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Greetings Reader, I’ve been reflecting on my personal journey—from being diagnosed with retinoblastoma as a 6 month old baby to becoming a passionate advocate for awareness, early detection, and meaningful storytelling. At just 9 months old, I had surgery to remove the malignant tumor in my right eye, beginning a lifetime of resilience and advocacy. Today, I use my story to inspire hope, raise awareness, and help others fight through their storms. This week is Retinoblastoma Awareness Week. In my latest podcast episode (the first one since October!) I virtually reunited with three incredible women I had the honor of sharing a speaking panel with back in October. Leia Hunt, Grace Padilla, Genevieve McCarthy and myself talk about advocacy, research, and living beyond cancer. We also talk about the impacts of childhood eye cancer survivorship and amplifying personal stories.
Some time ago I uncovered a flashback video of my early 2000s 16 seconds feature on Fox 13 Tampa Bay, where I spoke about a critical policy for pediatric eye exams. That moment was pivotal for me, cementing my passion for using my voice for change. During that time, I was also navigating deeply personal emotions. My good friend Jackie, who was one of the kindest and brightest people I knew (may she continue to rest in peace), passed away from the same cancer I had fought. Her death hit me hard—I was overwhelmed with survivor’s guilt for the first time. It was a time of immense emotional weight, but it also shaped my commitment to honoring those like Jackie and so many others who have faced this treatable disease. My first segment as a media correspondent with NPR’s Focus Black Oklahoma back in 2024, I explored the topics of secondary cancers, genetic conditions, and the role of genetic testing, speaking with experts and advocates who are leading the charge in raising awareness and promoting early intervention. Each step of my journey—through pain, heartbreak, healing, and triumph—has led me to this – to empower you to turn your tragedy into a brand strategy. This week, I honor those like Jackie and Joey, whose battles with retinoblastoma inspire me to keep advocating for early detection and intervention. I also invite you to rewatch my TEDx talk, where I share my parents’ discovery of that strange white glow in my eye—an early sign of retinoblastoma—and how it shaped my life’s purpose. Let’s spark conversations that heal, raise awareness, and spot the glow. [Listen to the Podcast] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYFrCNxE9vs&list=PLfcNRP1vQg5UmI1CQehS1yg7osSedOOPw
[Watch My TEDx Talk] https://youtu.be/xs08oVgSTpI?si=zVjyEK31u0iS1Rrc
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How You Can Turn Tragedy into Purpose
