10/20/2026
For three years, I've been fighting two battles. Most people only knew about one. ๐ฉท
Today, I'm ready to share a part of my story that I've kept private for a long time.
In 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing a double mastectomy, I believed that chapter of my life was behind me.
But in 2023, my cancer returned. This time, it was Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer.
For the past three years, I've undergone chemotherapy every three weeks, all while continuing to lead H.O.P.E., advocate for single-parent families, celebrate our students, and work toward creating opportunities for the communities we serve.
There have been difficult days. There have been moments of fear. And there have been times when the weight of it all felt incredibly heavy.
But through it all, my purpose has remained.
I'm sharing this because I know there are women who are putting off appointments, questioning symptoms, or accepting answers that don't feel right.
I know because I was once a young Black woman whose concerns were initially dismissed.
And I had to keep advocating for myself.
If there's one thing I want you to take away from my story, it's this: NEVER stop advocating for your health.
Ask questions. Seek answers. Make the appointment. Get the recommended screenings. And remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of everyone who depends on you.
To my H.O.P.E. family, thank you for supporting this mission and giving me so many reasons to keep showing up.
Cancer is part of my story, but it is not the entirety of who I am.
I am still here. Still fighting. Still serving. And still holding on to HOPE. ๐
I've shared more about my journey in a personal article on LinkedIn. I invite you to read it, share it, and send it to a woman who needs this reminder today.
With love and gratitude,
Kenita Smith