A Story of Survival: Cancer, Advocacy, & Coloring Therapy

cycle. I endured eight cycles over the course of six months followed by seventeen rounds of radiation.

non-Hodgkin lymphoma — (Photo credit: Nicole Cares Foundation)

On my hospital bed, God led me to start the Nicole Cares Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness about lymphoma, assist patients and families at diagnosis through survivorship, and raise funds for research and a cure.

Today, I’m cancer-free and using my experience to encourage people, particularly black people, to advocate for their health. You know your body better than anyone including your doctor. If I had not pressed the doctors to keep looking, I would not be alive today. According to Cancer.org, collectively Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the US for most cancers.

I believe this is largely due in part to accessibility to good healthcare, fear of challenging a doctor, not getting regular checkups, and yes systemic racism. I often wonder why the first two doctors didn’t order a CT scan when I first presented with symptoms. Was it because I was a black woman? I’ll never know but I thank God every day that I didn’t accept the diagnosis and sought a second and third opinion.

My cancer journey changed the course of my life and placed me on the pathway to my purpose. I believe God allowed this to happen to me to share how He healed my body and allow others to benefit from my journey.

Today I am a motivational speaker, lifestyle coach, consultant, and author. During the pandemic, I created “If I Be Lifted Up,” Coloring Therapy Book for the SOUL! It contains 50+ stress relieving designs with a corresponding bible scripture or positive affirmation on every page.

Initially, I created it for cancer patients, but God showed me that so many people were suffering during the pandemic so it’s for anyone that needs to be uplifted. To purchase a copy, please click here. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Nicole Cares Foundation.