I’ve heard the words “you have cancer” twice in my life, once for myself in 2021 and again in 2025 with my mom. I never thought my own battle with cancer would be in the lessons learned and used to help guide my mom through her battle. My journey afforded me the opportunity to help guide my mom’s cancer journey. Although our diagnosis was different, we both had “cancer”. I have been in Georgia for over a month, attending every appointment and trying to help my mom take some of the responsibility off my brother.
I understand the nuances of navigating healthcare and cancer care. I’ve been able to ask the hard questions and make appointments because a diagnosis is a full-time job. A full-time job that no one can truly prepare you for, but in my case, I’ve been able to help my mom process, understand, and navigate this journey. Although having ovarian cancer is different from breast cancer, I am still learning more each day. I don’t look at myself as a caregiver but more as an advocate for my mom, a buffer for issues, and help my mom understand a cancer diagnosis and how to navigate life. In difficult moments, I step back to clear my mind and make a plan before making decisions, whether I’m in the role of a patient, advocate, or caregiver. My motto is “Take it an hour at a time, a day at a time if needed”. I try to remind my mom of how she told me I could do this, and I was strong. Now I am reminding her of her words that have carried me through a lot of struggles. The advice I would give to a caregiver is to live in the moment. You won’t get that time back.
I always believe in HOPE. That’s been my word every year since February 13, 2021, at 3:45 pm, and I shared this word with my mom. I lost my mom on July 31st, 2025. Although she did not make it, I hope the next ovarian cancer patient will. Hope means to keep going and hope for a cure. My mom raised me to become involved with politics. I promised her I would continue sharing my story and now hers. I wake up hoping I can make her proud.
-Lashelle
Breast Cancer Patient Policy Advocate/Lobbyist
This story is in memory of Rosalyn, Lashelle’s mom.
