In Memory of MOTHER DOROTHY STARKS

Hello, my name is Sylvia Jean Cox and I am a wife and mother of 1 magnificent son.  I am a proud Alumni of Pershing High School and Tennessee State University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am also a certified Gardner by Michigan State University.  I was diagnosed with Stage 2, Triple Negative Breast Cancer in September of 2022.  I had felt these lumps before under my right arm before but was always told I had dense breast tissue.  Each year since my beloved mother passed away of Breast Cancer in 1987, I have had mammograms on a yearly basis.  After many years of negative biopsies and mammogram results the C word finally entered my life and very aggressively.  My treatment of 18 rounds of Chemotherapy, a right lumpectomy, and 20 rounds of radiation I finished my therapy on June 6, 2023 and I planted my last flower for all that have fought and are survivors of Breast Cancer.  As I laid there every night I prayed to my God for guidance and strength to do his will just one more time and he granted my wish.  Today I am on a road to Survivorship and learning how to live with what I call the "leftovers of Cancer treatment".  Why do I call them leftovers, is because when have leftovers you normally try not to let them go to waste and you take those leftovers and make the best you can of what you have left.  Cancer therapy is not over it is a constant struggle to be the best you can be with what cancer treatment has not destroyed.  So my goal is to help others not give up and know that you definitely can beat Cancer!!

I am the Class of 2023 and Cancer Free. 

Sylvia

My Name is Tammy Cedo. 

I have been getting mammograms every year since 1996, (I was 29) due to my father being diagnosed with BC at age 55, he passed away in January 2001.

I was 47, married, with 4 kids. A Sophomore in High School, an 8th, 6th and 5th grader, when I was diagnosed with Er/Pr+, Her2neu-, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, Lobular Carcinoma in Situ, in the right breast. Lobular Carcinoma in Situ in my left breast, and Metastatic Carcinoma, 1/6 nodes.  

I was faithful with my mammograms, until my husband retired in 2013, and we lost our health insurance.  So, I skipped it.  In 2014, the Affordable Care Act came into effect allowing then Governor Rick Snyder to expand Michigan`s Medicaid program, which I qualified for.  In that one year, I had noticed a lump, where there was a 27 year old scar, and a dimple under my right nipple.  I got myself to my doctor, he ordered a mammogram and told me not to worry about the lump, it`s most likely scar tissue.  I got my mammogram on July 10, 2014, they also did an ultrasound.  I had the biopsies, yes, the lump was biopsied, on July 11, 2014. They were not all that concerned about about the lump because it was up near the chest wall and "Most likely, scar tissue.".  I received the phone call that both biopsies came back positive for cancer on July 14, 2014.  Double mastectomy on August 25, 2014. 6 rounds of chemotherapy, Cytoxan & Taxotere, from September 29, 2014 to January 12, 2015.  DIEP reconstruction was started on April 12, 2015 and finally finished on January 20, 2020.  I was also diagnosed with Aloepecia secondary to Chemotherapy in March of 2016.  I currently am in remission and will be declared "Cancer Free" in February 2025!

My Name is Katrice.   

After the pandemic I didn't go for my high risk breast MRI in 2021. I was supposed to be screened every six months. In January of 2022 I experienced pain in my left breast and I immediately went to Henry ford walk in clinic. The doctor did a breast exam and felt the lump. He ordered test for a mammogram and breast ultrasound. I was diagnosed on March 3rd with Lobular breast cancer and Malignant neoplasm Her 2 negative both in the left breast. Atypical lobular hyperplasia of the right breast. I had six rounds of chemo and on August 23 I had a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and lymph nodes removed. I'm a survivor walking in faith.

My Name is Chanell.

I am wife to my amazing husband,

mother to 3 Beau TI FUL girls known as my baby babes and a handsome grandson whom all I love dearly! 

A call I would never forget, you got cancer!!! 

At that moment I thought my life was over….

All I could think about was my family!

OH GOD NO….

I don’t think so, but if I did have any enemies I wouldn’t wish this on them.

Life after cancer diagnosis l must say has been rough on me. Between chemotherapy radiation double mastectomy many surgeries and everything else that’s attached to this horrible disease  led to many side effects. My body is beat down mentally and physically. Some might say don’t say that, but it’s my truth! 

I THANK GOD EVERY DAY I WAKE UP

I AM BLESSED TO STILL BE HERE 

CHANELL GIRL 

you gotta a lotta life to live!!

My name is Rosalie Carter, 64 and I

am a 2 time Cancer survivor I am a

single mother of 3 grandmother of

8 and great grandmother of my little

princess, Wynter. 

I am a retired telecommunications

employee since 2016 I was ready to

live my best life

THEN I had my annual screening

mammogram on 2 22 21 which

showed calcifications in the lower

inner quadrant of the right and left

breast In addition, a 29 mm mass

was in the left breast The final

diagnosis was the right breast

showed an intermediate grade

ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS Today

after a biopsy, two lumpectomies

and ending in a double mastectomy

on July 28 th, 2021

I am Cancer free Praise God

I am "Class of 2021

My Name is  Markita.

