Age: 60

Occupation: Advocacy & Constituency Coordinator for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. My job entails that I build relationships with our legislator at the senate and federal levels to help with funding for breast cancer research.

Children: Calvin Jr & wife Michele; Christopher & wife Leticia; Colin & wife April;

4 grandchildren: Kendrick, Sage, Aaron & Marques.

When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed in 1995 at the age of 45.

How was it found?

I found a lump myself through breast self exam because I had been having some discomfort and swelling in my breast for several months. I went and had a mammogram three months earlier but it revealed nothing, so I went for an ultrasound which was also negative. Then a few months later, there was this lump which each day was getting larger, so I contacted  my doctor and had another ultrasound which revealed a lump that was not previously there before.

Do you have a family history of breast cancer?

Yes, there is some family history of breast cancer. My maternal grandmother’s two sisters and two of their daughters had breast cancer.

As a person, what gives you your strength?

            My strength actually comes from a strong faith in God and also my family who always supported me before cancer but also after this disease. I have always been a strong activist for many causes but now I am focused on putting a face to the disease of cancer and those it affects.

Briefly state in your own words something about yourself that you want people to know:

            When I was diagnosed, my husband Calvin and I had been married for 24 years. Then a year later we renewed our wedding vows because he said at my diagnosis that he wanted me to survive this disease so that we could rock some grand babies together. At that time, our sons were in high school and college – well, here we are 15 years later and we have realized that dream together. We have been together now 39 years and enjoying those grandchildren that we dreamed of having.