Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African-American women and the mortality rate among African-American women is much higher then other groups. Living with cancer and even being a survivor is a difficult journey. As we’ve seen in headlines, according to Former B.E.T executive, Zola Mashariki she was “terminated while on sick leave for breast cancer.” Bravo Star and Physician, Dr. Jackie and The CEO of The Pink Angels Foundation, Chantelle Nickson Clark (who also lost her job during her breast cancer fight) have been uplifting women through their cancer journeys and their work is changing the face of cancer and how we perceive survivors.
Toni Braxton, T.I., Tamer, Usher and a plethora of celebrities in Atlanta have one thing in common and that is Board-certified OBGYN, Dr Jackie Walters. Dr. Jackie is most known for her hit Bravo show, Married to Medicine and she lives by the philosophy “work hard, play hard.” Dr. Jackie is inspirational for sure but what is most remarkable about her is that she is a survivor. She is specifically a two-time breast cancer survivor. Even though she is the medical field, Dr. Jackie was taken aback by her diagnosis. “There’s no way to prepare for hearing that you have cancer, there just isn’t,” she said. Dr. Jackie could have allowed her diagnosis to get her down but instead she was empowered. She went through treatment like the champion she is and after surviving cancer not once but twice Dr. Jackie started the 50 Shades of Pink Foundation which treats the inner and outer beauty of Breast Cancer Warriors. Dr. Jackie has even assimilated a Women’s Wellness Program into her practice to help eradicate the increasing number of heart disease cases amongst women. Through 50 Shades of Pink, her organization pays tribute to women and men diagnosed with breast cancer, nurturing their psychological and physical well-being.
Chantelle Nickson Clark
Dr. Jackie’s story inspired another cancer survivor who is using her experience and knowledge to make life easier for women going through the trials and tribulations that cancer brings. For the past few years, Chantelle Nickson-Clark has been unveiling the mask of what it’s like to live with cancer and the emotional and physical scars that is created from cancer. “I was watching Married to Medicine and I was motivated and inspired by Dr. Jackie’s story and a photo shoot that she did. She became a role model for me. She gave me hope and strength to share my journey and I wanted to reach other women in our shoes. Clark created the Pink Angels Foundation that functions as a resource and support system for women living with cancer as well as cancer survivors.
With the assistance of PR guru, Saptosa Foster and Dr. Jackie’s Creative Director, Eboni I was able to connect Clark with Dr. Jackie. Clark finally had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Jackie last month at her private practice in Atlanta and the two women shared their journeys, struggle and strength. They discussed all the things that affect survivors such as losing their jobs, adjusting to a new body with scars and living with the effects of breast cancer and its impact.
Dr, Jackie and Chantelle Nickson Clark
Dr. Jackie: “I remember my first diagnosis was June 16th 2008 and I called the doctor and when they told I had cancer, I hung up the phone and kept working. By the time I saw my last patient I had the tears rolling down my eyes. I never thought in a million years I would have cancer. I had no family history of cancer. I never thought it could be me. Later when I found out I had actual breast cancer I thought I was going to faint because when the human mind hears the word cancer it equates it to death. That’s how we are programmed. When I got home I called my good girlfriends and they came over and supported me and I got my fight face on and since then I’ve been fighting and living me best life ever!” Living a healthy lifestyle which includes diet, exercise and a positive mental well-being is a major factor in maintaining great wellness,”
50 Shades of Pink empowered women like Clark to be unafraid. Through her Pink Angels Foundation, Clark’s organization has been a reality check for the rest of the world who don’t really understand the impacts of cancer on families and relationships. Clark doesn’t sugarcoat anything and wants to erase the myth that once you survive cancer everything is peaches. A budding author and Motivational Speaker, Clark has shared that women suffer from body deformities after having biopsy and surgery. Cancer also impacted her marriage in the beginning.
Chantelle: “During my diagnosis My husband and I would argue and became very distant. I was so upset and angry with my husband and vice versa. He would disappear while I was receiving chemotherapy, drop me off while getting injections, etc... We would repeatedly argue. There was one pivotal moment that I realized he was diagnosed as well. Not physically, but mentally. It was then that I recognized that men are fixers. Men are providers. Men are taught to be the head of the house. I immediately was able to see that he was hurting because he couldn't help me. His wife. The mother of his child. This was a battle that I alone had to physically endure. It was painful for him to watch me go through so much pain, dealing with the physical appearance/transformation, and sickness but we got through it. Love helped us survive cancer at a time that some relationships and marriages didn’t. This is my story and I hope to share other women’s real stories so that they can understand we are all going though the same thing. That’s what the Pink Angels Foundation is about. Its about connecting, sharing and learning how to get through personal health challenges while becoming more healthier overall.”
Amanda who is part of The Pink Angels Foundation in St. Louis said, “The foundation has helped me understand my new normal and I have met a group of women that truly understands the journey that I'm on. I no longer feel alone, unloved, or that no one understands how I feel. It's wonderful to be around women that have been where I'm heading. I feel comfortable sharing things that I would normally keep in. Cancer is a difficult process.”
After hours of talking and sharing their ideas of how to elevate women with cancer and the survivors, Dr. Jackie invited Clark to be the face of her upcoming campaign as well as participate in her annual 50 Shades of Pink Luncheon and Fashion show in October. Clark recently had a Prayer Breakfast in St. Louis for Survivors and on May 13th, 2017 The Pink Angels Foundation will hold a “Walk and Festival” for children and adults. Find out more on the Pink Angels website. You can keep up with all things Dr. Jackie on her website and tune into her radio show on Mondays with Dr. Heavenly at 1:00 p.m.
Chantelle Nickson Clark’s photo: by Jahret Rainey, stylist: Tam Buckus for Femme Fatale Style, Key make-up: Kimme Fields