The Many Phases of Cancer

The Many Phases of Cancer.

We have the audacity to think that when people have cancer, they should begin to look a certain way. Especially when they have stage 4 cancer. We have a lot of nerve.

Nickole Justice and Deborah Huddleston don’t look sick at all. They are two beautiful women, they are mothers and they are dealing with stage 4 cancer.

Neither one of the women knew that they had cancer. They weren’t feeling well and went to the doctor. For Nickole, they told her that she was too young to have cancer. Therefore, the opportunity to diagnose her cancer early and catch it was missed. Deborah had been running her own business, took care of many and carried on her day to day routine. She too wasn’t feeling well one day and decided to go and get checked out.

You can only imagine that this was life changing for both women. Their jobs. Their careers. Their families impacted. These ladies don’t have time to be scared because they are in a fight for their lives every day.

Healthcare that’s afforded to them is not enough and it’s a constant battle to acquire and maintain coverage.  Their families have stepped in to help provide the support they need. And yet they still fight. They won’t quit. They want to live. 

Despite everything that was thrown at them, they were winning until we lost one of them.  On Sunday, June 10, 2018, we lost Nickole Justice to stage 4 cancer. She leaves behind her 10-year daughter nicknamed Nurse Peaches, her parents, family, and friends. It was my honor to meet her and have her and Deborah on RCR! Presents Real Discussions on Sunday, May 20th.   We extend our prayer and condolences to her family and we’re so thankful to have met her.

Thank you Nickole for sharing your battle with us, it will be used to help others.

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New Jack Jingle Jam and Toy Drive

Something happens when we take a moment to give especially to children.  

Real Chicks Rock!™ was honored to collaborate this past weekend with Shuffle and Repeat for their New Jack Swing Toy Drive.  It was rescheduled due to snow in Atlanta 2 weeks ago, which made it more exciting as the event was held with only 2 days before Christmas.  The room was filled with good music, good vibes and good times.  At the end of the event, several toys were collected and some sacrificed coming out when they were not feeling their best.  We appreciate that kind of dedication and support to help others, especially during this time of year. 

Thank you to everyone that came, gave toys, made a donation and had a good time with us. The box was filled with toys that will be donated to children of domestic violence survivors from the Powerful Beginnings organization. 

Remember...

No matter how small the gift is, if it comes from a good place it will make a BIG difference.
Enjoy the REASON for the season and continue to... #ROCKon

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A Night Filled with Purple Promises

A Night filled with Purple Promises...

Purple has always been my favorite color and sees it on a sea of empowered women always puts a smile on my face. The date was Saturday, October 14, 2017. The location Columbus, GA Trade and Convention Center. The Event is Purple Promises Domestic Violence Awareness Gala. 

Women and men gathered in one place for a night of celebration, newness, and life. Everyone looked beautiful as the pictures were being taken, compliments were given and hugs were exchanged. Twelve (12) women were honored for their commitment to change for themselves by saying no more to enduring a domestic violence situation. 

Founder of Powerful Beginnings ~ Monika Thornton was no exception to the rule. As a domestic violence survivor herself, when she made the decision to endure it any longer, she knew she wanted to help others once they made the transition not to go back. 

Powerful Beginnings have been doing some impactful things in the Columbus, GA area so when they asked me to be the Mistress of Ceremonies, I couldn't resist. It was a wonderful night and experience for me. Meeting wonderful people, both survivors and supporters made it a night to remember.

The Importance of Self Care

The Importance of Self Care…

It sounds so simple, but yet overlooked.  Often times, we get up and go without taking enough time to ensure that we’re applying the proper self-care for ourselves.  We need to be able to ensure that the necessary steps are taken in order to keep ourselves strengthen on a daily basis.

As people of color, our day to day struggles, opportunities and/or challenges can tend to be different than what other races and cultures might be faced with.  It’s unfortunate, however, very real.  Our thoughts consist of dealing with micro aggression in the workplace, chronic stress and climate changes and challenges within the current society.  We are a resilient people, however, we still need to provide self-care.  It could be as small as eating more vegetables, taking breaks throughout the day to stretch more or going to be early.  These are just a few small, simple and yet significant ones that can be incorporated.  

The SisterCARE Alliance is designed to give people (both men and women) the tools needed to begin a self-care regimen and lifestyle.  The majority of the recipients are women, however, men have been on board and supportive as well.  Anana Harris Parris, Founder of Sister Alliance spoke of this vision as she was going through her own discovery in need of self-care.  The self-care guide titled 'Self-Care Matters – A Revolutionary’s Approach' helps individuals address and undercover all areas that are needed.  By taking one step at a time, having someone hold you accountable and seeing your growth from one week to the next is what it’s all about.  The goal is for individuals to adapt to a self-care revolution; owning what they need and being able to identify those critical needs on a daily basis.  

For more information about obtaining a self-care revolutionary life, go to www.sisterCareAlliance.org or send an email to sistercarealliance@gmail.com. 

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