From Diagnosis to Survivor, Cancer Doula, and 2025 Bush Fellow
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
Introduction: Beyond the Diagnosis: A New Chapter in Cancer Support
Recently, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder published the article, "Cancer survivor becomes a doula for others on the journey," telling my story as a 14-year Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor who became a cancer doula. This blog post is a deeper dive into my personal experience and how it shaped my mission to offer emotional and holistic cancer support to others.
My Cancer Journey: Embracing Resilience Through Hodgkin's Lymphoma
It follows my journey from my diagnosis in 2011 to my current work as a cancer doula and my aspirations as a 2025 Bush Fellow. I believe that transforming my difficult experience into a mission to help others is my purpose. It was not easy by any means. There were days of pain, uncertainty, and isolation during my cancer experience.
The Power of Will: "I Knew That I Wasn't Going to Die"
I was very determined to live. As I often reflect, "It wasn't going to be easy, but I knew that I wasn't going to die." I did not want to succumb to despair, even in the face of a daunting challenge like cancer. I knew I had more to do, and God wasn't done with me yet. I had reasons to live! I found this mindset to be a crucial factor in navigating difficult health journeys. It's not about denying the difficulty, but about affirming my will to live and focusing on positive healing outcomes, my life on the other side of cancer.
Knowledge as My Key: A Proactive Approach to Healing
My revelation was that understanding what I was facing was key. For me, a proactive approach to healing was a must. Knowledge and agency in my healing process were critical to my outcome. I did not want to passively accept fate; instead, I realized that I needed to actively engage with my Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis. I brought my notebook with me to every appointment. I asked questions, read scholarly journals, self-help books, and books about cancer, and I turned to "Dr. Google" for high-level information.
Understanding my specific condition, Hodgkin's lymphoma, empowered me to:
Ask informed questions: Leading to better communication with my healthcare team.
Make informed decisions: About treatment options and lifestyle changes.
Reduce fear of the unknown: Knowledge can demystify a frightening situation.
Develop a sense of control: Even when much is out of one's control, understanding cancer or any illness you are facing can provide a sense of agency.
The Mind-Body Connection: Fueling My Determination and My Mission
During this tough time, I learned about the powerful connection between mind and body. My strong belief in not dying played a significant role in my mental fortitude, which I believe in turn positively influenced my physical well-being and my ability to endure seven long months of cancer treatment. This deep understanding now forms a core principle of the emotional and holistic support I offer.
From Lived Experience to Professional Calling: Becoming a Cancer Doula
Having personally lived and experienced the emotional support gap in my journey, I understand the critical need for others to have emotional support and a clear understanding of their situation. My realization that "understanding... is key" directly informs my mission to help others gain that same clarity, support, and guidance through my work as a cancer doula. It's about walking alongside individuals as they navigate their unique cancer paths.
On the Other Side: Cancer Support and Representation
My passion, purpose, and lack of representation led me to establish On the Other Side, an organization dedicated to providing emotional support, guidance, and advocacy to those facing cancer. Survivorship or post-treatment support is coming soon. A key part of my collaborations with community health and research organizations focuses on health equity in cancer care, addressing the distrust and access barriers often faced by low-income clients and communities of color. I believe it's vital for people to see someone who looks like them in the health and wellness space.
My 2025 Bush Fellowship: The intersection of leadership and wellness
I want to start by clearing up a common misconception. The Bush Fellowship is not about a grand project. It is a self-designed leadership program that gives individuals the flexibility they need to develop their capacity to lead effectively. In a nutshell, it is an investment in me and my leadership. My goals, realized, will be long-term outcomes as a result of the support and investment I received during the fellowship.
As a proud 2025 Bush Fellow, starting August 1st, I am expanding my leadership skills and deepening my approach to holistic cancer wellness. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will enable me to invest in my growth and well-being like never before, so I can lead more effectively for the long term, not just during the two-year fellowship. Professionally, it means having more impact in advancing holistic cancer care and doing more good for my region.
Advocating for Access: Clinical Trials and Representation in Cancer Research
A critical aspect of my mission is breaking down barriers to access in cancer care and research. It's often challenging for low-income clients to afford crucial support, and many people of color understandably distrust a healthcare system that has historically caused harm.
How can we actively build trust and ensure equitable access to the care they need and deserve?
I actively partner with local organizations to increase community participation in clinical trials. If Black and African American people are not represented in clinical trials, how can we truly know that treatments will work effectively for us? I believe clinical trials can be lifesaving and should be considered a standard part of cancer care. I have talked with many people who are still alive today because they advocated for and participated in clinical trials.
Hear More of My Story: Navigating Cancer Together Podcast
My journey has been one of transformation, determination, and a commitment to personalized cancer support and health equity. I invite you to connect deeper with my story and the power of self-advocacy in my episode, "My Journey from Silence to Self-Advocacy":
Listen here: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/my-journey-from-silence-to-self-advocacy
Conclusion: A New Vision for Cancer Support for Every Path
My path has shown me that while cancer is not something I ever wanted or would wish on anyone, understanding, determination, grace, believing in yourself, and the right support can make all the difference. As a cancer doula and Bush Fellow, I am dedicated to fostering a new era of empathetic, informed, holistic, and equitable cancer care for every individual.
Ready to connect or collaborate?
If you are interested in learning more about how cancer doula support can benefit you on your cancer journey, complete an intake form to start the process for a free 30-minute meet and greet. https://www.ontheotherside.life/personalized-cancer-doula-support
If you are an organization that would like to collaborate on reducing cancer inequities, please complete the contact form.
Thank you for reading about my journey and joining me on the other side!
Blessings!💜
Talaya
The Cancer Doula & 2025 Bush Fellow
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