I am a 40 year old, 9 year breast cancer survivor I was diagnosed at the age of 31 with stage 2A invasive ductal carcinoma Throughout my fight and recovery, I always remained positive and very open with those around me. I wanted to shed light on the disease and let the work know that not only was I was that 1 in 8 but I was also under 40 with no family history of cancer.
Message To Empower Other Women
Always focus on the positive because every second is a new opportunity to change your narrative.
CatherineColeman
Bio
During the year of 2009, my life took an unexpected turn This is the year I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Since the appropriate age, I faithfully went to my mammogram appointments, but as some point in time, my breasts began to become painful. Because my older sister suffered from cancer and unfortunately past on to be with the Lord, I became quite concerned and overwhelmed with the feeling of despair
14 years later, I am cancer FREE!
NO CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT! NO RADIATION TREATMENT!
COMPLETE REMISSION! I tell the Lord THANK YOU!
I arranged an appointment with an oncologist and came to the realization that I developed two masts in my left breast that were both the size of a cherry in two different locations My breast could not be saved resulting in a complete mastectomy.
On October 14, 2009, I went in for surgery. Afterwards, I developed a stomach infection I lost a lot of blood and a part of my stomach had to be removed. The doctor told my daughter and I that if she did not bring me in when she did, if the breast cancer didn’t kill me, the infection would had. BUT GOD!
Message To Empower
Other Women
Have your faith rooted in Christ and no matter what the report says, know that God is a healer.
KarenCooper
Bio
My name is Karen Cooper. God has allowed me to survive through the storms, rise above circumstances and situations so that I can share my testimonies I’am from Savannah, GA and now preside in Effingham County I have an Associate Degree in Accounting with over 28 years of work experience I’am a single mother of two daughters I love the Lord I am on mission to do His will I’am a member of The Temple of Glory Community Church under the awesome leadership of Dr Matthew M Odum, Sr I enjoy writing, sharing my thoughts through words of experience, truth and wisdom. I’am a published author. I thank God for His hands on my life. His plans for my future. My hobbies are walking/running, traveling and doing anything that allows me to be creative.
Message To Empower Other Women
I share my life journey to let you know you are never alone. God is with you every breath you take He desires only one thing from you That’s to stay in His presence. Keep your mind focus on Him. Your faith lies in all you believe Believe in your heart that you have the victory because your end has already been foretold Give God the praise for all things and in all things praise God Your heart is the core of your very existence. God lives within He heals the brokenhearted Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
KeishaBrown
Bio
I’m a native of St Helena Island, South Carolina A veteran of the US Army, a mom and wife Furthermore, I’ve been a registered nurse for 18 years and have done everything from critical care to psychiatric nursing I love to travel, the beach and a good book
Message To Empower Other Women
Don’t defeat yourself with words before you get started on your dreams and endeavors Embrace reasons to make it happen rather than excuses for why it won’t.
MargueriteEngram
Bio
After being diagnosed with breast cancer 24 years ago at the age of 39 and having the Lymph nodes removed I defied the odds. I landed the job I wasn’t qualified for, became a personal trainer, Zumba instructor certified in mutiply Styles of Zumba, i serve as a Mentor to trouble girls and lost the weight I wanted to lose. You see, breast cancer did not define me Rather than being a survivor, I became a Thriver. I’m passionate about helping people see and reach their full potential. One of my greatest joys are when others become healthy spirit, mind, and body If you ask me who am I, my response would be “outside of being a Christian I’m a wife, a mother, a grandmother, the apple of God’s eyes, a confident woman, a woman who loves who she is and becoming. I’m Beautiful and i love me. Simply put, I’m not what I went through
Message To Empower Other Women
n life there will be ups and downs, joy and pain
Sometimes you won’t know which way is up But I employ you not to lose heart. There is always light at the end of every situation The dark times are for your refining and God’s Glory
When life gives you lemons, make a lemon pound cake and eat the whole thing. Don’t let people determine your worth or tell you who you are or remi d you of past failures Always speak life over yourself and Love who you are Know that you were made for greatness Even if that greatness is a little spark You will make it
So shine!
JacquelineBrown
Bio
I’m a wire, mother of four sons, grandmother of five, nurse, and a child of the most high.
On June 27 2012 I received a call that changed me forever. That day Dr Boland from SouthCoast Imaging Center called me to tell me I had breast cancer, later to find out that it was inflammatory breast cancer. I listened to her instructions, hung up the phone and heard a voice say I would be okay. I felt it is was God letting me know everything would be fine no matter what and that’s how I fought After rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and very aggressive radiation God kept his promise and I was cancer free Through the battle my husband, children, family, and friends circled me as God used them as my angels letting me know I was never alone and to never be afraid
Message To Empower Other Women
Be strong and courageous Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go Joshua 1;9
Bio
Melanie Mason
Melanie Mason is the CEO of Rise Up 2 Build Up, a ministry that connects the community with social or economic concerns She is an advocate for those, whether male or female that have been or is currently involved with domestic violence, homelessness, single parenting, and those with derogatory backgrounds. She has a passion to assist those that are broken, battered and bruised by facilitating workshops, conferences, panel discussions, symposiums and speaking engagements It is her mission that everyone that she may come in contact with, will not only RISE but also re-BUILD their lives so that God may get the glory
In January of 2023 Melanie launched Dear Daughter, a Womens’s Empowerment that encourages women to be who God called them to be; true and authentic By using her voice, her transparency, and honesty she has help many women turn their lives around.
