My Childhood:

I’m a native of Ga. I had somewhat of a surreal childhood the first ten years of my life. My mother was the epitome of what a mother should be. We were inseparable. She exposed me to so many things. It wasn’t a Saturday that went by that we were not doing something. We were always going to museums, the festival of trees, Broadway plays, five star restaurants, and so many vacations. I don’t know if she subconsciously knew that she wouldn’t see me grow up; but she made sure that I had some sense of culture. Sadly to say my mother died when I was ten and my world came to an end. She was my everything.

My favorite thing to play with:

I loved playing with baby dolls. I have always wanted to be a mother and take care of people. Even as a small child I knew that what you do for others is more important than what they can do for you.

Breast Cancer Experience:

I come from a long family history of breast cancer. From this disease I lost my mother, three maternal aunts, and one maternal cousin who was my very best friend at age 25. On October 18, 2007 my life changed forever, when the doctor said “You have cancer.” Instead of taking the attitude of “why me?” I took on the attitude of “why not me?” I thought, what better person could God use to beat this disease, show people that cancer isn’t always a death sentence, and work to find a cure for it? It is for this reason why I’m so passionate about aiding any cause to fight breast cancer. I truly believe in the American Cancer Society’s slogan, “Creating a World with more Birthdays”. It is because of this belief and their help with advancement in cancer research that I’m alive today. Being a survivor lets me know that hope is alive!

Education/ Work Experience:
 

I have a child development associate degree. I have been in the childcare field for over 11 years. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, my passion has changed. I’m currently in school for social work. My goal is to start a non-profit for breast cancer survivors, for financial support. It’s bad enough to have cancer and not know if you will live or die, but even worse to worry about that and not know where your next meal will come from.

Family:

It’s funny, I’m an only child, but I have three sisters and two brothers. I believe that blood doesn’t make you family, but your willingness to love unconditionally and be there when it really counts does. I’m so grateful that God placed people in my life that love me know matter what. I love my sisters to death. I have three nieces and three nephews. It’s something very special about my niece Makalah. She brings me so much joy. Whenever I’m sick or down in the dumps, I think of her and I smile and forget all of my troubles. I have a best friend named Sallyann. When you find a true friend, it makes you evaluate everyone else. I thank God for her daily.

Volunteer Experience:

Just call me Ms. Breast Cancer. My niece Makalah often says “auntie you love breast cancer.” I really am passionate in the fight against this disease. I’m a team captain for Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I’m a peer mentor for cancer patients at Emory and an active member for the Young Survival Collation.

PN Info:
I ‘m new to the program. I’ve only been here since this year. I learned about the program from a former parent. She knew all about my story and thought I would be a good candidate for the program. I become involved for two reasons. I felt there was a need for younger patient navigators. The second reason is that I truly believe that this is my calling. I really enjoy working with my patients and learning about their experiences with breast cancer. It’s really interesting to see how different people cope and navigate through life experiences; it is through this that I’m motivated to keep doing what I do. My experience with breast cancer prepared me a great deal to be a patient navigator. I didn’t have the typical cancer experience. My family wasn’t nurturing, empathic, and didn’t even have sympathy towards what I was dealing with. After losing so many people to breast cancer, I thought their reaction would be different. My family figured that I had been through so much, that this wasn’t anything compared to everything else, and I would survive. I’m proud to say, I broke that curse. I’m the first survivor in 20 years.

My only advice is to live every day as if it was your last. I try not to do anything that I don’t want to or that brings me joy. You have to surround yourself with positive people. My faith and believing in Jesus is the only way I got through this. Even if you don’t believe in what I believe, Believe in something; if only yourself.
 

Additional comments:
Every flower must go through some dirt. Never give up!