Anchors: Angela Colvin Rogers

July’s Anchor is Angela Colvin Rogers. Angela is a Cancer Survivor who was diagnosed with  Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in 2009; this is her story of overcoming and winning the battle of cancer. Read, share, and be inspired.

Angela Colvin Rogers

In October of 2008, on my way home from a normal appointment with my OB/GYN, I received a call from the nurse. She told me that I needed to come back to the office right away because the doctor needed to speak with me. I was pregnant with my daughter. I asked was something wrong. She said, “she couldn’t discuss it over the phone.” I started wondering if something may be wrong with the baby as tears welled up in my eyes. I called my boyfriend at the time, now husband, but he was unable to leave work so I called my mom. She met me at the doctors office. We sat at the desk waiting for my doctor to come [into] her office. She began talking to us about my blood work. She then went on to say she wanted me to see an Oncologist because I may have cancer. I put my hand in my face and began crying uncontrollably. My mom consoled me by rubbing my back saying, “No we don’t accept this.” My mom is a woman of strong faith. I saw an Oncologist, but no treatment because I was pregnant of course. I went on with life. I had my daughter in 2009 and married my wonderful husband. As a mother to two kids, a bonus daughter, and wife life was great or so at least I thought; I began to have swollen lymphnodes. After some thought and prayer we decided to go to UNC Cancer Center. In 2010, I started chemotherapy. I was almost at my last round when my Oncologist told us that the Leukemia was so aggressive that he thought a bone marrow transplant would be a better option. On January 31, 2012 I had a bone marrow transplant spending 100 days in Chapel Hill away from my kids who were five and three at the time. In 2013, my Oncologist told me that I was in remission. I was ecstatic, but the fight was far from over. I started writing down things so that I could note my journey. That’s when God placed it in my heart to write a book. I wanted to share my story of His grace and mercy. I had so many hospital stays that I lost count. From being on a ventilator to being airlifted to Chapel Hill, you name it, I probably experienced it. My book titled “Keep Fighting” was published by Christian Faith Publishing on October 17,  2019. In the book I become transparent sharing and reliving the lowest and darkest points of my life. I believe my test turned into a testimony that may help others who may be struggling with their faith too. My mission was to let the world know that in the midst of your battles, whether it be physically, mentally, or spiritually you should never give up and keep fighting because in the end you will win!
~Angela Colvin Rogers 

Angela is a courageous woman who turned a trial into a triumph. You can find her book, Keep Fighting, on iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Check out her book’s trailer on YouTube .

Christina’s Journey: The Biggest Fight-Remission

It is the month of September, which is Blood Cancer Awareness: Lymphoma and Leukemia and it is time to celebrate the fighters and the survivors of these cancers.  My question is, when will the fight ever end?

Remission from cancer or any other Chronic Disease does not imply that your body will ever be truthful to you again.  It betrayed you one time and it continues to betray you, just like the saying “once a cheater always a cheater.”  As soon as you begin trusting your body it does a U-Turn and heads back down the road you just fought.  Living as a cancer survivor the expectations are set high from your Medical Team and yourself of how your life will be after cancer.  You want to pick up from which was left off from when you were fighting for your life and it does not quite work out in that manner.   I am in a constant war to live a fulfilled and prosperous life because 2 1/2 years of my life was stolen.  I am in the phase of making up for lost time, which can become very taxing on the mental, emotional, and physical elements of myself but it must be completed.

I celebrate every small victory that I have as I am fighting to stay alive in all capacities of my being.  I am going to be very transparent of what I mean of celebrating small victories.  I have accomplished to run two successful businesses at the same time, I no longer fear having the security of my support circle to accomplish a task, I can travel alone either it is driving or going on a trip, and  I now use my voice to articulate my emotions instead of withholding.  Yes, you see I have won the battle of cancer but the war is still going on around me.  It is either I continue to push forward or go into nonexistence and isolation.

It is difficult being open on this very topic since it is my current situation but I never will allow anyone to feel sorry for me or believe that fighting for your life is not worth every needle, pill, doctor visit, or the feeling of uncertainity.  It will allow you to appreciate your life and lives around you.  It is important that we take care of ourselves mentally and physically to cope with our Chronic Diseases because I am learning how to finally take advantage of my opportunities.  It takes more than yourself to get through your “new” normal of living.  It will be hard but your hard work will pay off at the end.  You will be blessed abundantly as long as you are obedient in the process.

