I've always been a strong woman. My childhood and young adult life was full of tragedy, obstacles and setbacks. Time and time again, I would overcome these hurdles and get back on track. Fighting breast cancer was no different. I realized that all of those challenges were preparing me for the battle of my life-fighting cancer.

Armed with plenty of knowledge, I set out on the internet to research and connect with other young African-American survivors for advice and encouragement. I was quite surprised that I could not readily locate any books or images of women who looked like me who had battled the disease. So, I decided to be the difference I was seeking.

I followed my one-year journey through breast cancer in a self-published memoir entitled "Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels". The book infuses reality with humor and offers the reader hope and encouragement as well as providing glimpses into what to expect in chemotherapy, radiation and post-surgery. It has been well received by woman of all ages and ethnicticities and filled a gap in the market that can't afford to be open. Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer.