Healing, Fighting, Surviving: My Unexpected TNBC Journey

My name is Chaundrea, a young mother, May 2024 Masters graduate from North Carolina Central University graduate, and founder of Heal Out Loud. This is my story of survival, resilience, and hope—a journey that began with a diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) and a determination to not just survive, but thrive.

The Unexpected Battle

Life has a way of presenting challenges when you least expect them. As a twin mom recently divorced and navigating a new career, I thought I had already weathered my share of storms. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment I heard those life-altering words: "You have Triple Negative Breast Cancer."

TNBC is not just a diagnosis—it's a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that demands everything from you. It doesn't respond to traditional hormone therapies. It's a warrior that requires an equally fierce response.

My Anchors: Faith and Family

My boy-girl twins, who attend Underwood Elementary, became my greatest source of strength. Every treatment, every difficult moment, I fight with their faces in my mind. Their innocence, their love, their unwavering belief in me became my most powerful medicine.

My faith in God has been my anchor through this storm. When medical challenges seemed insurmountable, my spiritual belief provided comfort and hope. I learned that healing transcends the physical—it's emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

The Heal Out Loud Movement https://b75cb6.myshopify.com/

Before my diagnosis, Heal Out Loud was more than a brand—it was a mission. A declaration that our struggles do not define us, but how we face them does. More emphasis needs to be on your healing journey, LOUD & CLEAR! Now, I am living proof of everything the movement represents.

Heal Out Loud isn't about hiding pain. It's about amplifying our stories, our struggles, and our strength. It's about creating a community where vulnerability is power, and sharing our journey becomes a source of collective healing.

Navigating Treatment and Challenges

Chemotherapy is a grueling journey. Each treatment felt like walking through fire, with the hope of emerging stronger. The medical bills mounted, and the unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became a financial mountain that seemed impossible to climb.

But in every challenge, I saw an opportunity to demonstrate the true spirit of Heal Out Loud—transformation through adversity.

Breaking the Silence

Triple Negative Breast Cancer remains one of the least understood forms of breast cancer. Through Heal Out Loud, I've committed to not just surviving, but to raising awareness. Every conversation, every shared story becomes a beacon of hope for someone else walking a similar path.

Our mission is clear: to normalize conversations about cancer and mental health, to remove the stigma, and to create a supportive community that understands a diagnosis is not a defeat—it's an invitation to fight.

Why I'm Seeking Support

As a single mother projected to navigate this challenging journey for at least 6 more months, I'm reaching out to my community. The financial strain of medical treatments, combined with an unpaid FMLA, has created significant challenges

Every contribution will help me:

- Continue critical medical treatments

- Maintain stability for my twin children

- Cover essential household expenses

- Support the Heal Out Loud mission of cancer awareness

A Promise of Hope

To every person facing a difficult diagnosis, to every individual feeling overwhelmed—this is our promise: You are not alone. Your story matters. Your struggle is valid, and your potential for healing is limitless.

Heal Out Loud is more than a brand. It's a lifeline. It's a community. It's a movement that says, loudly and unapologetically: We are stronger together.

Looking Forward

As I continue my journey, I am grateful. Grateful for medical advancements, for a supportive community, for my incredible children, and for the opportunity to turn my personal challenge into a platform of hope.

My twins remind me every day why I fight. Hearing how wonderful they are from everyone is very affirming! They truly are my motivation, my strength, my reason for pushing forward.

This is not just my story. This is our story.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Every donation, no matter the size, helps me:

- Continue critical medical treatments

- Provide stability for my children

- Cover essential living expenses

- Advance the Heal Out Loud mission of cancer & mental health awareness and support

Thank you for being part of my journey. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities, silence into strength. #HealOutLoud

With profound gratitude,

Chaundrea