Let me keep it a hundred with y'all – this cancer journey ain't just about the medical stuff. It's about finding your people, your tribe, your community. And let me tell you, that journey has been just as wild as anything else I've been through.
When I first got diagnosed, I was thrown into these support groups that had me feeling like I walked into my grandma's church social – except everyone was talking about cancer. Don't get me wrong, I respect their journeys, but sitting there listening to people who had cancer before I was even born? Baby, that wasn't it. They're talking about retirement and grandkids, while I'm trying to figure out how to be a mama to my 8-year-old while fighting for my life. Different struggles, different chapters, different books entirely.
But here's where it gets real – every time I meet young cancer warriors, the first thing I ask them is, "You involved with any support groups? The Breasties? Tigerlily? Triple Negative Foundation? ACS? YCS? TOUCH?" And most of the time, especially with my Black sisters, it's a straight up "no." There's something about us that makes us want to keep our business our business, and I get it. I really do.
But let me tell you something – that's starting to change, and I'm here for it! We're finally starting to share our stories, and baby, it's beautiful to see. Because representation? That shit matters. When I was first diagnosed in 2022, trying to find someone who looked like me on Instagram was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The breast cancer narrative was so whitewashed and pink-washed, I felt like an outsider in my own disease.
My husband actually checked me when I said I only wanted to join groups with Black people. He was like, "Nah, you need to be open to everybody." And while I rolled my eyes at first (sorry, babe), he wasn't wrong. But here's the thing – it's not about excluding anybody. It's about seeing yourself reflected in the community, about knowing you're not alone, about having someone who understands not just the cancer part, but ALL of it.
Because when our daughters, our nieces, their friends – when they look up support groups or cancer stories, they shouldn't have to search for hours to find someone who looks like them. They shouldn't have to wonder if young Black women get breast cancer too. They should see us, loud and proud, sharing our stories, our struggles, our victories.
That's why I started sharing my journey on social media. At first, I was just trying to process my own experience, but then something magical happened – I started building my own community. People started reaching out, sharing their stories, asking questions. Young warriors who felt just as lost as I did found comfort in knowing they weren't alone.
And let me tell you about these cancer communities – when you find the right one, it's like finding family you didn't know you had. Camp Breastie? Changed my whole perspective. These young adult cancer groups? They get it. They understand what it's like to be fighting cancer while trying to live your best life, raise your kids, keep your relationship strong, and maintain your sanity all at the same time.
Now, I'm not just surviving – I'm thriving, and I'm helping others do the same. Every story shared, every experience documented, every piece of advice given – it's all building a foundation for those who come after us. Because unfortunately, cancer ain't going nowhere, but neither are we.
So to all my young warriors out there, especially my melanated queens – your story matters. Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Don't be afraid to share, to connect, to build community. Because somewhere out there, someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer – hope, understanding, and the knowledge that they're not walking this path alone.
And to those who aren't ready to share their story yet? That's cool too. Take your time, do what feels right for you. But know that when you're ready, there's a whole community out here waiting to embrace you, support you, and remind you that you're stronger than you think.
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