For the Breast of Us

BADDIE BLOGS

Our mission is to empower women of color affected by breast cancer to make the rest of their lives the best of their lives through education, advocacy and community.

Celebrating My Caregiver and Co-Survivor in National Family Caregivers Month

Every day, millions of Americans provide essential care and medical assistance to their loved ones. These acts of love, commitment, and compassion enable their family members to receive the support they need to live a life with dignity. This has been especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Americans of all ages have made substantial sacrifices to keep family members safe and healthy. During National Family Caregivers Month, we recognize the important role of our Nation’s family caregivers and thank them for the invaluable and instrumental care they provide.

Navigating Breast Cancer Through The Eyes of a Co-Survivor

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2018 and I was lucky enough to have my boyfriend at the time, Jason (aka Sincere529), step into the role of caregiver.

Jason is a podcaster and podcast producer, so doing this audio blog just felt like the perfect way to tell our story.

Despite our relationship ending, you can tell from our easy banter and our constant laughter, that we have a unique and enduring connection. I enjoyed getting his perspective on our breast cancer journey and how he feels about being called a co-survivor.

Cynthia and Jason during their breast cancer journey.

“And then you know a few times, once or twice a week, just take an hour or two to yourself and just reset and come back. Because I think trying to just go full speed ahead without a break ultimately undermines the care the caretaker is supposed to be giving, you know?
-Jason(Sincere529)

Thanks Jay, for not just taking care of me but telling your side of the story. I think it’s important that co-survivors know that they have a voice and if they choose, they can find the same kind of healing from talking it out and advocating in the same way that survivors often have the opportunity to do.

Listen to Cynthia and Jason (aka Sincere529) discuss their breast cancer journey

(A written transcript is provided at the end of the post if you prefer to read through.)

Click the link below to access a pdf version of this audio post’s full transcript.

Celebrating-Caregivers-in-National-Family-Caregivers-Month-audio-transcript

advocacy, Baddie Ambassador, breast cancer, breast cancer survivor, chemo, co-survivors, Cynthia Johnson, family, mental health

Cynthia Johnson

Cynthia is the CEO & Creative Director of Our Like Vibes. Cynthia crafted the design aesthetic for Our Like Vibes, as well as a host of other brands like Bajans & Friends for Health & Education and Caribbean Heritage Magazine. She is a tech guru, lover of all things education, a Rick James fan and an eternal optimist. She is also a breast cancer survivor, a proud Bajan, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Cynthia earned her Bachelors degree in Behavioral Sciences from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and holds a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in MESA (Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment) from the University of Illinois, Chicago. By day, she works as a Director of Administration for a College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences where she is responsible for marketing, administration and assessment.

About Us

Your voice, your story, and your support can make a difference. Join For the Breast of Us in our mission to empower, support, and advocate for women of color across the globe. Together, we can create a future where every woman has the resources and support she needs to overcome breast cancer.