I BELIEVE the colour pink is worn more in October than anytime of the year because of Breast Cancer Awareness. I attended the Giving Hope and HEROC dinner, and it was a bittersweet evening. I was introduced to Dr Gooding and HEROC through my friend Lorna Welman Neblette. I must commend the founder of the Giving Hope Foundation Dr Gooding and the team for consistently advocating for this cause. Also to HEROC and the others who continue to support.

I watched the photos of the survivors flashing across the screens and listen to the stories of some of the survivors and I thought of the people I have lost over the years, including my eldest aunt Avis, very good friend Juliet Stanton and in the last few weeks my friend in Florida De Ann Connolly Graham. I called her a few weeks ago to tell her that I would be seeing her in November on my way back from Africa and she was excited that I was finally travelling but told me she was not feeling well and to pray for her. The cancer was back and aggressive, but I did not think that was the last time I would hear her beautiful voice. I was thinking about which outfit I was going to give her as a gift because she always supported my brand. When I saw the post about her death, I cried not just for her but for many others and I went back to read the story she shared in the 365 Invaluable Life Experiences Compilation book:

“I’ve had many impactful experiences that affected my life, both good and bad. I think my most impactful experience was being diagnosed with breast cancer, which affected my life both ways. I chose to focus on the good. I became more conscious of holistic wellness practices and nutritional eating as I focused on my healing. As a result of healthier eating, I lost 40 lbs, and surgery gave me perky breasts so I can go without a bra when I want to. More importantly, I became more appreciative of my many blessings- the love and support of family and friends. I learned to ask for an abundance of love and God’s grace in my life.”

We connected instantly when we met and her positive energy draws you in. The last time I travelled in October 2019 we spent a wonderful evening together talking about life; her optimism is contagious. She was scheduled to Speak at INSPIRE YOU 2020 and that she did but virtually because of the pandemic. Many people contacted me sharing how powerful her message was. I looked at this pic with her in one of my tops and the wings in the background. I picture her in heaven as an angel helping others as she did on earth. May her soul rest in peace. This week my state of mind was different while writing this article because this is close to my heart. While writing, I learnt about a friend who has six months to live and another who is waiting for her results.

When I think about the work the Giving Hope Foundation is doing, extending people’s lives who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Listening to the survivors’ stories reminded me of Dr. Gooding’s contribution to our society and the lives she is transforming.

I recently reflected on how close we were to losing my fashionista Aunt Corin to cancer. We witnessed how God showed up and gave her another chance at life. I often mention how grateful I am for the presence of God in my life because I experienced first-hand his greatness not only in my life but the life of Corin. He restored her from the crown of her head to the soul of her feet. I ask him to cleanse my heart and let it be more about him because he deserves the glory. I thank him for his wisdom, and knowledge to navigate these challenging times.

I am thankful that he is a forgiving God because I know I can do better and have failed him many times, but God, I am trying and grateful for the things he is doing for me and through me. I encourage us all to keep trusting him because he is always working behind the scenes and has given us permission to use the currency of the Kingdom, faith. I have invested in that currency more recently and already seeing the return on my investment. Let’s be intentional about our spiritual growth, mental health and well-being as we continue to celebrate the beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.