I can’t be quiet - I feel like I have a duty to share my experience.

When I went for treatment, I didn’t see anyone else like me, and I wondered “Am I the only black woman that has breast cancer?” I started researching and found that women of color do not have positive outcomes, and mistrust of doctors has led people to avoid getting checked out.

I, myself, was never taught how to do a self-exam or even know what symptoms look like. Even when I was diagnosed, I wasn’t told everything I needed to know as Black woman with cancer. A lot of information I had to find on my own and I was fortunate to find organizations like Gryt Health to provide education, support and resources.

When you’re going through the shock of cancer and you’re not feeling well, it’s a burden to have to figure this out on your own. I would love to see black people and people of color having the same access to care and quality of care. I had to navigate so much on my own, so it’s important for me to speak up and do more to reach people who may need help.