Jamila’s Story
In March 2018, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Her2+ breast cancer. Scariest day of my life. I was shocked, scared and not sure how to tell my family. I got in my car, I cried then drove home. Broke the news to my husband and we immediately went into fight mode. We knew what we had to do, to be well. The journey included chemo therapy, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation and just recently, breast reconstruction surgery. Our family has been through a lot but we're grateful for each other, for family and friends who helped carry us to the finish line.
I'm unapologetically myself and I live life according to everything that makes up who I am.
Life really shifted when we found out I had cancer. One of my greatest challenges was not having control over my body during treatment. One of the main times I have felt truly ‘raw’ was when I decided to share my story with the social media world and when I had to leave myself vulnerable to my medical team and the course of treatment.
Success means learning, growing and sharing. Together. Success is believing in yourself and trusting your instinct. Success is creating a healthy lifestyle, doing the work you love while making a positive impact on others.
Going through cancer really gives you a heightened sense of purpose, it gives you strength you didn't think you had and appreciation for all that you took for granted before.
The rock in my life and most influential person I have ever met has been my husband. Some of my happiest moments have been getting married, giving birth, beating cancer and watching my kids grow into their own. Based on my experience the best advice I can give would be to practice gratitude, know that your power has one source (Oprah!) and trust your instinct. Be kind.
Looking to the future, I dream for my kids to be happy and healthy.