A native of Washington, D.C, I was diagnosed at age of 34 in 2015 with Aggressive Stage 3B Invasive Breast Cancer, and a 30% chance of survival. I did the opposite of giving up. I persevered and pushed forward. After chemo, radiation, surgeries, endless medications, therapies, trials, and treatments, I faced cancer head-on during some of my hardest times, and I prayed. With dedication to my pink sisters around the world, I am bringing my dream of supporting women across the states with Breast Cancer into a reality.
Since 2019, I have actively made a presence of empowerment, love, and care amongst a community of women of all walks of life. Unity and moving towards finding a cure are the two main objectives of my journey. Although cancer can take away life as you know it before your diagnosis, you can make a positive and impactful life beyond this disease. Pushing my fellow sisters toward wellness, healing, and survivorship will always keep me motivated to make a difference in the world. Never taking a moment for granted, making the best of what we have, never giving up, and spreading love to everyone no matter the obstacles are all core values of life that help me walk this journey God has set in front of me. My plans for the future are to touch as many lives of breast cancer fighters and survivors as I can with compassion, kindness, inspiration, education, and human services on all levels. I will never turn my back on my breast cancer sisters.
After I was diagnosed in November 2015 with Aggressive Stage 3B Invasive Breast Cancer, I started chemotherapy for 6 months in February 2016. I had a Double Mastectomy in July 2016, started Radiation for 7 months in September 2016, had a Salpingo Oophorectomy in 2018, and started hormone therapy that failed with every attempt. I then took a year-long break from treatment in 2020, but fell very ill and gained over 50 pounds in a short timeframe. I started mandatory cancer infusion treatments again in 2021.
I stopped treatment and all medication intake in October, 2023, due to severe illness from treatments and other ailments caused by cancer—such as neuropathy, lymphedema, cervical stenosis, osteoarthritis, kidney failure, and heart issues—and the mixture of so many different daily medications I was taking. I switched to a new oncologist and cancer center who thought it would be best to stop all treatments and medications to give myself a much-needed break.
After a PET Scan in December 2023, I was told that I’m in partial remission, however, I still have to remain in aggressive cancer infusion treatment monthly for the next 10 years, at least! I started treatment again in February 2024, set to continue for at least the next 10 years.
Mentally, cancer has taken a huge toll on not only my physical but my mental and emotional state as well. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depression Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and mild OCD. I’ve been in weekly therapy with my same psychologist since 2021, who has helped me change my life in so many positive and empowering ways.
