So I have slightly surpassed that infamous cancer milestone of five years of survivorship. It has been a time of reflection for me. In those years I have grown as a person in so many ways. I have strengthened relationships--even cut a few off. I have learned to appreciate the small things that people so often take for granted, such as a cool breeze, the sounds of my niece and nephews playing, summertime in Chicago, sipping a margarita with my BFF on the deck or a great concert. Basically the simple joys of life that often go uncelebrated, but are now cherished because of survivorship. I have even lost 20 pounds! Forty was sneaking up on me pretty fast. In the past five years I have met so many people, travelled, had numerous speaking engagements, championed advocacy initiatives, received awards including being honored by the governor of Illinois, and even got to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom. All because I did what more than 40,000 women a year didn’t do, including my mother… beat breast cancer.
Now, I realize that beating it is not the end. I have become mindful. Mindful of why I am still here. Survivorship is not just for me or my family and friends. I know my life is purposed by God. I am often asked to speak to women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I hear the same fear in their voices that I once had. The deer-in-the-headlights look of confusion and bewilderment when we meet. They want to know, “How did this happen? How did I get here?” Every situation is different. Every journey is different. Some make it, others do not. But I stay in the fight, because I know that my survivorship is necessary. I never shy away from the task because I know a little encouragement goes a long way. It can become a matter of life or death. I can provide that little bit of faith that someone needed to make it to the next day. It’s a day to day process.
A process that I know cannot happen overnight. As well as, it happens for everyone at varying times. It took me a few years and much prayer to get to this point. My fuel was Psalms 118: 17-18, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.” I often share it with the women that I speak with. I fondly remember one always saying, “I just want to be OK.” My response to her: “What do you need to be OK?” A simple, yet complex question, perhaps--with answers that she had to look within herself to find. Yet, they were there. She found her answers and after a year of treatment, she’s OK.
The answers that any woman diagnosed with breast cancer needs to make it through her journey are within her. But I firmly believe that another survivor holds the key to unlocking them. My Pastor often uses the phrase, “Thinkful, makes you thankful.” I’m thankful and mindful that my key will open many locks.
Angela K. Walker, 39, is a five-year breast cancer survivor and is dedicated to educating minority women about the importance of early detection, breast health and healthy lifestyles. Angela has appeared on Oprah.com, BET, BET.com, National Public Radio WBEZ-Chicago, BBC.com, Perspectives with Monique Caradine on MY50, Upfront with the Reverend Jesse Jackson on the Word Network, Chicago Speaks with Ty Wansely and Mary Mitchell on V103-Chicago, Live with Garrard McClendon on CLTV-Chicago and various shows on WVON-1690 AM-Chicago. Angela has also been featured in the 2007 Heartland Blood calendar, articles in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Defender, the Southtown Star, The Gospel Tribune and Medill Reports from Northwestern University. Angela has written articles for The Gospel Tribune, Markham City News, and has been guest blogger for Rush University Medical Center. Angela has conducted numerous workshops and educational programs on the early detection of breast cancer, and is frequently requested to speak about her breast cancer journey. She has spoken throughout the Chicagoland area for community and faith-based organizations, businesses, schools and civic organizations.