I hope and pray that my story will help someone on their battle of coping or fighting with a Chronic Disease.  Never feel defeated because our bodies are not cooperating in the fashion as we want them to, but try the best you can to work within your realm so you may enjoy life.

Follow my Journey of Remission on Social Media:

FB: My Journey of Remission

Instagram:  @Foreveryoung_Love13

Anchors: Nina Gordon

Today’s Anchor for the month of July is a true gem.  I met Ms. Nina years ago because her daughter and me grew up together and are good friends.  I have watched her incredible journey in life and how she has overcame to be a triumphant contribution to the community.  Anchor 6, Inc. is multi-faceted and we address all levels of Chronic Illness that Young Adults can face in their lives.  I am sharing Nina’s story because it is empowering and it is great but it will open your eyes into who we are as Health Advocates.  I hope Nina’s story will put a smile on your face and know that we are all on this journey called life together.

Ms. Nina Gordon has a Nonprofit, Together As One Ministries, Inc., the organization is a Ministry to help women from the age of 18-up to develop faith, love, and self esteem.  To be able to live their lives without the use of drugs and alcohol, built on nothing but the love of God and one another.

Nina’s Social Media Platform:

FB: Anchors: Nina Gordon

IG: ziongsgma

In September 1996, I was diagnosed with HIV [at the age of 29].  For those that don’t know, that’s the virus that can cause AIDS.  I can remember that day when the Nurse told me I was positive(HIV).  Those words, what she had on, the time of day and that devastating look she had on her face at the time, I can remember it all.   I knew it was just as hard for her to tell me as much as it was for me to hear.   September 18, 1996, my life would forever be changed from that moment on.

              I can remember the days and weeks that led up to my initially being okay with even having a HIV test in the first place.  I had been living with my boyfriend, at the time who was a crack user and continuously returning home giving me the disease Chlamydia.  I kept asking him if he went to the doctor to get it cleared and of course he was lying.  My first mistake I had to continue to ask instead of making sure, but due to his continued drug use, I eventually left him and moved back to Gastonia, NC, my hometown.

              Once you have been diagnosed with HIV the stigma sets in immediately before you even tell the first person.  I set myself a part from everyone even my children.  The very first person that I told was my high school English teacher.  She was working at the time.  I don’t know how I drove from the doctor’s office to Ashbrook to tell her, crying the whole way there, but I did.  Just so happen God allowed her to be doing her planning period where only she was in the classroom at the time.  Everything was so dark for me.  All I could think about was that I needed to share this with someone else and that someone was her.  I remembered, she listened and gave me hugs occasionally and then I left. 

              If you are not walking this same path as I am, you will never understand my pain   Although I have dealt with HIV for almost 20 years, this does not make the mental and emotional times be easier.  I had family and friends to walk away.  I have had my children talked about because I am their mother.  My children have had to defend my honor to some people they did not even know.  I have had to always tell any potential mate that I am HIV positive not only because the state of NC requires that I do, because it is the right and just thing to do.  He never told me and he knew!!!!

              I would never want anyone to go through everyday life where people look at you not for the color of your skin but because you are in a fight to save your life and the lives of the people coming behind me.  I live to help the next person that gets this diagnosis and think it’s a death sentence like I did.  But today, it is not.  We are living longer and healthier lives.  HIV does not define who I am, I define what HIV is.  I have done everything the doctors have asked me to do.  I stop smoking crack, cocaine, and drinking alcohol along with any other illegal substance for over 13 years ago. 

I have been on my medications for over 13 years and have taken them every day since.  There have been a couple of times where I have forgotten and that is only because once I think about if I have taken my medications or not, I don’t want to take another one just in case.  I fight this illness with my work and my mouth! I work with men and women newly diagnosed and those that have been positive for longer than I have.   See God knew that I would be that beacon of hope for the next generation coming through scared, afraid and thinking heir life is over. 

              There is HOPE and I know there will be a CURE soon.  I pray this helps encourage everyone if they have not yet, be tested.  It does not matter your race, man or woman.  No one is exempt from this but everyone can be educated and fight together.  No one ever needs to die.  This is why I fight every day for a cure.

