About the Tracey C. Barnes Scholarship Fund
TCBSF is non-profit organization in collaboration with BRAVA CAPS/NJCEED, named after Tracey C. Barnes, wife of Jimmy Barnes, mother of Tiara, Tiana, Tyler and Taylor, grandmother of Tyson, Tyree and Tamia. Tracey who was affectionately known as “Mother” “Flowers”, “Nana” and “Trace”, passed away in January 2006 of breast cancer. In the family’s loss and in Tracey’s memory, her family has organized the Tracey C. Barnes Scholarship Fund to educate others about breast cancer, the importance of prevention and early detection, assist high school and college students seeking to further their education, as well as, aid in breast cancer research.
Tracey was a Licensed Practical Nurse for 21 years. It is because of her profession that the TCBSF will be awarding scholarships on an annual basis to students pursing a degree in nursing. The TCBSF will also present book awards to local high school students on an annual basis who have chosen to pursue a higher education in a nursing program.
TCBSF has formed a partnership with Capital Health Systems BRAVA/CAPS NJCEED PROGRAM. Many factors mediate the effect of later stage diagnosis of breast cancer, especially in African American women, including poorer access to health care, lack of knowledge regarding early detection, low use of regular mammography and clinical breast exams and patient delay in seeking care. Therefore, the most important tools for women are education and early detection through mammography and clinical breast exams.
Partnerships with community organizations have been very instrumental in helping to spread the message regarding the importance of prevention, screening and early detection of breast cancer. Capital Health Systems BRAVA/CAPS NJCEED has pledged their continued support in helping the TCBSF provide these important cancer prevention strategies to those individuals at the highest risk for breast cancer in the Greater Trenton Area. For more information on BRAVA/CAPS NJCEED, contact Linda Johnson at (609) 815-7188.
Jimmy Barnes, husband of the late Tracey C. Barnes, is an advocate for breast cancer awareness. He is active with several volunteer organizations in the community, as well as, the Princeton YWCA Breast Cancer Resource Center and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Central New Jersey. He also participates in health seminars at local churches and in college forums.