MY LIFE Matters - Advocacy in Action - 39

Finally, being an advocate for other
cancer patients, Thrivers, survivors, and
caregivers gives me a greater sense of
purpose and fulfillment. There is a profound
joy that comes from helping others
navigate their own cancer journeys, providing
support, and offering a listening
ear. Through my advocacy work, I have
witnessed the transformative power of
connection, compassion, and solidarity.
As I embark on leading the American
Indian Cancer Foundation's Indigenous
Pink campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness
month this October, I am filled with
a renewed sense of determination and enthusiasm.
Breast cancer affects countless
lives, and within Indigenous communities,
there are unique challenges and disparities
that need to be addressed. Through this
campaign, I aim to raise awareness about
breast cancer, promote early detection
and prevention, and provide resources
and support to Indigenous individuals
and their families who are impacted by
this disease. Finally, I will be sharing my
personal experiences as a cancer patient
and what my life is like now, in the phase
of survivorship.
Advocacy is not a solitary pursuit; it is a
collective effort that requires the involvement
and support of individuals, organizations,
and communities. Together, we can
create a ripple effect of positive change,
breaking down barriers, challenging
stigmas, and improving the lives of those
affected by cancer.
In conclusion, advocacy has become an
integral part of my life, fueling my passion
and purpose. As an INFJ-T personality
type, my innate empathy, intuition, and
determination have guided me on this
journey. From sharing my own cancer
story in Elephants and Tea to writing for
an Indigenous newspaper, serving on
the Patient Advisory Committee, and
collaborating with organizations like the
American Indian Cancer Foundation, I
have witnessed the transformative power
of advocacy.
Through my advocacy work, I have
seen firsthand the impact of storytelling,
community support, and collective action.
I have felt the deep connection and fulfillment
that comes from helping others navigate
their own cancer journeys. And now,
as I prepare to lead the Indigenous Pink
campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness
month, I am filled with a sense of purpose
and excitement to make a difference in the
lives of Indigenous individuals affected by
breast cancer.
Advocacy is not just a choice; it is a responsibility.
It is a call to action that we all
have the power to answer. By lending our
voices, sharing our stories, and standing
up for what we believe in, we can bring
about positive change, raise awareness,
and support those in need. Together,
let us continue to advocate, uplift, and
empower one another, creating a world
where everyone's voice is heard, and no
one fights alone. l
ABOUT INFJ-T
PERSONALITY TYPE
As defined by Carl Jung's sixteen
personality theories and according to
16personalities.com/infj-personality:
Advocate (INFJ) is someone with the
Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and
Judging personality traits. They tend to approach
life with deep thoughtfulness and
imagination. Their inner vision, personal
values, and a quiet, principled version of
humanism guide them in all things.
The T signifies Turbulent, as opposed
to A for Assertive. INFJ-A and INFJ-T
personality types are concerned with
other people, but Assertive Advocates are
likely to be more hopeful, and Turbulent
Advocates focus on the difficult parts of
a problem. Turbulent Advocates are often
fueled by their worries and concerns, and
these can be used to make significant
progress.
Advocates (INFJs) may be the rarest
personality type of all, but they certainly
leave their mark on the world. Idealistic
and principled, they aren't content to
coast through life-they want to stand
up and make a difference. For Advocate
personalities, success doesn't come from
money or status but from seeking fulfillment,
helping others, and being a force
for good in the world.
As a person of mixed heritage, I felt a
deep connection to my Native roots and
a responsibility to learn more about
the culture and support Indigenous
communities. Through my advocacy,
I shed light on the unique challenges
faced by Indigenous people, including
the disproportionate impact of cancer
within these communities.
While they have lofty goals and ambitions,
Advocates shouldn't be mistaken for
idle dreamers. People with this personality
type care about integrity, and they're
rarely satisfied until they've done what
they know to be right. Conscientious to
the core, they move through life with a
clear sense of their values, and they aim
to never lose sight of what truly matters-
not according to other people or society at
large, but according to their own wisdom
and intuition.
Advocates are troubled by injustice, and
they typically care more about altruism
than personal gain. They often feel called
to use their strengths-including creativity,
imagination, and sensitivity-to uplift
others and spread compassion.
Advocates see helping others as their
mission in life, and they're always looking
for ways to step in and speak up for what
is right. People with this personality
type also aspire to fix society's deeper
problems, in the hope that unfairness and
hardship can become things of the past.
MY LIFE MATTERS
ADVOCACY IN ACTION | FALL 2023
39
https://www.16personalities.com/infj-personality
MY LIFE Matters - Advocacy in Action

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