I wasn’t quite sure of what that really meant because somehow I always thought love was supposed to come from somewhere or somebody else. But during my treatments, I came to realize I could love myself more. I could love the me that was hairless, weak and scared just as much as I could love the me who is fierce, strong and driven.
Many times I expected people to know what kind of support I needed. But I realize now, I didn’t know what kind of support I needed. As soon as I was diagnosed, people would offer to help, but I never knew exactly what to tell them. I lost myself. I never truly knew the extent of help I would need.
Trust your child can handle it. They are more resilient than you think. Also, when you see them shutting down, get them help to deal with their feelings. Lastly, you are doing your best with your kids. Adding cancer into the mix is just another opportunity to get it right.
I felt invigorated. I felt inspired. I felt SEEN. I had never been in a situation where I was surrounded by so many kick ass women. They had all been through what I was going through, and that was powerful for me.
Life is truly a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, day-by-day process. Time is valuable. Don’t waste it!
Too often there ends up being a racial disparity which creates a cycle – we don’t see other Hispanics, African Americans, or any other people of color involved, so we don’t participate. We end up losing out on programs because there aren’t enough of us willing to be the first and break that barrier.
Breast cancer helped me to really understand why flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before you help anyone else.
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.
On the Web:
www.breastofus.com
www.breastofusfoundation.org
Email:
hello@breastofus.com
Welcome to our community—where hope thrives, strength is found, and sisters in the fight become family.
