Flecia was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative breast cancer on December 23rd, 2005. When she was at the doctor’s, they found a lump in her breast. The lump was originally thought to be a cyst. Flecia returned for follow-up care, and they determined that it was cancer.
We want our congresspeople and senators to see the faces that cancer touches. This is not about dollars and cents. It’s about humanity. The humane thing to do is to ensure people have what they need to fight this disease.
She proceeded to go through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer. It differs from other breast cancers in that it tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse outlook.
Cancer has touched Flecia’s life in more ways than one. In addition to her own diagnosis and recovery, she lost four uncles to cancer, her father to prostate and bone cancer, and her grandmother to liver cancer. The impact of cancer on Flecia’s life has ignited her commitment to advocacy. “Advocating used to be a passion,” she said. “Now, it’s a purpose in me.”
While advocating for cancer issues brings purpose to Flecia’s life, she is most grateful for the extra time she’s been given to spend with her family. She was able to watch her daughter get married and have children of her own; “That was my prayer when I was diagnosed.”
After nearly 20 years of being cancer-free, Flecia is still here. She is an ordained minister and will finish her degree in Theology/Christian Studies soon, at the age of 63.
She is overflowing with gratitude and thankful that the Lord has blessed her with another day, and she looks forward to the journey ahead for the next 20 years.