Anchors: LaTanya Bonds

Today’s featured Anchor of Anchor 6, Incorporated is Ms. LaTanya Bonds.  LaTanya has an incredible and powerful story about her Chronic Illness and the journey she is on.  I met Ms. LaTanya through a mutual friend and I am very blessed to have her in my life and be a Health Advocate for her.  LaTanya’s story exemplifies strength, determination, and authenticity.  Reading her story was a message from God because LaTanya touches on how much her health care cost which is important to insure that you have a healthy prosperous life.  Having financial protection is so imperative to have because we do not know when “LIFE” will come knocking at your door.  Thank you LaTanya for your beautiful testimony!

Anchor LaTanya

Social Media Outlets:

FB:  LaTanya Bonds

Twitter: @latanya_marie

IG: latanya_marie

Periscope: latanya_marie

Here is Ms. LaTanya Bonds’ story:

“Life happens, but the greatest testament to your faith is how you respond. Just a simple adjustment in your attitude can change your entire outlook! Thanks Maya!!! That has been my Testament since I found out April 8th, 2016 that I had Hodgkin’s Pre Nodular Lymphoma.. Suffering almost in SILENCE the last few years, I guess cancer has been forming for so long. My OB/GYN had been performing ultrasounds, then CT scans, and finally a biopsy. All we knew was that something was wrong, and we had to find it!! I remember sitting at my desk working and I get a call from my doctor, and she says “LaTanya are you sitting down” I’m like yes she was like I want to talk about your biopsy results from that statement alone my heart dropped. All I heard was cancer. Immediately I just knew that I was going to die I was not going to be around for my son and I heard nothing else that she was saying. All I could think of was Lord why me I’m only 35 and I’ve already been through so much!! Well the next day I met with an oncologist who went over my results with me and told me that I had stage 3 the Hodgkin’s as well as I had similarities of Non Hodgkin’s disease. And again all I could think of was Lord please don’t let me die. I was told that I would need to have a full pet scan so that following Monday my life changed like never before. Between racking up about $30,000 worth of doctors bills and going to the doctors and having Labs at least 20 times in a four-week period I was beyond exhausted. But during that that whole time one thing changed my attitude and my Outlook. Each day my steps begin to get easier!!! My fight began to get stronger!! My Hope and my faith begin to get louder!! I knew that this was just another stepping stone in life and another Testament of how strong of a person I was and how strong I was faith!! I’ve been through so many hard things in my life but by this far is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through!!! Chemotherapy can physically wiped you out where you don’t know if you’re coming or going.. Even though I have cancer, cancer doesn’t have me!! I still work my businesses I am a freelance makeup artist I have my own Jewelry Company call Moxie designs I make bridal veils I make headbands I make a plethora of crafts! I have a handsome 8 year old son who I love so much who has been such an amazing little person during this season!! My smile continues to carry me through I literally have the joy of the Lord. I won’t be sad I won’t be defeated because there is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel so I have to do is just continue to walk through this journey! Never give up never lose hope!! Continue to be a warrior!! I still have 5 more months of chemo to go and possibly radiation but hey I’ll just keep on smiling!”

Anchors: Ms. Lauren McCray

Our organization is far beyond Kermilya and my experiences with Chronic Illnesses.  There are other Young Adults who shall no longer have to live in silence because of their illnesses.  We all need an “Anchor” in our lives to continue to give us hope and determination to continue going on each day.

Today, Ms. Lauren McCray story will be told and shared about her “new” and wonderful life.  Her story is definitely a true testament to “God’s Promises” and how He will always “order our steps” if you believe and trust.  I am so proud of her accomplishments and her story.  Lauren will save many Young Adults who are in silence about their Chronic Illnesses.  We are all in this fight together.

Lauren’s Social Life can be found on Anchors!

Hello All,

My name is Lauren McCray. I am a native of Gastonia, NC and currently residing in Winston-Salem, NC.  I’m a proud mother of an amazing two-year-old little boy, my pride and absolute joy, Grayson Gabriel.  My mother has always told me that my life had meaning and that I was created for a great purpose and destiny.  Before I was even born my parents almost lost me, when my mom fell down a flight of stairs.  She promised the Lord then that if He saved me that she would give me back to Him… Well it’s safe to say that He kept me and my mother kept her word.  My faith has always kept me even in the hardest of times, but February of this year tested my faith on a level that I have never faced before.  As a private person I normally keep things to myself, but I know that this experience was about way more than just Lauren…. So here we go!

