Tawanna Jackson’s Journey: A Survivor’s Story of Strength and Advocacy
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brownstone Worldwide shares the inspiring journey of Tawanna Jackson, a breast cancer survivor who turned her battle into a mission of hope and support for others.
Tawanna’s journey began on an ordinary morning when she felt a lump under her breast while applying deodorant. “It didn’t hurt, but something didn’t feel right,” she recalls. Trusting her intuition, she scheduled a mammogram, which led to the diagnosis that would change her life: breast cancer.
Faced with the news, Tawanna’s immediate response was to take action. After a biopsy confirmed the cancer, she underwent surgery to remove the lump, as well as several lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Reflecting on this difficult time, Tawanna says, “It wasn’t an easy journey, but I had an amazing support system. My family, friends, and coworkers were always there for me.”
Throughout her treatment, Tawanna’s positive attitude never wavered. “I knew I had to stay strong, not just for myself but for my family,” she says. “Even on the hardest days, I reminded myself and my loved ones that we would get through this together.”
Now, eleven years cancer-free, Tawanna is paying it forward. She founded Team LaShay, a community initiative named after her family, to raise awareness and funds for women currently battling breast cancer. “Every October, we organize fundraising activities, from selling popcorn to creating gift baskets, to provide support for women going through treatment,” Tawanna explains.
Her message to others is simple but powerful: “Early detection is everything. Don’t ignore the signs. Trust your body and get checked.” Tawanna also emphasizes the importance of a support network during recovery. “Having people who care, even if it’s just a simple check-in or act of kindness, makes all the difference,” she says.
To learn more about Team LaShay and how to support Tawanna’s efforts, visit jacksonbuffert@yahoo.com for additional details.
