Search Here

Three sisters were kicked out a suburban Philadelphia mall because of their cancer awareness hats.

Of course, it was not the message that prompted their removal; it was the language.

Jackie Underwood was 51 years old when she passed away, according to Philly.com. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, she had a mastectomy, but refused chemotherapy or radiation, insisting that she would be fine. For seven years, she was. Then, in 2011, she complained of a pain in her other breast. That prompted her to decide that she would undergo chemotherapy. It was of little use. A year later, the cancer spread to her brain, throat and lungs. She died at home, surrounded by her daughters, on May 14.

Daughter Makia, a hairdresser, inspired one of her clients, Tiffany Wade, to create clothing that reads "F-K Cancer", with a ribbon in place of the letter "C". She estimates that she has sold 200 items of clothing, the proceeds for which go toward 11 families affected by the disease. For many days since receiving the items, sisters Makia, Zakia and Tasha have worn them.

That became a problem when the sisters recently visited the King of Prussia mall to search for clothes to wear for their mother's funeral, which is today. While sitting in the food court, a security officer directed the women to take off their hats. When they refused, the security officer, joined by multiple others, forced them to leave the premises, even watching their car to make sure that they left.

Since then, though, the mall has called the sisters in order to apologize. According to Fox 29, the mall manager released a statement that said, "King of Prussia Mall is a proud supporter of breast cancer awareness and other important causes however, the mall is first and foremost a family destination...In keeping with the mall's code of conduct, security approached the women who were first asked respectfully to remove their caps and when they refused, were asked to leave."

The sisters planned to host a rally on Saturday in front of the mall in protest of their actions. In light of the mall's apology, the event will continue as planned, but will serve as an event more to highlight cancer awareness.