On Super Bowl Sunday my life changed in a way that I never saw coming. I went to church, enjoyed service and then left to grab some last minute items to have at my Super Bowl party.  My son was hungry so after shopping I went to grab him a quick bite to eat.  I got out of my SUV, walked over to his side as I always do and when I went to pick him up, my entire left side went numb, and I felt paralyzed.  My chest was tight and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.  I knew where I was. I could hear my son calling my name but I was frozen and terrified.  After a few minutes the feeling went away and shortly after I had the worst headache I had ever experienced.  I was really worried but I didn’t tell anyone, I thought that maybe I was just tired or that it was stress induced and I was wrong.

The same thing happened again the next day after I left work and I knew then that something was wrong with me.  I told my family and was advised to go to the hospital.  A few hours in the emergency department with blood work, scans, and other testing turned into a weeklong hospital stay.  I was initially placed on the stroke floor because I exhibited the classic signs of a stroke.  I was the youngest person on the floor.  I was given a full stroke work up, checked for MS, and seizures as well, and the episodes that I was having continued and got worse.  I was told that it could be a range of things from my brain to my heart.  I felt lost…confused…afraid…worried…angry.  No one knew what was wrong with me and I knew that I wasn’t making up how I felt.  Every test that I had done came back negative for what the doctors were looking for.  I was grateful for that in the midst of everything but still frustrated at not having any solid answers.  I cried silent tears every night because I didn’t want to worry my family any more than they already were.  I was given medicines to control the episodes which they thought to be seizures.  I experienced adverse effects to them and almost lost my life due to one of the meds. From there I was transferred to the critical care unit in order to be more closely monitored and by this time I was tired.  I felt like giving up.  I just wanted to know what was wrong with me.  I cried out to God and asked for answers and clarity.  I just wanted to understand what was going on. I was finally diagnosed with a rare disorder called Hemiplegic Migraine Disorder.  The disorder completely affected the left side of my body.  When the doctor began to describe the disorder I was mentally checking off every sign and symptom mentioned because I was experiencing them all.  I was told that I couldn’t drive again until cleared by a doctor, that I would be on medications for the rest of my life to control the episodes, that I would be out of work for a while……my entire life changed.

Once released from the hospital, the episodes continued and my body ached. The migraines were horrible. I could barely walk without someone helping me or a walker…I went to physical therapy….had exercises to do at home…..but I still believed that God was a healer.  From February to April I didn’t feel like myself.  I began learning to adjust to life with this disorder.  I couldn’t do anything quickly anymore and there was even much I couldn’t do for myself at all.  The episodes came out of nowhere and any progress I made through the day was lost with each episode that came. I felt so defeated at times. It was so frustrating but I was surrounded by and amazing support system that kept my prayed up and motivated. I finally got to a point where I could begin to be alone and do some things for myself again, and the episodes even began to slow down some.

On April 11th, I literally pressed my way to to service at my church and my Bishop stopped me during service as he saw me barely walking.  He told me that the Lord made him stop right then and pray for me. He was sensitive to the Spirit and did as he was advised.  As he began to pray for me and speak healing over my life I felt God’s presence in a way that I never have. God with his amazing self was healing me even then.  I literally went from dragging myself into church, to leaping, running, and praising God in a way that I never have. The awesome part is that same day I had gone to see my neurologist for severe headaches that I was still experiencing, and was placed on three more meds in addition to three that I was already taking. Since that night at church I haven’t had a migraine or an episode, I walk normally again, I’m driving and getting back into work….. and I haven’t taken any of those medications! I feel no more pain. No more weakness. No more numbness. No more dizziness. No more sensitivity to light and sound.

God is truly a healer. He keeps His word and He never allows us to go through things that we are not equipped to handle. This experience has increased my faith and taught me to solely lean on Jesus.  I know that it was no one but Him that took this burden away from me and completely healed my body.  I’m determined to share the word that miracles still happen because I am a living witness. I hope that my story will continue to encourage and inspire others that are facing challenges. Below you will find the link to a video I shared the night that I was healed.  Peace and Blessings to each and every one of you.

Lauren.

Phase 12: Christina’s Journey- Creating Your Legacy and Building Your Empire

I am bringing the Superwoman Empowerment Brunch from March 19, 2016 to you.  It was a lot of inspiring information floating in the atmosphere at this event.  Every leader should be fully aware that you are not fully fed of all of your nourishment you need to be successful.  It takes a village of candid and care to insure your “tank” is constantly being filled with knowledge and power.  I am going to refer to my speech that I gave on  “Creating Your Legacy and Building Your Empire.”  There are many ways that you can receive this information, but receive this “golden nugget” with an open mind and the motivation to provoke change in your life to influence change in others.

I will also going to include the wonderful Founders/Coordinators of this powerful event Natasha Nichole Lake and Jada Monica Drew.  The guest speaker was Author and Brand Specialist Chisa D. Pennix-Brown and myself, Christina D. Sadler-Young.  I will post their contact information below.  Remember being in leadership, especially being a woman in leadership, is a humbling experience and we are a rare form so it is very vital that we are giving to which was given to us as leaders.

Resources:

Natasha Nichole Lake : NNL Empowerment : www.natashalake.com : @nnlempowerment

Jada Monica Drew : Social Design : socialdesignconsulting.com : @jdotdrew

Chisa D. Pennix-Brown : Author | Brand Specialist : http://www.facebook.com/the90dayfocus

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Half of individuals may ask why conquer such high expectations and where do you begin, while the other half seem as if their legacy and empire are parallel to the success that life has to offer automatically.  To accomplish such residuals in your life you must know who you are – build your brand.  Brands are not just for companies and organizations but most importantly it is for YOU!  I began my brand building the day I came into this world on February 10^th, 1985 and since that day every move I have made, especially when I was coming into my own, was strategically done to get me to where I am today.  I received my direction from God and along with His guidance my parents and family sat as passengers, because no matter which way my life took they were there for me 100%.  As you are   with your guide and passengers where are you going?  What are you wanting to gain from this trek?  God guides us on different tours to see what faith we have for His vision, so write down your short and long term goals and incorporate a vision board so you will see yourself accomplishing within a certain time limit to move to the next conquering quest.  I always have a plan and a contingency plan to the original plan because LIFE happens and God has a funny way of taking you and me on detours and that is where the fun begins.  As I stated earlier, I always had a plan and goals which I accomplished especially in my career.  I was getting more exposure because of my strong leadership capabilities that I had been cultivating throughout my years.  With this exposure it led my people to be developed and be promoted as well as myself. 

Always remember success comes with a price sometimes. It is a sacrifice compromise of something or someone but I knew and know that God continues to guide and show favor over obedience.  Through obedience my empire was growing and I did not fully understand nor grasp the concept and that is why I was sent on a detour to fully understand my quest, but God did not send me alone. He perfected my tight circle of friends, family and my King husband David.  You nor can I build an empire alone because our legacy will be destroyed and the brand will not exist.  We must have individuals in our lives that will continue to push us towards greatness.  You need a mate that will be your everything lover, best friend, caregiver and coach.  My husband David is all of these and more and I pray that every woman meets, befriends, and marries a husband like mine.  He takes care of me and I have become a stronger woman because of him.  As I stated we have been placed on a detour majority of the time until cancer became a part of our daily conversations.  I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma exactly one month and three days after marriage.  We will be celebrating 3 years on October 12^th.  When I was diagnosed I underwent surgeries, 6 months of chemo, relapsed twice had a stem cell transplant, have a paralyzed diaphragm with a chronic lung disease, infertility but I will never be a victim or become any of my illness.  I AM A FIGHTER AND A SURVIVOR!!!

 I know you may be wondering why I was on this detour and it was because I needed to learn to be an even more effective leader.  I have to be transparent to be relatable and for my credibility during this transformation.  My vision of my non-profit began bouncing around in my mind.  God makes full circles in our lives.  So it is extremely important (women) that bridges do not become burned but to be used as a path for networking and collaboration.  Anchor 6, Inc. was born with the help of my sorority sister, business partner Kermilya who also suffers with a chronic illness. Anchor 6, Inc. will be our nation’s leader in providing young adults who suffer in silence with a chronic illness with the abilities of healing, tranquility, and transformation. 

Food for thought: “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.”  Madeline Albright 

“Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers the believers and thinkers, but most of all surround yourself with those who see greatness within you even when you don’t see it in yourself.”

Are you ready for your detour and if you are on it how will it create your legacy to build your empire!!

Phase 11: Christina’s Journey- My Stem Cell Rebirth

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On March 3, 2015 I was admitted into Baptist Hospital at Wake Forest in the Cancer Center to receive my Stem Cell Autologous Transplant.  For exactly 5 days straight, the Doctors killed ALL of my good and bad cells in my body to break my body to zero through chemotherapy, which equates to no immune system, in order to kill my Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer for good.  It had “ruled” my life for over 2 years at the moment.  I was ready to live my life that God had created for me to live.  I am going to type my journal entry for the day I received my new body, my rebirth on March 9, 2015.  Today is my First Birthday of my Rebirth.

3/9/15 “‘Made Alive with God.’  Today is one of the best days of my life.  I get my stem cells!! My life begins anew today.  This moment is very symbolic to me. Ephesians 2: 8-9 ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.’ The scripture speaks clearly to me today.  God gave me this “gift” to share with others.  My daddy would tell me that this is not for me but God is working through me to bring others closer to Him.  I continuously give God all the praise and all the thanks no matter what, because He makes everything anew and fresh again.  I guess my stem cells will be on “fleek” today, just a little humor.  My old life will be no more after 2 pm, thank you God for a fresh start.  You have shown me so much favor and I am blessed to be your child and I try everyday to walk in your light.  This has become a letter to God, wow.  I just can not stop praising Him.  I will conclude here, I will most likely return later today.  ~ Love you always”

I hope my journey continues to empower others to hold on because it gets easier everyday, but I know there will be days where you do not want to do anything.  Not even go outside, but you have to.  Your mind is very powerful and it will become what you tell it to become.  Do not become your illness because it is only temporary.  I am writing you this from experience as I still continue to #survive and #fight everyday!

Phase 10: Christina’s Journey-Creating Your Legacy and Building Your Empire

“Most people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they’re 75.” ~Benjamin Franklin

“GRIND in your 20s.  BUILD in your 30s. CHILL in your 40s.”

I am just going to put this question into the atmosphere that I have asked on some occasions but I never get responses.  I pray today there will be a healthy dialogue on this subject matter.

ARE YOU FINANCIALLY STABLE ENOUGH IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN?

DO YOU KNOW YOUR JOB’S INFORMATION ON SHORT AND LONG TERM DISABILITY?

DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN YOUR COMPANY’S LIFE INSURANCE IN PLACE?

MOST IMPORTANTLY, DO YOU HAVE A LIVING WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY?

I am only asking these questions because as Young Adults we are vesting our time and our financial goals on retirement and purchasing our first home.  We very often forget the middle of the story and that is LIFE.  Life happens and a lot of the time when “life” comes knocking it will be a very unexpected approach where you will not have time to prepare.  If you have not begun figuring out the “game of life” the most important rule to the game is to have multiple avenues of income flowing in your household and to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE, SAVE….. Many of us are only relying on our main career/job to get us to retirement. Billionaires and Millionaires did not acquire their wealth from that approach, they had many avenues that were running parallel and/or perpendicular to grow their wealth.

I am sharing this information because FINANCES is a big chunk of the healing process of a Chronic Illness Young Adult because of the long list of medications, doctor visits, and procedures you do not want to have the added stress when you are trying to manage and overcome something much greater than money, your LIFE.  Please sit down and really create your “Wealth Plan.” As your Chronic Illness journey is beginning you have to have a plan and attainable/actionable goals to accomplish.  I highly recommend meeting with a Financial Advisor that can help guide you along your way so you know that you are getting the most out of your investments and that you are budgeting that is conducive to you and your family’s life style.  It is never too late to get your “house” in order as long as you are alive and breathing your dreams can still become a reality.  Take control of your FINANCES because you do not want them to control you, your healing, and your LEGACY!

I am going to make this a short and simple post because you need the time to marinate on this information I have provided to you.  I can show you how to grow your wealth in its current state and I have people who can help guide you through as well.  First, YOU HAVE TO JUMP!!!! You have to take a chance and believe in you and your family. You need to create your everlasting LEGACY to generate and build your EMPIRE today that will lead you into FREEDOM!

