Starr's Breast Cancer Fight

As many of you know, our dear Starr Coleman was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 9, 2018. Her stage has recently been updated to Stage IV. Starr is 27 years old, so this diagnosis is beyond anyone’s comprehension. Her treatment plan will consist of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and eventually, a double mastectomy. That diagnosis and treatment plan alone would dull the spirits of most, but not our Starr. She has remained strong even in the face of a cancer diagnosis. She has become an informed self-advocate who has gained the knowledge she needs to educate her circle of support in a truly mighty way that inspires us all.

We have now learned that African American women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than other women are! I came across this staggering statistic when I visited the Susan G. Komen website recently. That statistic was the first message on the organization’s website that I saw, and I initially thought, I do not want my sister to see this! Just as quickly, I realized there was no way in heck she didn’t already know that, and of course, I was right! While I am certainly not projecting that my sister will ever become part of that statistic, it is important that we understand that there is a health care gap that disproportionately devastates African American women and their families. I know that our family will be encouraged to help address that gap and make positive changes moving forward.

If you are fortunate enough to have both Starr and children of your own in your life, you will understand why we all care so much about her. As her sister, she has been second mom to my kids. In my family, we jokingly say that she is second in command when the kids are unable to reach me or Somori. We are not really joking when we say that!  She is indeed the best “TeTe Starr” to so many other nieces and nephews, including that of our family friends. Starr would not have life any other way. 

All donations will go toward medical expenses and living expenses for time missed from work. If you are unable to donate today, but took the time to read our story, we thank you! If you are in a position to donate, we thank you! We are in the beginning stages of planning a fall benefit and are considering a t-shirt fundraiser, so stay tuned for more details. I do ask that if you are unable to give that you please share Starr’s story. Please share it with everyone you know. I am asking you to share not only to raise money to help my sister but also to spread awareness. My sister has become a trailblazer in this town, and the more people who are aware of the health care disparities prevalent among women of color fighting breast cancer the more positive changes we can create. 

Thank you all for your continued love, support, encouragement, and PRAYERS! 

#superstarrstrong 

#herfightisourfight                  

https://ww5.komen.org