MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy - 17

FAITH OVER FEAR Powerful Patient Stories
inspiration for my organization are my children,
Harold and Auset. Throughout my journey they
continue to give me superpowers to fight with my
head held high. As I continue to learn more and
more about myself, I decided to use my story to
inspire and help others. I became a certified mental
health advocate/coach and now an instructor
to train others.
WHAT IS A GIFT IF IT REMAINS
HIDDEN, USE YOUR GIFTS TO
BLESS OTHERS
You never know who's watching and who will be
inspired by your actions. One of the greatest feelings
is watching your children following in your footsteps.
So, when my six-year-old daughter asked if she could
come with me to my next appointment and interview
my medical team, I knew that my legacy was being
created right before my eyes. From the very beginning
of my diagnosis, my husband and I decided to share
my illness with our kids. We wanted them to hear from
us first and be able to ask questions and express their
feelings. We also knew that keeping them in the dark
wasn't an option because they would see firsthand the
aftermath of having cancer: my hair falling out, the
removal of my breasts, urgent medical visits, and side
effects of chemotherapy. Learning the words " Mommy,
I need to meet your doctor in-person because I have
some questions, " I knew that my daughter was embracing
her leadership skills and I was her number one fan.
With her notebook in hand, Auset interviewed my
medical team and even showed them how she does
her own self-breast exam (checking her buttons) every
night before bed. They were amazed that the conversation,
self-awareness, and the importance of knowing
your body was being lectured by a six-year-old. That
interview was published as Auset's first newsletter as
" The Fearless Princess " and just like that, the next
advocate is being groomed to continue our legacy.
My life story was designed this way to help those
who come after me. Statistics show that cancer
effects the Community of Color more than any
other ethnic group, and were dying due to lack of
resources, treatment options, and inequality of care.
To change the narrative that Communities of Color
don't matter you have to be willing to demand it.
Through this experience I am learning daily that
my purpose and passion are greater than my story,
it is for my daughter that will have to start having
mammograms at the age of 25 and other women
that look like me to be given access to treatments
such as clinical trials, early-detection screenings,
and medical professionals who care. So, when you
hear the title The Fearless Warrior, know that there
is someone advocating for change who is unapologetic,
fearless, and determined. l
MY LIFE MATTERS
HEALTH LITERACY ISSUE | SUMMER 2023
17
MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy
