Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each week during the month of October, the CHCAA Physical & Mental Health Committee is preparing a special feature to honor and celebrate our Sorors who are cancer survivors. This story was featured in our October 2^nd Chapter Communication!

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2013 at 43 years old. My youngest child was in kindergarten.  I was devastated and terrified. I did not want to die. I wanted to live and raise my three boys.

Unfortunately, my diagnosis came three months before my only sibling and beloved sister was killed in a murder-suicide. Having to navigate cancer and her death at once forced me to trust God in a way I never had. I learned there are some parts of life’s journey where only God can be your ride or die. No one could go under anesthesia with me for two surgeries– but God did. No one could go with me into the locked radiation chamber — but God did. No one could banish the fear and sadness that gripped my heart and mind in the middle of the night– but God did.

In short, I’d encourage anyone going through a cancer diagnosis to ask God for wisdom and strength to survive, heal and ultimately thrive! Prayer led me to the understanding and knowledge about what protocols to accept (surgery, chemo and radiation). Prayer also gave me the strength to advocate vigorously for my best interests with my medical team. God and I were the “experts” when it came to my health.

Lastly, put yourself first. Rest, eat clean, exercise and do the things that bring you joy. Explore holistic practices such as yoga, acupuncture, and massage. Don’t just fight to live. Live while you fight!

13 year Survivor – Lynette Mitchell

The Chapel Hill – Carrboro Alumnae Chapter Physical & Mental Health Committee is a regular participant in the MLK Red Cross Blood Drive!

Plan to join us in January 2025!

Want to double your impact? Consider a Power Red donation. 

A Power Red donation collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor.  These donors must meet specific eligibility requirements and have a type A Neg, B Neg, or O blood.

Contact: physicalmentalhealth@chcaa-dst.org