeups celebrity interview shows.
When she retired in 2012, she was honored on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by the bipartisan delegation of the State of Georgia for her years of service on and off the air to improve the lives of the citizens of Georgia.
Monica now writes, produces and hosts an hour-long personality interview show, Monica Pearson One on One on Peachtree TV. She also is a contributor to the AJC, the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper, hosting a personality interview show, streaming on AJC.com. The Monica Pearson Show also is a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon music.
Monica calls retirement, “re-wirement” and now is a voice over artist, public speaker, emcee, and spokesperson.
She is a native of Louisville, KY with a BA from the University of Louisville and a MA from the University of Georgia, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude at the age of 67. She also has honorary doctorate degrees from Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University, Oglethorpe University, American Bible University and Young Harris College.
Monica has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated since 1966. She is a member of the Kappa Omega Chapter and is President of the Ivy Community Foundation, the 501(c)(3) arm of the chapter.
She is married to John E. Pearson Sr and has a daughter and bonus son.
Every Color Matters (ECM)
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OURMISSION
Educate.Weempowerindividualswithknowledge aboutcancerprevention,causes,andthe importanceofearlydetection.Throughaccessible educationalresources,wehelpcommunities understandtherisksandhowtotakeproactive stepstowardbetterhealth.
byindividualsandfamilies fferingguidance,emotional ourcesduringtheirjourney.
alassistancetofamilies ,nationally,andglobally.To tedover300familiesand 0,000toeasetheburdenof ry. sedcancerfoundation prehensiveefforts,ECM meaningfulimpactthrough ent,compassion,and nt.
ECM Foundation Programs and Impact
The Atlanta-based ECM Foundation hosts an annual gala and auction to support its year-round outreach and engagement initiatives. Since its inception in 2016, the event has grown from 135 attendees to over 400, attracting supporters, survivors, thrivers, local leaders, and celebrities. Proceeds from the gala provide critical funding to assist individuals battling all forms of cancer.
Each October, ECM organizes a community 5K Run/Walk, an event that promotes cancer awareness, encourages physical activity, and offers a space for connection among thrivers and supporters. Beyond this signature event, ECM leads educational presentations throughout the year at schools, churches, and local businesses. The foundation also awards financial grants to both Atlanta-area residents and national recipients undergoing cancer treatment, helping to ease the burden of ancillary costs.
In 2023, ECM launched its Don’t Wait campaign, encouraging individuals to be proactive about their health and prioritize medical check-ups. The message is simple but vital: listen to your body. Persistent or unusual changes should be addressed promptly, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes—not only for cancer but for a range of health conditions.
Recognizing the challenges the holidays can bring, particularly for families affected by cancer, ECM introduced the Holidays initiative in 2024. Through the generosity of sponsors, the foundation “adopted” 13 families—including 31 children—providing them with clothing, coats, shoes, and gifts to brighten their holiday season. This effort reflects ECM’s ongoing commitment to compassion and community care
In 2025, ECM proudly announced the launch of its Scholarship Initiative, which offers annual $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors or graduates whose parent or guardian is currently battling cancer. The scholarship supports tuition at accredited two- or fouryear colleges, trade schools, or technical institutions—helping students pursue higher education while navigating personal challenges.
ECM also honors and uplifts cancer caregivers—those who stand beside patients through every step of their journey. Caregivers provide essential support, from daily personal care and household responsibilities to managing finances, treatment schedules, and medication. Just as importantly, they offer emotional comfort and serve as a vital link between patients and healthcare providers.
Together, these initiatives reflect ECM’s unwavering mission: to educate, empower, and uplift those impacted by cancer—every step of the way.
Thank you. I say those two words often, yet they never feel quite sufficient. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission. Your belief in the Every Color Matters Cancer Awareness Foundation—and your commitment to raising awareness for all forms of cancer—has touched over 300 lives in meaningful ways. Because of you, we've been able to reach and support countless individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer.
Your contributions have not only provided vital resources and education but have also sparked hope and strength throughout our local, national, and global communities. The programs and initiatives led by the ECM Village have been essential in advancing awareness, encouraging early detection, and uplifting thrivers, survivors, and caregivers alike.
As we look ahead, we are started—together. Your outreach, strengthen our fight cancer in all its forms.
Thank you, once again, for more than words can express, and we are honored to have you by our side. With heartfelt appreciation.
Barney E. Jackson, Jr.
Barney E. Jackson, JR. - CEO & Executive Director
ENEFIT ECIPIENT
s diagnosed with Invasive Ductal 2020 Her journey has included surgeries each bringing intense physical, emotional, and financial challenges Radiation left her with third-degree burns and lasting side effects, while medications caused severe sickness and fatigue
She continues to undergo hormonal therapy as part of a five-year chemotherapy plan, along with frequent mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies Most recently, she had a lumpectomy in October 2024, and a new mass was found in December, followed by a biopsy in January 2025
Joscynthia is supported by her two sons, Aaron and Timothy Mason, who are also her caregivers Though unable to work due to ongoing treatments, she remains resilient and committed to rebuilding stability for herself and her family
Rebecca R. Schmenk was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) on June 7, 2024 Following a CT scan of the neck and chest and a PET scan, the cancer was confirmed Since retiring in 2021, Rebecca has focused on her health and her family, including her three adult children
She is currently undergoing weekly treatments, which require her to travel 35–40 miles each way Her care regimen has included radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a recently initiated immunotherapy Most recently, she completed brain radiation to treat metastases
Rebecca is supported by her daughter Kayla, who serves as her primary caregiver
Siara Thompson was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer on July 24, 2024 a moment that changed everything She received the life-altering call from the nurse practitioner while on her way to work, a memory that remains vivid and emotional
Just a month later, on August 26, Siara underwent a double mastectomy She has been unemployed since August 23, 2024, as she focuses on her recovery and treatment Siara is a devoted mother to one child and travels weekly making a 60-mile round trip to the Piedmont Cancer Institute for chemotherapy
Despite the challenges, Siara is facing her journey with strength and determination
Tamra (Tami) Woytek was diagnosed with Stage 3B Triple Negative Breast Cancer on August 2, 2024, after what began as a routine mammogram The diagnosis came just as her sister was finishing treatment for lymphoma marking a difficult chapter for her entire family
A single mother of three young adults, Tami continued working through mid-December while undergoing intensive chemotherapy She completed 12 weeks of Taxol and Carboplatin, along with two rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan, but treatment took a heavy toll, prompting her doctor to consider moving up her surgery She is currently seeking shortterm disability and navigating treatment with limited immunity and transportation needs
Tami continues to persevere with courage and hope, despite the challenges she faces
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