The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2022 is Perseverance. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories of perseverance to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. November 2022.
Cover Model 2012 | Diagnosed at 33 (2011)
So much has changed in Keesha’s life in the last 11+ years, but the biggest change has been in her outlook on life. When she was first diagnosed, she was a mom to 3 young kids and a pre-teen, working full time and trying to finish her MBA. At first, the strain of managing her responsibilities added to the challenges of treatment made her want to leave school, but she persevered. She soon came to realize that she had made the right decision. “With my support system cheering me on, I finished, chemo brain and all! I don’t think I would have made it through treatment without my family’s love and encouragement. They showed me that love never gives up, even when I felt like giving up was an option.” Finishing her degree gave her the courage and wisdom to later follow another dream, becoming a real estate agent. She is now an award-winning associate broker who is doing what she loves.
In the years before her diagnosis, Keesha was just going through the motions of life. “Now, I am living my life to the fullest. I love trying new things, meeting new people, and traveling. I think I am more open to life and not just existing in it.”
Keesha has this advice for survivors: Find the good in all things and don’t sweat the small stuff. Take everything one step at time, one moment at a time. Also know that it is okay not to be okay some days. When this happens, make sure you lean on your support system, let them spoil you a little.