How did you find out you had breast

cancer? My left breast had been

extremely sore I was able to feel a

large lump, and two weeks later I had a

mammogram at Beaumont Royal

Oak, then a biopsy in February 2020

What was your reaction?

I can remember sudden panic anxiety

and body went limp It was Invasive

Ductal Carcinoma and HER 2 Positive

that required chemo and hormonal

therapy I don’t think anyone can be

prepared to be told you have cancer I

questioned why my treatment

methods did you undergo?  My

journey plan included chemotherapy,

double mastectomy and 14 rounds of

hormonal therapy I read a lot and

inquired from other cancer survivors

about their experiences With my first

and second chemo, I did suffer with

weakness, hair loss and appetite loss

How has your illness affected your

perspective on life? I recommend

sticking to a daily routine I had to

accept that I was now the patient and

had to let others care for me My

faith in my family and it only became

strong.

On March 19th, I was diagnosed with

breast cancer after going in for a

mammogram following my twin

sister diagnosis of breast cancer as

well It was very shocking I thought

when my twin told me the news that

was enough bad news then who

knew a month later I would be

diagnosed The only thing that

bothered me was knowing that my

twin treatment would be different

than mine and way more stressful I

didn’t have to get chemo or

radiation, but I had to have a double

mastectomy That very hard for me

to go through with it, but I had to do

what I had to do going to the

doctor every week was a strain But

watching my twin go through her

treatment was very hard

but she took it like champ.

Kimberly Willis is a native of Romulus,

Michigan She is a wife, mother of four

amazing kids, and First Lady of New

Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church

where her husband serves as Senior

Pastor Kimberly is a stage III breast cancer survivor Her battle began at the age of 34 years old Through that experience, Kimberly birthed out her debut book Walk Through Fire Her book details the struggle of having cancer and the treatment that is administered the book also covers grief of loved one who lost their battle to cancer What sets this book apart from other cancer stories is that it provides inspirational devotionals to encourage the reader.  During her battle with cancer, Kimberly

also birthed out 49 Rose, a fashion

boutique for men and women It focuses

on inspiring your mood through clothes,

accessories, and more!  

Having the attitude of pushing through

personal tragedies and her faith in God is the motivating factor in her success

Kimberly has a strong desire to motivate, inspire, and empower women and men through her fashion business, books, and community engagement

Kimberly is a proud member of Michigan

Association for Female Entrepreneurs

(MAFE) and the NAACP.

  My name is Lenore Collier I am the

birth mother of five children 2 Girls

3 boys I have raised 8 children

three grandchildren I am a woman

of God I wear many hats as well In

2001 at the age of 24 and giving

birth to my daughter I have been

fighting breast cancer Presently

just undergone a mastectomy of my

left breast presently doing

chemotherapy After chemo is

done, I will have my right breast

removed and reconstruction I

believe in God to because healer, so

I know that all things are working

for my Good because He is a

Miracle worker promise keeper

light in the darkness God has much

need of me I am Class of 2020

My name is Erica P August 5 th,

2020 on my oldest son's birthday,

I was diagnosed with stage 2

triple negative breast cancer I

was pregnant with a baby girl and

going through chemo treatments

October 15 th will be my 3 rd

chemo treatment I was scared at

first because all I was worried

about was my Little Lady I wasn’t

thinking about myself I had a talk

with God, and He came to me and

saying,saying,"Erica you over came so

much in your life, you have to do

this for you and your children"!

I wanted to break down because I

felt like I didn't have nobody, and

that I was alone going through

this journey alone I looked up

different groups that gave me

positive vibes good word

encouragement I'm so thankful

group like LB TBC, SUCH AN

AWESOME GROUP!

My name is Veronica Thomas.

I am a 2X Breast

Cancer Survivor. I was first

diagnosed in 2000 on the left side

with Stage 3. Then diagnosed on

the right side with Stage 2.

I became a member of the Living

Brave Through Breast Cancer’s

Class of 2019 through

recommendation of my youngest

daughter. It was at that event

when I met Zell Randle and

discovered my Surgeon, Dr. Bland

was on the Board. Zell and her

team have been a Blessing at a

time when I was at my low. I was

wondering why this was

happening to me again after 19

years.

Being a part of the group help me

to fight and survive. I am happy to

share my story in hope that it

helps other sisters like myself and

encourage them. Welcome, Living

Brave Through Breast Cancer's

Class of 2020. We are in this together!!

  LaTasha Monique-Lyndon Greer, born August 17, 1981 and received her wings on August 1, 2020.  Tasha was a wife and mother of five children. She strived to live a life that exemplified Christ. She loved God and made sure she was an example of the ways of Christ, and her desire was that family/children will follow her footsteps. Tasha was always caring and willing to help others no matter how big or small the task was. Tasha enjoyed working beside her husband with their business "Chuck's Creations", as well as assisting on the field as a cheer mom for their daughter, Peyton. She attended every game and practice until she falling ill with breast cancer. Her love and support was insurmountable.  Tasha was a member of the Young Survival Coalition and Inheritance of Hope Organization. Tasha  joined   Living Brave Through Breast Cancer Family on 04/15/2019.   She showed each of us how to Live Brave Through Breast Cancer. Tasha was determined to NOT allow cancer to dictate her life. She continued to support the organizations and people even while dealing with health challenges. Tasha founded her own organization named "Latasha Greer Christmas Foundation" to support families who mothers are stricken with breast cancer and cannot shop for their children. She also asked me to assist her with making sure her foundation will continue by helping families during Christmas, shop for toys.  Living Brave TBC is determined to ensure "LaTasha Greer Christmas Foundation" legacy will live on!  

