ST. LOUIS — Breast cancer awareness is about more than recognizing a disease. It is also about recognizing the personal struggles people face, the importance of community support and the everyday decisions that contribute to healthier lives.
That message took center stage when VOTP News STL spoke with OG Brando, a self-described biochemist and representative of Origin of Greatness, during the Warrior Salute Breast Cancer Awareness event.
Brando, who introduced himself as “the freshest biochemist that you know,” used the opportunity to discuss personal growth, health, resilience and the importance of communities supporting one another.
His message went beyond breast cancer awareness, touching on the experiences that shape individuals and the responsibility people have to encourage one another through difficult circumstances.
Watch the VOTP News STL Field Interview
Video: VOTP News STL interview with OG Brando of Origin of Greatness during the Warrior Salute Breast Cancer Awareness event.
Everybody Has a Story
“A lot of people focus on the glory, but it’s the story,” Brando said.
His remarks emphasized that personal success cannot always be measured by someone’s accomplishments or outward appearance.
Behind those accomplishments, he explained, are experiences involving setbacks, challenges, difficult decisions and lessons that often go unseen.
Rather than allowing those experiences to define a person’s future, Brando encouraged people to recognize their ability to move forward.
The message was especially relevant at an event centered on breast cancer awareness, where conversations about survival, emotional strength and community support hold significant meaning.
For Brando, recognizing someone’s story is also part of understanding the person behind it.
A Conversation About Functional Wellness
Representing Origin of Greatness, Brando also discussed his approach to functional wellness, emphasizing nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep and other lifestyle habits.
His message focused on building a foundation for healthier living rather than depending exclusively on supplements.
“Supplements are good, yes, but supplements are meant to complement a healthy lifestyle,” Brando said. “Supplements are not supposed to be the entree. Supplements are supposed to be the side dish.”
He encouraged individuals to pay attention to what they eat, how they sleep and how frequently they move their bodies.
The discussion reflected a broader conversation about preventive health and the importance of making informed decisions regarding personal wellness.
However, lifestyle practices and dietary supplements should not be viewed as substitutes for medically recommended cancer screenings, diagnostic evaluations or treatment. Anyone considering supplements should discuss potential risks and interactions with a qualified health care professional.
Breast Cancer Awareness Includes Men
Another important part of the conversation involved recognizing that breast cancer is not exclusively a women’s health concern.
Men can also develop the disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States occurs in a man.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States during 2026, with approximately 530 deaths expected.
Although breast cancer remains considerably less common among men, health officials emphasize the importance of recognizing unusual breast lumps, nipple changes and other potential symptoms.
Medical professionals encourage anyone experiencing concerning changes to seek appropriate evaluation rather than dismissing symptoms because of gender.
The discussion served as a reminder that breast cancer awareness should reach everyone.
Bringing the 314 and 618 Together
Beyond health and personal motivation, Brando stressed the importance of unity throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.
He spoke about the connections between communities on both sides of the Mississippi River, including St. Louis and East St. Louis.
His message encouraged people in the 314 and 618 area codes to recognize their shared interests, support local initiatives and work collectively toward stronger communities.
Brando’s remarks reflected an understanding that improving community well-being involves more than individual decisions.
It also requires relationships, cooperation and a willingness to support others when they encounter challenges.
He encouraged residents to “lock arms” and recognize the collective strength that can emerge when communities work together.
More Than an Awareness Event
The Warrior Salute Breast Cancer Awareness event provided an opportunity for conversations that extended beyond medical information.
For Brando, the gathering was also a platform to discuss the relationship between physical wellness, personal resilience and community responsibility.
His message emphasized that individuals facing obstacles should not be defined solely by those circumstances and that personal progress remains possible even after significant setbacks.
It also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where people can share experiences, encourage others and discuss issues affecting their families and neighborhoods.
While breast cancer awareness remains an essential public health priority, the conversations surrounding it often reveal something equally important: the value of human connection.
And as Brando reminded those listening, everybody has a story.
Sources: VOTP News STL field interview with OG Brando; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Cancer Society.
Reporting: VOTP News STL Field Coverage.
