A Story of Strength: A 3x Cancer Survivor, Wife, and

Mother of Five Fighting the Good Fight of Faith

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My Diagnosis

I could never fully capture everything that happened during my battle with cancer on one page—but I hope this gives you a glimpse into where I’ve been, where I am, and where, by God’s grace, I hope to go. In 1996, I was diagnosed with mass fibroid tumors in my uterus. At the time, doctors assured me it wasn’t cancerous and advised leaving them alone unless they began to cause problems. Being a smoker didn’t help my situation, but I continued with my regular GYN visits and pap smears.

Soon after starting a new job that required a physical exam, I was told I had cervical cancer and needed an emergency cone biopsy. The shock overwhelmed me—I passed out three times and cried all the way home. That day, I saw the world differently. Everyday things—trees, the sky, flowers, even strangers—stood out in ways they never had before. I watched couples walk hand in hand and children laugh with their parents, all while wondering if I would still be here for mine.

The biopsy left me hemorrhaging and in tremendous pain, and I had to return to the hospital. At home, I broke down—screaming, crying, and crying out to God when no one else was around. I looked at photos of my children, wondering if I’d live to see them grow. What would happen to them? To my husband? To my mother?

When my results came back, the doctors told me the cancer was aggressive—and I was given just one month to live. Ten different doctors confirmed it. I needed surgery immediately. With my mother by my side, I sought second and third opinions. I ended up at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where they told me, “We’ll take care of you—you’re going to be alright.” They said there was a 95% chance of recurrence, but they never gave up on me. And neither did God.

Cancer During Pregnancy

In 1997, I became pregnant with my son, and everything looked fine. I delivered a healthy baby boy. I was advised not to use protection, as surgery was still a possibility in case of undetected cancer. In 1998, I became pregnant again—and I had just given my life to Christ.

Due to my faith, abortion wasn’t an option unless it was life-threatening. When I heard the doctors say I couldn’t have the baby, I cried tears of fear and uncertainty. But one of my doctors looked at me and said, “You’re not going to die—not yet.”

They closely monitored me 2–3 times a week. Cancer was never found during the pregnancy. My OB-GYN and oncology team worked together throughout, and by the grace of God, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I couldn’t even hold her without help. I had a nurse caring for both me and my children, but God kept them safe in my womb.No treatments. No cancer through two pregnancies.

The Cancer Recurrence

Two months after giving birth, I tried returning to work. I started experiencing severe pain in my groin, lower back, and down my right leg. My leg became swollen, and the pain worsened—especially during intimacy with my husband. I had no insurance, and doctors misdiagnosed me multiple times. I was turned away by ERs because I couldn’t pay and was told there were no charities to help.

The Treatment

Eventually, the pain became unbearable. Crying at work, I knew I couldn’t wait. A friend drove me to New York where I was admitted right away. They told me I made it just in time. The cancer had been there through both pregnancies, hiding. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer, which had spread to my pelvic area. Thankfully, it hadn’t reached my bones yet.

Doctors were uncertain if I’d survive. I was put on heavy medications, received chemo, and had internal radiation (marked by a tattoo placed inside my body). I couldn’t walk and had to use a wheelchair. I didn’t even know where my children were most days because I was so sedated. But they called to hear my voice, and God gave me strength.

Thank God for my mom, family, and friends who helped care for my children while my husband worked. I stayed in the hospital for over a month and a half. When I was discharged, I was sent home with 15+ pills a day and $1,200–$2,000 in medications monthly. I attended regular chemo, radiation, and pain management appointments.

The Struggle

At home, I looked like a shadow of who I once was. I would fall asleep mid-conversation. I had to rely on a nurse and an ambulette for transport because I couldn’t walk on my own. My weight dropped from 180 lbs to 125 lbs—the same as my teenage daughter. People whispered behind my back, assuming I was on drugs or had AIDS.

But I was done hiding. I had quit smoking, I was surviving, and I was still standing.

What is “normal,” anyway? Your normal might not be mine. I had to learn to accept my new normal while holding on to faith that anything is possible with God.

Every year, doctors told me, “It looks like the cancer is back,” and every time, I would respond: “Let’s run the test, and then we’ll take the next step.” I’ve had six masses in three parts of my body—three of them were cancerous. But God had a plan for my life.

The hardest moment wasn’t my own diagnosis—it was my daughter’s. Watching her suffer broke me more than anything I endured. But she, too, is a survivor. And God still has the last word.

Getting Back to Life

Since then, I’ve had six masses across four different parts of my body. One on my back, one in my knee (removed), and two in my breast—one surgically removed and biopsied. I’ve had recurring issues in my cervix. Nerve damage from chemo and radiation still causes pain in my groin, pelvic area, and down my leg.

But I don’t live in fear. I live in faith.

Life is too short to waste on worry. I live for today—because tomorrow isn’t promised.
My motto? Never say “can’t.” With faith, anything is possible.

I continue to share a message of hope, faith, and healing—grateful for every moment I have. I chase my dreams now, because waiting until tomorrow might be too late.

We Care 2 Share – Because Someone Has To

I founded S.A.V.E.D. 4 Life Cancer Corporation (S4LCC) in 2003 and transitioned it into a nonprofit in 2019. It became the first Cancer ReSource Station in the nation—a space built by and for cancer survivors, operated by minority women who have lived this journey.

We are making a difference in our communities—because tomorrow may be too late.
Thank you for your support. May God bless you and keep you on your own journey.

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"My life is based on pain, passion, and purpose."

                                               Elijah Cummings

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                               For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. 

                                                                                                                             (Jeremiah 29:11)

                                                                         

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