Survivor, Deborah J. Green-Boone
A Breast Cancer Survivor, diagnosed in 2001, she is the Founder of the National Women of Colors Cancer Foundation and a frequent guest speaker and educator on the topic of breast cancer pertaining to Pampering the Spirit, Depression, Hardship, Humor and Check Yourself.
The National Women of Colors Cancer Foundation was created April 2, 2002 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3). Its vision was inspired by her personal experiences during treatment and recovery.
Her survival and recovery, which she defines as returning to her role as a contributing member of her family and community, had just as much to do with her family and friends, as caregivers, "pampering her spirit", as it did with the physical and medical treatments she received. While the medical care was critical, without the positive mental and emotional health provided by family and friends, the results of the medical treatments would have been meaningless.
Deborah Green-Boone states, "as a survivor, I am committed to making breast health and breast cancer issues a top priority in the public and private sector". When I was diagnosed in 2001, "When my doctor told me that my test returned stating I have cancer", I just wanted to lie down and die". So I began to talk with several people about their cancer experiences, I mentioned how the doctors and treatments dealth with the disease, it appeared that there is no mechanism for "Depression", "Dealing with Hardships", "Pampering the Spirit" and "Check Yourself" for survivors with moderate or no income.
Ms. Green-Boone also states, "it's very important to know you are special, and someone loves you unconditionally" and it doesn't cost you anything to help. I encourage caregivers and partners to recognize and address the fear, depression and body-image issues survivors struggle with long after treatment. This is why we are coming out of the shadows into the light, because who can better speak about this than someone with the experience.
God Loves You and So Do I!