Melanie is a best selling author and is currently working on a second book. She is also a transformation life coach, a mother of six adult children and 5 beautiful granddaughters.
She stands upon her brands motto: Reaching 1 Person, 1 Family, 1 Day At A Time
Message To Empower Other Women
Dear Daughters: You are more than enough You are the apple of God’s eyes and He loves you so much. You may have been or is currently going through a storm. Keep praying. Keep fasting In God’s perfect timing, He will give you the strength to soar and rise above that storm. He is intentional and He has your best interest at heart You can bend but don’t you dare break When you feel as though you are in a pit, reach up and grab the Hand that is waiting to pull you out NEVER GIVE UP!!
Bio
Sandra Ford
I’m a native to St. Helena Island, South Carolina; born and raised. I’m a mother to seven children and grandmother to eighteen grandchildren I enjoy cooking, baking, and dancing But my truest love sewing, creating, and refashioning clothes. My best friend is my sewing machine Doing this Pink and Purple Runway Experience 20 fashion show is an opportunity for me to give and show my support to the organization and represent myself as well as many others who have survived either cancer or domestic violence
Message To Empower Other Women
To every single survivor of either cancer or domestic violence,
Continue to strive towards excellence and live life beyond greatness While living always love on yourself, look ahead If by chance you must look back let it be because you ’ re giving thanks to God or to the one you call your Higher Power for giving you a second chance at LIFE
MonicaBurley
I’m a 57 years old Wife, Mother, MiMi, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece, Cousin and Genuine Friend!! I love God and I love my family. On February 1, 2007, I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer I underwent surgery and had a “Lumpectomy” performed on my right breast Thereafter, I had to complete 6 months of weekly Chemotherapy then 4 weeks of daily Radiation treatments It came, I fought and I WON!! After 32 years working for the Federal Courts, I recently retired, relocated to Savannah from California and am now living my best life! My motto: “My PEACE is My Priority!”
Message To Empower Other Women
Please always know your body and be proactive when it concerning your health! Mammograms should be a priority so get those Boobies checked!!
B e s tE v e r e t t e
S h a b a r b a r a
Bio
My name is Shabarbara Best- Everette I am an Author, Publisher, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, and an Advocate for antibullying and suicide prevention, autism awareness, and sickle cell disease awareness. I’ve been married for over 15 years. I have two sons I have fostered over 40 children I have written 42 books and published 27, so far I am a domestic violence survivor and a 3- time cancer survivor. I had breast cancer at 21 years old, cervical cancer at 23 years old, and breast cancer again at 36 years old. I am now eleven years cancer Free! So not only am I a survivor, but I am also a Thriver!
Message To Empower Other Women
We all have trials and tribulations in our lives. God sometimes take you through, so you can help someone else make it through. The key is to not get stuck in the storm, because God has a rainbow waiting for you Remember if God can take you to it, He will bring you through it because there is nothing too hard for Him. Your story has already been written Domestic violence or cancer is not the end of your story Keep praying, keep believing, and you will receive what God has for you (Matthew 21:22).
TonyaWilliams
Bio
Hello my name is Tonya WilliamsWilson
I’m a 57 yrs old female, wife , mom of one and a glamma gorgeous (Gg) to a little boy my domestic violence started in the early 80 it was mental abuse some physical, but not much the mental abuse
Had me at a low point in my life were I didn’t value life, I felt nobody would want me scared to tell my family and friends because I loved that man so much I put his feeling first .not mine or my daughter
After 5yrs of this I woke up and decided to escape from him without him knowing
I spoke up and told my dad .I went to the housing authorities and the placed me ASAP. within 2week it was a wrap I went MIA for 6 months then he followed me home after work without me knowing
I stood up to him i didnt break down ,he was scared of me. I faced him head on. 14 yrs later I was remarried and enjoying
Life again living my best life. I’m a survivor, a warrior i overcame this tragedy I’m free NO MORE PAIN & HURT I COME FIRST!!!!
Message To Empower Other Women
To my Sisters domestic violence isn’t always physical it’s mental abuse as well which it will tear and lower your self esteem pull yourself out of that head space get a grip tell some who can help you. Don’t stay in that relationship it’s not worth it put yourself first and child / children no man deserves to have that power over you . As the saying said you can do bad all by yourself Please know the signs and warnings your life matters..
Sharon Aikens
Bio
I am a Domestic Violence Survivor and I use my platform to help empower other women I am very active in my church and my community and I sit on several City and Social Service boards. I sit, I do Christian Comedy and I am a member of the SAGAFTRA Union of Actors
Message To Empower Other Women
I’m not all that that I should be, but, I’m better than I used to be and I thank God for the change.
