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TESTIMONIAL from MAIMAH KARMO

Maimah Karmo

I am a 33-year old mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend and author.  I am also a breast cancer survivor.   On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.  Even though I had gone to my doctor when I initially found a lump in my breast, my doctor insisted that because I was so young and had no family history, I could not have cancer.  The diagnosis and treatment were among the most challenging experiences of my life.  The initial diagnosis was devastating and my mind reeled, figuring out how to cope with the idea of cancer.  Having taken the Avatar® Courses in 2005 with Dr. Debbie Lindquist, I had learned some tools, which allowed me to shift from a position of weakness to one of strength.  I used the tools to cope with the emotional and physical side effects of the treatment.  After I had been given my second chemotherapy treatment, I decided to form, Tigerlily Foundation (Tigerlily) an organization that would empower, educate and serve those living with cancer and their families.  Tigerlily is committed to “connecting the dots” by educating women (of all ages) around the world about breast cancer and empowering them to celebrate their lives every day by harnessing their personal power.  Today, in addition to running my foundation, I am well and thriving.  I am not sure that without having the perspective I learned from Avatar that I and only I was responsible for creating my life, that I would have been able to or would have founded Tigerlily in the midst of my treatment.

I also believe that it would have taken me longer to see the positive things that could come of out having this disease.  One of the best things about being affected with the disease is that I realized that it was incumbent upon me to effect change.  Being diagnosed with cancer was devastating, but I chose to let it empower me. 

My journey over the past year has been an amazing one.  I now work with many amazing women who have one goal in mind – eradicating breast cancer.  I am on the Diversity Outreach Committee for the Young Survival Coalition. I am a member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and a graduate of Project LEAD®. I work with Y-ME Mid-Atlantic and am partnered with the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association.  These organizations’ goals are to assist others affected by cancer, to create a forum to get answers, and to create change by being educated advocates and to find a cure.

I realize that it IS easy to create change. I do it every day.  I use my voice.  Change starts with a ripple.  It starts one person at a time.  Use your voice to be the change you seek in the world.  Most importantly, believe that you can create that change, and start today.

TESTIMONIAL FROM P.T., A NURSE

 

Four years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Me? Breast cancer you've got to be kidding! I was numb with fear. Being a nurse I knew what this meant. Disfigurement, losing all control, possible death. What I didn't realize was, how cancer would change my marriage and my relationship with some members of my family. I had a bilateral mastectomy with intensive chemo and radiation. I lost all my hair, lost 40 pounds, I also lost myself. At first I was too sick to realize the distance between my husband and myself. My mother-in-law suggested I stop treatment as it was too hard on me and her son. I had multiple complications.  My husband and I were barely speaking. I grew angry and resentful. I was very depressed and my self esteem was gone. I  knew God had been very good to me in many ways. My cancer was caught before it had spread to other organs. My doctor was and is a true gift from God . I don't know how I could have gotten thru this with out her. But God in his wisdom had one more gift for me. AVATAR with Debbie Lindquist.  Now on the verge of divorce I knew that everything I was doing would not help. I was not only concerned for my marriage but for my health. Being a nurse I do know your mind and soul need to be whole to heal. I was sick all the time. One hospital stay after another. I started to work with Dr. Lindquist  At first I thought how can this possibly help me thru this nightmare I call my life? But I did enjoy the Avatar exercises. I felt less stressed.  Things started to go a little smoother at home. I didn't know how but I felt better. Then I went to an Avatar course in California. I was just going to stay for 3 days. It was wonderful! I learned so much about myself. I realized I could create a new life. I was a part of this universe I counted and I could change things. The first thing I needed to change was to stay to the end of the course.  I left a message on the phone for my angry hostile husband. Could I stay ? To my surprise the answer was "Sure I'm glad your having a nice time. I'll pick you up at the airport". What the heck was happening? Avatar has changed my life. Maybe I should say I've changed my life. Things are not always perfect. But now I have the insight and knowledge to work for a better life. I have had 3 corrective surgeries to repair damage due to complications. Not a single problem. In fact they have been pretty much a breeze. I haven't even had a cold. So how do I feel now?  Normal !  I'm not afraid of the future. I love my life. But best of all I love me!   P.T., nurse and course graduate