In August 2008, when I first heard the words that I had cancer, I did not hear another word. I am unsure but most likely the oncologist told me about my breast cancer stage and treatment strategies. His report was resting on deaf ears. It was not until I returned home and regrouped, that I decided to tackle my cancer treatment options head on. I received both chemo and radiation treatments; lost my hair but gained a survival mentality. I transitioned into the recovery phase and now I have advanced to a 14-year survival presence. My positive outcome promoted hope for friends and immediate relatives who also developed various cancers.
Like the caucus, I am interested in national, regional, state, and local advocacy. To this end, I have visited The Capitol in Washington, DC five times with the ACS CAN, as an Act Lead to promote the need and funding for cancer research and to address health disparities. Despite the unpredictably of an existing, often painful chronic illness, I work to help others. In my city, I joined cancer support groups. These groups made me aware of the need to assist others through their journey, as a volunteer, for Reach to Recovery and Living Beyond Breast Cancer helplines to answer cancer-related questions within appropriate guidelines. Further, I help others navigate cancer information regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and physical, mental, and spiritual recovery by accompanying patients on physician visits when requested and in other cases suggesting affordable support resources.
I meet with city officials and others in my community to address issues on several levels: parks and environmental beautification, housing improvements, and neighborhood safety. And as a part of my activism, I disseminate pamphlets about cancer at nearly every venue in which I participate to spread reliable information.
Given the noted health inequities in the Black community, my participation in the Black Volunteer Caucus (BVC), will help to level the playing field by communicating effectively to everyone from governments to persons in our neighborhoods the need for early detection, prevention, intervention, follow-up support, and research to ensure increased survival rates. Joining the BVC means that my focus will target cancer in Blacks to improve their overall health status and quality of life.