How my story begins: My cancer story begins in confinement and ends in confinement. Fighting a battle like this alone and confined was incredibly difficult. But knowing the life I lived, I believe it was God who saved me through that confinement—I would have never received the treatment I needed otherwise. I was too absorbed in my bad behaviors and addiction to seek the care I required. My story begins as a victim and ends as a survivor, an overcomer.

Life before my diagnosis: My life before my diagnosis was very carefree. I was an addict and very self-absorbed, with no worries about who I hurt or whether I was hurting myself. In a way, I guess I thought I was untouchable.

Growing up, my childhood wasn’t easy. There was generational addiction, and my parents faced difficult lives that led to their own addictions and behaviors—ultimately contributing to their deaths later in life.

How I felt after diagnosis: Numb. I felt unsure of my circumstances and it felt unreal. I realized I was taking my life for granted and I needed to make some drastic changes.

Telling my family and friends: Explaining my circumstances to family and friends while incarcerated was a very difficult task. I didn’t want to burden anyone, and I was also in denial myself.

My treatment: Biopsy. Hysterectomy. Chemotherapy and radiation.

How I felt after treatment: Tired. Pained. Weak. Nauseated.

What was most difficult for me: Fighting the unknown.

What I did to help myself: I stayed faithful and talked to others going through similar situations, and put my trust in God Almighty.

My life after cancer: My life after cancer: I became a changed individual who no longer took life for granted. I learned to respect myself and others. I now have a vision of change and support, helping others overcome mentally and, in turn, possibly improve physically. A stronger mind empowers the body, giving us the strength to keep going even through hardships.

Where I am today: I am a care giver helping seniors who can not assist themselves.

What I want other women to know: Regardless of what we face in life, there is always a higher power standing by to take our hand and lead us out.

How I will try to help others: By sharing my testimony, I can create a positive impact on others facing unforeseen events.

Any additional information you'd like to share: Never give up and keep going. Keep fighting and never take life for granted.