My name is Claudia. I'm blessed to be five years past cancer on my right side and four years past on my left.  I evicted Mort and Marty (yes, I named them) and since then I am learning to live with my new body.  It has been a challenging journey and I continue to have pain that is a constant reminder of the warrior I have become. Because of this journey with breast cancer twice, I have found new confidence in my ability to overcome any challenges I may face. I identify with the Phoenix that has risen from the ashes. I even named my new business Phoenix Tax. I have found that there is life after cancer. I particularly enjoy finding solace in gardening my back yard which I call Giverny, named after my favorite artist, Claude Monet's home in France.  I ground myself daily when I take off my shoes and feel the earth under my feet. I am now slowing down and smelling the flowers. I think that quote was written by a cancer patient who has learned to appreciate the small things. Moving forward, I feel it is my mission to inform people about the importance of genetic testing (if there is a family history of ovarian and/or breast cancer) and getting yearly mammograms. In my case, I missed my mammogram appointment because I was busy taking care of my business and my family. By the time I rescheduled, my breast cancer was at stage 2. Looking back, I wish I would have made my health a priority at that time. Additionally, had I known about genetic testing, I could have better prepared myself about my chances of getting cancer and made an educated decision  regarding my health. If I could help even just one person to get checked, my mission will be accomplished because early detection saves lives. You take care of everyone else and your health should be a priority. I am the Class of  2018  

I was born to the union of Gordon and Norma Wells, Dec 30,1962 in Detroit Michigan I am fortunate to have 2 birthdays.  I felt The Lord God of Israel hands all over the place on June 22 ,2007 the day I was born again on an operation table! I don't remember how I got over. My grandma used to say "... you can make it if you try" ?My granddad taught me how to "shoot for the moon, you'll land among the stars" We may look down and out because we had no hair anywhere, especially eye brows. I looked at my self after the chemo took all of my long and short hair, and I thought to myself as the prayer warriors went to the Lord God of Israel in prayer for my strength, I saw deep into my self preservation. I knew the devil is and was a lier and the truth ain't in him. I may have looked strange, but I had peace within my heart and mind. Thanks for all you do for the survivors the prayers of the righteous saved me.

 I am the Class of  2018 

My name Latoya Jolly, young woman full of life. Having a difficult pregnancy with unusual symptoms that doctors tell me this pregnancy is not causing. Had my daughter on June 18, 2018 came home with her June 21 just for me to be readmitted later that night for three days. Doctors had to run test on me because my legs and feet were big as elephant trunks, hurt, black and hard. Still had shortness of breath because of fluid on my lungs due to my heart working harder then it should have to  (heart failure).  The doctors kept asking was I healthy before the pregnancy and yes I was. One doctor said, so you were never diagnosed with cancer before? No, should I be worried about cancer? He said just rest, we are running test, you will feel better before you leave here. God had already looked out for his daughter( me). By the third day my heart  was beating correctly, no sign of heart failure, no blood clots though my legs, swollen went down in feet and legs, fluid on lungs almost completely gone!!  

I was nursing my baby when I felt a lump on my left breast. I didn't think much of it, maybe a duct gland with a built up of milk. I promised my doctor I would go get it biopsied on in mid July of 2018. In August of 2018, I received the news that it was breast cancer and that it was aggressive which is the reason why it got so big so fast. 

After I was over numbness, disbelief, and allowing myself to be scared that I was going to leave my daughter due to this disease, I started writing her letters, to let her know how much I love her, I realized I was giving this thing too much credit. I had to tell this disease about my God, My source of everything, my miracle worker, and way out of no way. My God has never left me and he most definitely will not leave me now. I stand firm on his promise, and my answer is Yes, I trust you Lord. I choose to praise my way through and depend on Gods word. I called myself a  survivor while I was going through the test because I had already won the battle. With God by my side who should I fear, nothing or nobody.  3 biopsy's Lots of test

Meta port implanted beginning of October Chemotherapy started October 18, 2018 and ended January 24, 2019 * after the fourth  treatment there was a ultrasound done a week later on December 6, 2018 to see the progress. The gulf ball size tumor was gone!! So its working, to God be the glory!! Surgery (partial mastectomy)Feb 21, 2019 to remove the tissues were the  tumor was. * March 1, 2019 met with my doctor who  did my surgery to figure out what was next. The report said no cancer cells found!!!! God worked it out!

Radiation started April  8, 2019 and I went mon till Friday every week till May 3, 2019. I got to  ring my bell!!!

I did my part and prayed to my God, he did his part as usual he carried me  through.  To God be the glory. I pray my story bless someone. 

 I am the Class of  2018