Anitta Yvonne Rutherford Orr is a retired Speech and Language therapist formerly with the Detroit Public Schools. She is actively engaged in the Detroit volunteer community. Anitta has served as the president of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit Alumnae Chapter, President and chartering  member of St. Leo Soup Kitchen-Detroit; former chair, Foster Care Review Board to name only some of her volunteer activities

As a result of attending a local American Cancer walk, she joined the Conner Creek Cancer Action Council at it’s inception which was about seven years ago. The CAC is part of the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement. She joined other community volunteers who were either cancer survivors or caretakers. We received an extensive, in depth education regarding cancer, cancer research, and cancer programming in the metropolitan Detroit area and other research centers.

The education which was provided ample ammunition to take the information to the community and share the information, create support groups and dispel misinformation regarding cancer as well as secure volunteers for cancer  research projects. There were many barriers to remove but the progress that has been made is measurable and lasting. The data is supportive.

Anitta became one of the editors and coordinator for a  CAC handbook for caregivers that is awaiting publication.