At 35 years-old, Natasha Brown should be savouring the things people her age usually do. But since being diagnosed with breast cancer last March, she has experienced sustained trauma.

Mounting health bills and psychological anguish are some of her challenges. Yet, as the world observes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, resilience is critical for the New York-based Jamaican.

“I am currently doing 28 days of radiation as well as physical therapy twice a week. With the radiation, it literally drains me; it is mentally, emotionally and physically life-changing,” Natasha told Observer Online. “I’m not working, I’ve been on medical leave since July, and the funds that I’m on medical leave with, is not really making ends meet at all.”

Anxiety set in eight months ago when Natasha went to the emergency room after noticing a lump in her right breast. Just over 10 years ago, she discovered a similar mass in her left breast which turned out to be benign, but this time the diagnosis was ominous.

The oncologist who made her initial diagnosis years ago, told Natasha she had Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ, which means multiple masses in her right breast. Scans showed that the lump in her left breast had returned and is also cancerous.

Two months later, Natasha underwent an eight-hour double mastectomy, and is currently undergoing breast reconstruction.

According to the Jamaica Cancer Society, “The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in early stages. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumours that cause lumps or thickening.”

It added that, “If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.”
Natasha has related her story on social media which got the attention of Jamaican Fernando Edwards, owner of Jamroc Dept, a Los Angeles-based clothing company. He has designed leisure wear to bring awareness to people with breast cancer.

“Initially, we designed a piece to show our support, but as we spoke further, she expressed the lack of financial assistance she faced. This inspired us to create the #fearnot collection in June, a heartfelt tribute to Natasha and others affected by breast cancer. This collection goes beyond apparel, it embodies resilience and solidarity,” he said.

A second design, #Resilient, has also been released. They come in T-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies. Proceeds from sales will go toward assisting her growing medical costs.

It is such gestures that encourage Natasha Brown to keep fighting.

“I have my days, this is not for the weak, and it’s definitely a roller-coaster. This journey has literally changed my life…I look at life very differently and I don’t take it for granted,” she said.