Breast Cancer is a diagnosis that no woman wants but it happens every day. The women who are hit with this handle their crisis in different ways; some give up and some go on. But the Susan G. Komen Foundation encourages the women to go on. Two such women are Ebony Steele from the Rickey Smiley Show and Cati Diamondstone. Both of these women work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to educate, serve and uplift the breast cancer community. Rolling Out was fortunate enough to talk with these inspiring women about their struggles and an upcoming event “Bubbles and Bling,” an eclectic night of energy and fun benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Greater Atlanta Affiliate.
rolling out: What made you realize that something was wrong?
Ebony Steele: There was nothing physically wrong. I was working out and dancing like I always do. I had just moved to Dallas; it had been about two months. Then I was watching TV and it said that everyone woman needs to know their norm so you will know what your breasts feel like. I must admit I was not one too regularly do that. But one day I found a lump in my right breast about the size of a marble and within in 48 hours, there were tests done and within 2 weeks after biopsies it was confirmed. I got the news no one wants to hear: you have breast cancer.
rolling out: What was going through your mind when you got that initial diagnosis?
Disbelief. You hear about Oprah and Wendy Williams and their struggles and it made me think about my mom and dad. I had a good childhood; it was almost like the Huxtables with two professionals. But no one watches the Cosby show or those fun filled family shows and then heaven forbid if you ever heard of the mother or daughter getting breast cancer. I‘ve seen the Komen run on TV and the ads but it all falls on deaf ears when you feel that your healthy and doing all the right things. There’s a bit of a pity party at first. But then I started to ask “God what is my purpose?” And I knew my purpose was not to feel pity. I felt this is all part of the plan; I did not want to claim breast cancer was my purpose. But being a breast cancer conqueror, I don’t even say survivor, was my purpose, and if I just shut up about it I would be doing not only myself but all those other woman a disservice who could benefit be learning the knowledge about what their body could be. Because it is not Breast Cancer that kills people it is late detected untreated breast cancer
rolling out: You went through 4 months of chemotherapy, what kept you motivated during that time?
Ebony: For me being diagnosed and having a job where you can’t go to work and be sad. You’re talking to women who have problems, they have issues with ‘baby daddies” and are struggling wondering how they are going to pay for daycare. I thought if they can do that and listen to the Rickey Smiley Show and watch on TV I have a responsibility to show up despite what I was going through. So my motivation was to get up so I can motivate other people.
