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As we wrap up the month of October, as promised, we wanted to give you a firsthand look into the life of a breast cancer survivor. Often times, the only time we are faced with cancer is through reading articles or seeing it on television, but BRiSON has been personally impacted by this disease and would like to share our experience. Lakesha Highshaw is close to BRiSON like a sister, in fact, she is my son's aunt, and has a story that is not only touching, but one that'll have you holding you knowing that cancer is not a death sentence. Again, make sure you get out there and get checked, or go with a loved one for support...you owe it to yourself!

JD: Can you kind of explain your lifestyle before being diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
LH: My life before Breast Cancer was stress, worrying about other and making their situations mines in addition to all WORK! Everything and everyone revolved around work. I attended different social and family events, while trying to maintain my relationship and being there for everyone else’s drama. Mad crazy! It was days when I didn’t know I was coming or going and would cry at the drop of dime when I was too tired to go on.

JD: When were you diagnosed?
LH: I was diagnosed with BC on March 16, 2007. I will forever remember this day because my favorite verse in the bible is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

JD: Can you explain your process of going through this disease, and now being on the overcoming side?
LH: This is a never ending journey! First was the biopsy, in which I didn’t just have one lump (that I discovered), but I had one more and some lymph nodes that were affected as well. Second, I had a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous lumps (still not healed). Third, I had 8 rounds of chemotherapy…we won’t even go through all I went through with that, and the after effects that I’m still dealing with. Fourth, I’m waiting to start 33 rounds of radiation, which will be every day Mon-Fri for 6.5 weeks.

Click on the link below for LaKesha's complete story:
Lakesha Highshaw Complete Interview

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BRiSON is taking a definitive stand to try and reach as many people to STAND UP for the cause! Many of our readers are young adults and think that getting cancer is completely far-fetched, but honestly, not now-a-days. (Breast) Cancer continues to grow in case numbers, but also continues to decrease in the age expectancy to be diagnosed; and not just in women, but in men as well. So even if you have never been personally faced with this disease, nor know anyone who has, it is still important to educate yourself and loved ones about it.

Stay tuned to BRiSON for an exclusive in depth interview with LAKESHA HIGHSHAW, a 32 year old African American woman who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and how she maintains the strength to truck it through each day, and still make it a good one.

For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month or to find out how you can be tested visit www.nbcam.org