Support Regent's Wellness and Longevity

Fuck cancer. Fuck structural racism

51 days before my 50th birthday, I've been diagnosed with the second highest cause of death in Black women, invasive ductal carcinoma - breast cancer. It will require surgery. Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite being less likely to be diagnosed with it. I will not become a statistic.

My diagnosis is stage 1, nonaggressive of the most common and most treatable type of breast cancer. That bodes well for my survival, and a number like 41% is not achieved without racism inherent in the medical system. I will not become a statistic.

I am angry...rage. This is a man-made issue. Because of racism, I often lived in communities just yards or a few miles away from toxic industries polluting the air, water, and soil; or toxic waste from early 20th century industry. Because of racism, so much of the food we ate as children in the 70s and 80s was filled with carcinogens, genetically modified garbage, hormones, pesticides. Because of racism, I have had job insecurity which resulted in long periods of time without medical care. Because of racism, my body has aged more than natural. According to studies, "black women experience accelerated biological aging in response to repeated or prolonged adaptation to subjective and objective stressors. Researchers estimate that at ages 49–55, black women are 7.5 years biologically “older” than white women." I have a lot more trouble to cause in this world to be taken as a statistic.

In January 2022, my partner and I were laid off and only in October 2022 were we able to find jobs. We have no savings and no accrued time off at work. Just my out of pocket therapy will be a huge cost. The next few weeks will be filled with consultations, reading many resources, connecting with community, and making decisions about next steps.

My main support need in the coming days is monetary, for things like:

If you prefer not to use GoFundMe, you can use Venmo or Cashapp (links found at RegentsLongevity). If you prefer non-monetary, I could use prayers, doordash/grubhub giftcards, gluten free cookies and chocolate cake.

I will keep you updated through my Cancer Website RegentsLongevity www.regentslongevity.weebly.com as I learn more.

Thank you now for your prayers, love, compassion, and patience. I will fight for the long life I deserve. I will lean heavily into your love and commitment to liberation. I look forward to many more birthday celebrations with you.

#wakandaforever

In solidarity,

Regent Brown

UPDATE: Thank you all so much for the outpouring of community and love. The initial goal of $15k was reached, which has been beyond words amazing. A stretch goal has been set that will allow for the purchase of a new medical grade bedframe and mattress that will go far in aiding recovery.