Survivors celebrated
EXECUTIVE leadership coach Tanya Powell is encouraging those going through the breast cancer journey to hold the faith.
Powell, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, mere months after she helped her mother navigate and overcome the illness, told the audience at a recent Optimist Club of Mandeville brunch celebrating breast cancer survivors to ’LEAD’ themselves through life’s challenges.
“My message to anyone, whether you are just being diagnosed or whether you are going through [treatment], there are two words I use: faith and belief. Faith is about knowing that all things are possible with God. Focus on the outcome that you are looking for,” she said.
She said LEAD is an acronym she created during her journey to empower and inspire others.
“Whether it is that they are through their journey or whether it is that they are a caregiver and are supporting others on their journey, it is beyond pink. It is beyond a cancer diagnosis, it really is how you LEAD yourself through life.”
She explained the acronym as “Life — As we go through life and we are seeking whether to elevate our lives…what do I need to learn, unlearn, relearn? What are the things that are keeping me stuck that I need to get rid of [like] the bad habits?
Evolve — How do I evolve and transform my life so that I can step into a greater purpose?
Attitude — How do I master myself and my attitude as a human being so that I can step out to empower others?
Desire — making decisions to propel me forward.”
She said during her journey, one of the biggest tools she used was gratitude.
“Every day I was hooked up to chemotherapy, when I was going through radiation, when I was lying on the bed after surgery, it was always about gratitude, and so I have a gratitude journal,” she added.
For those currently on the journey, she said the other useful [tool] is belief.
“Believe that your health is restored and focus on that. Accept support. There are people who are looking to support you. Don’t hide or shy away. Don’t feel embarrassed about this. You couldn’t help this, but I know that it’s a big thing…Just embrace your journey. Do the best that you can and focus on the outcome that you want. Step out in faith and belief and you will be good.”
The Optimist Club of Mandeville’s celebration for survivors was held on the lawns of Domalu Restaurant in Mandeville, an event which also raised funds towards its philanthropic projects, mainly targeting children.
The fund-raiser, initially planned as an installation ceremony for the club’s executive, was twinned with the celebration of breast cancer survivors, and had over 30 attendees.
Nurse at Mandeville Regional Hospital’s Haematology/Oncology Unit, Nickeisha Daley, commended the team for staging the event.
“Just know that breast cancer, no form of cancer, is a death sentence. Once you have early detection, proper medication, proper diet, and trust in God, you shall and you will do good,” she said.
And club President Melione Hanson said the proceeds from the event will go towards Optimist Club projects.
“We do a lot of things for children with cancer, HIV, and autism. We do fund-raising that will help students to further their dreams. We do women’s philanthropy. You name it, we do it. We see the glass as half full not half empty,” she said.
Executive leadership coach Tanya Powell (left) is all smiles as she is embraced by Optimist Club of Mandeville President Melione Hanson. (Photo: Kasey Williams)
