As Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, two survivors are reminding women that early detection can mean the difference between fear and freedom.
At a breast cancer awareness seminar hosted by the Southern Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA), they shared stories of courage, survival and hope.
Founder of the Class is Class initiative, Arlene Simon, says her 11-year journey inspired her to create the cancer edu-tainment event that educates through experience.
“This event was born because, at the time I was diagnosed, it was like a roller coaster for me and getting through part of the journey, I’m still in the journey, even though it’s 11 years, I’ve realised that a lot of persons don’t know there’s a lot of information out there that persons can be aware of and don’t have to think that cancer is a death sentence.”
Ms. Simon, who lost both her breasts to the disease, says her survival is proof that cancer does not define who you are and that no one should face it alone.
“One other thing I’d like to say is that don’t keep it a secret. A lot of people don’t like to divulge, but if I go on the term ‘away, if this does it by the end,’ cancer is not a death sentence. Again, I would say persons can survive this disease and live a long life.”
For fellow survivor Claudette Stewart, her story began with a gut feeling — one that saved her life after her concerns were dismissed as “just a cyst.”
“That visit, my last visit to that doctor, I went home very uncomfortable. You see, when you have that instinct, always follow that instinct. Something told me something was not right.”
After an examination by another doctor, she was told that she had been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.
Thirteen years later, Stewart remains cancer-free, crediting faith, family and her refusal to stay silent.
“If I cried for two minutes, I cried plenty, and I said, ‘Lord, Father Jesus, you see this, what they gave me to deal with? I said, I can’t deal with this, and I’m not dealing with this. You have to deal with this for me. I put it in your hands.’ I did, and I never looked back. Up to today, this day, he dealt with it — 13-year cancer survivor — and even up to today, I am really, really grateful.”
Both women say their message is one of strength, sisterhood and survival — reminding others that early detection saves lives, and there is always hope beyond pink.