“Cancer Black Care is about giving people support regardless of where you are in your cancer journey.”

When I got my diagnosis, I thought wow, where do you go from here? I had never been sick before, and this was not like a broken leg.

Since then, I have had a radical prostatectomy surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. It has been a long journey and I know my body will never be the same. My energy, my personality and my relationships have all changed because of my cancer journey. I find myself yearning for a deeper understanding from others, a wish that people could comprehend the multifaceted repercussions of my unique cancer journey.

I've got to touch wood as there are many people that don't get this far because by the time they find out about their diagnosis, it is too late to cure the cancer.

Navigating the healthcare system proved challenging for me, feeling at times as if I were invisible. Having encountered disparities in treatments and wading through a sea of misinformation, I became acutely aware of the need for advocacy. Motivated by a desire to be a voice for those who may feel unheard, I resolved to speak up on behalf of individuals facing difficulties articulating their needs. Recognising the importance of support, I committed to helping others on similar journeys, determined to make a positive impact.

A year ago, someone told me Cancer Black Care are looking for a chief executive. I thought about it deeply because I absolutely loved my job and I wasn't looking to leave, but this was an opportunity to create change and work in an environment that I'm equally passionate about, and lead from the front.

Discovering that I secured the job brought immense excitement in March 2023. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of emotions. The tasks ahead are extensive, with a current emphasis on short-term goals such as education, raising awareness, influencing, fundraising, and cultivating relationships within the Black community and among people of colour.

Within our current groups, there's a noticeable trend towards an older demographic, typically aged 50 and above. The intention is to initiate a new group catering to a younger audience, likely those under 35. Reflecting on my own experience with a cancer diagnosis.

I recognise that my sons, who were 26 at the time, would have appreciated an environment where they could connect with someone of a similar age and share their thoughts. We know there are lots of young people and teenagers that are affected by cancer in different ways.

We also want to create a buddy system where we can accompany people to appointments who might need just a hand on their shoulder. We can ask the questions that they might not ask because of our own experiences on this journey.

Embarking on my cancer journey felt isolating, particularly when I recall how my sons reacted upon learning about my diagnosis. Their response initially deterred me from sharing my news with others; it felt like I couldn't bear both my burden and theirs.

I opted to disclose my situation to more people after my surgery, thinking it would be easier. However, it didn't unfold as smoothly as I had hoped. Being a close-knit family, my decision irritated them, and our bonds faced some challenges.

But I had to do what I needed at the time, which is quite important. Sometimes though being in an environment where you can talk about these things, you can learn from other people's experiences and feel less alone.

This is why I choose to share my journey – cancer is undeniably challenging and stressful, a perpetual rollercoaster ride, like snakes and ladders, with many ups and downs.

By fostering a supportive environment, we aim to encourage Black individuals and people of colour to open up and seek guidance, whether they're navigating their own cancer journey or supporting loved ones. Recognising the uniqueness of each person's story, Cancer Black Care finds strength in holding a safe space for all.