MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022 - 39

DO NOT GIVE IN ANGEL Advocate
made it to where I am today. My experience
has fueled my desire and passion
for advocacy. I am keenly aware that not
everyone has the same support system.
A steady, dependable community is
vital in helping fill the gap, and understanding
how to advocate for yourself is
essential to tackling disparities.
I spent nearly all of 2019 in treatment
and remembered thinking how 2020
would be a better year. Little did I know
what 2020 had in store for all of us. The
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic shut
the world down and sent shock waves
through the medical system. My breast
reconstruction was delayed for over six
months. I think of all the patients that
were in active treatment or not getting
the screenings to be able to detect
cancer. Now that I am an advocate, I
think about how many women will be
diagnosed at later stages due to the pandemic,
or due to insufficient resources
or support to get timely treatments.
I am blessed. While the pandemic has
been challenging and delayed my care, I
found my cancer early enough; I could
access treatments and be settled in my
hometown where my support circle was
before the pandemic. I do not take my
blessings for granted. I am mindful that
this is not the reality for many. My experiences
over the past couple of years
have gifted me with a new perspective
that has changed everything. I am now
intentional about living a healthy lifestyle.
I am proactive and understand the
importance of advocating for my health.
It has changed how I allocate my time
and how I prioritize. I am present, alive,
and making the most of every moment
life gives me. My life is whole, yet my
story is still being written.
When I reflect on the past few years,
I think of how I have grown and how
my journey has led to many new experiences
and opportunities. Who knew?
Since my diagnosis, I have had so many
life changes. I returned to college to
complete my advanced degree. I am
also embarking on an event design
business with my family. I am now
educated on breast cancer and have
boldly taken on the role of an advocate.
I am a Lead ANGEL Advocate with the
Tigerlily Foundation, where I support
and talk to women about breast health
at every opportunity since education
is critically important in fighting this
disease. Tigerlily's vision of a future
where a breast cancer diagnosis doesn't
inspire fear, but instead ignites hope
speaks directly to me. Their mission
to educate, advocate, and empower is
crucial in the fight against disparities.
Being part of this community has been
a tremendous blessing. I have also supported
the American Cancer Society
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
movement. My team, Daria's Stepping
DIVAS, includes more than 30 family
members and friends raising money
to fund research, for early detection
and support services for women facing
breast cancer. I am also an Elevate Ambassador
with the National Coalition
for Cancer Survivorship, working on
initiatives to increase survivorship in
my local community.
TNBC, the most aggressive form
of breast cancer, disproportionately
affects younger women and is more
prevalent in African American and
Brown women. I am passionate about
educating my community and positively
impacting others through my personal
experience with this disease; I know this
goes beyond me. Healthcare inequities
are prevalent across the United States.
Research and data are vital; examining
how that research and data can translate
into implementation and affect positive
change is equally important. I want to
be a part of that discussion and create
real solutions.
For anyone who is currently facing
metastatic breast cancer (MBC)-TNBC,
know that I am in this growing community
of advocates, survivors, and thrivers
who will not stop until there is a cure for
TNBC. Remember that there is light on
this journey, not just at the end. Do not
let fear take over; above all else, KEEP
FIGHTING, KEEP PRAYING, and know
that I am one of many fighting and praying
with you and for you! l
MY LIFE MATTERS
TNBC PATIENT VOICES ISSUE 2022
39
MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022