Resources:

George Acheampong-Financial Advisor in Charlotte, NC:  http://www.makescents2me.com

Evie Brathwaite-Primerica Financial Advisor in Huntersville, NC:  ebrathwaite@primerica.com– 980.202.4100

Visit Kermilya’s and Christina’s It Works Pages:

Christina: http://www.anchorsix.myitworks.com

Kermilya: http://www.naturalfitcurves.myitworks.com

Christina’s Journey: Phase 9

  February is a month filled with honors and recognition such as Heart Awareness, Black History, President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, my 31st birthday, and the BIGGEST one of all, Valentine’s Day.  Everyone will be out looking and searching for the best gift for their spouse or significant other.  I will not be a part of that movement because I want to give my husband something that is everlasting.  The everlasting gift is ME!

As I have stated in a previous blog on our page that I knew my husband was the person for me from our first date.  Having my dream become a reality was the most ultimate gift God created and sent to me.  Being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after a month of marriage was devastating.  Fast forward to the present on February 2, 2016, my intimacy capabilities became dormant. Going through two years of chemotherapy, which created a Love & Hate relationship with my body.  Even though, chemotherapy and the Stem Cell Transplant put me into remission but left some damages along the way.

I believe in transparency and integrity in order to have continued growth in my life.  Having chemo being pushed constantly through my veins utilizing a port in my chest took a major toll on my body.  One major piece that it took from me was my womanhood, which left me feeling my being and purpose of being a woman was stolen from me.  On March 13, 2015, it was the last day that I saw my abilities become obsolete to have a biological child.  I buried the reality of not having my whole being come into an affect.  As always, suppressing pain and disappointment just guides you to another level of the downward spiral.  I lay my hands on my stomach and abdomen praying to God to remain obedient to Him because of “God’s Promise.”  On February 26, 2016, my missing puzzle piece of womanhood was restored like it had never left.  GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!!  The first thought that ran through my mind were babies, babies, and more babies.  Before that can come into play I must insure this is a regular gig and not a special guest performance.

My biggest FEAR that I never knew in a million years would occur is my low level of sexual activities and desires.  Intimacy is important in a relationship, it comes in different forms, and only brings you even closer to your significant other.  When my Oncologist told and explained to David and me why we could not embrace our intimacy levels completely due to my treatments.  Being on chemotherapy weakened my immune system and decreased white blood cells that prevents illness and encourages healing.  Having those ailments against me it kept one aspect of our intimacy on another level.  Currently, being in remission I am beginning at ground zero.  My desires are little to nonexistent, my body is not responding as previously, and I feel defeated to a degree.  When I recognized what was going on I quickly “Google” because I refuse to be a victim.  I am a SURVIVOR and I am in the fight for my life everyday.  “Knowledge is power” and I am empowered and obligated to communicate with my husband and collaborate with him to bring our groove back in 2016.

It is extremely imperative that Chronic Illness does not become a catalyst in leading a relationship down to the ground.  Always communicate, always say “I love you,” always spice things up so you do not become complacent, and most importantly continue to be self aware of who you are.

Always Fighting & Surviving,

Christina D. Sadler-Young

Christina’s Journey: Phase 8

“The Lord replies, ‘Write down the message I am showing you in a vision.  Write it clearly on the tablets you use.  Then a messenger can read it and run to announce it.'” Habukkak 2:2

It has been a while since I have written anything.  The reason of my absence is due to illness and I kind of lost my way.  I strongly believe as being a leader I must be transparent and true to myself, so I can become stronger after the trial is over.  It is very important to do the above task, because that is how you keep pushing when you feel like giving up.

I know you are wondering what my thoughts have to do with the Lord’s request of writing down your message from your vision.  Anything we put into the atmosphere will become our reality.  You must be careful because as the scripture states messengers will announce your information to others.  Being in remission has had a profound effect on me.  After having the Stem Cell Autologous Transplant my life felt real again.  All of sudden the joy of recovery came to a screeching halt.  I did not understand how I went from positive movement to negativity of a downward spiral.  I had a lung disease caused by excessive amount of chemotherapy and I was on steroids that altered me mentally and caused great physical pain.  My body was not following instructions and with all of these disorders I became isolated.  It took away my quality of life that I waited so long to gain again.  I truly lost all of my motivation and my determination to keep what is mine.

My epiphany moment did not occur until recently.  Our brain is a powerful machine.  Sometimes I would not get out of the bed either from being in so much pain or depression was settling in.  Being a Survivor is the hardest person to be when you were always fighting to stay alive.  It took a lot of changing my mindset.  I knew God never left me and He gave me the tools to be my own hero.  I began going back in my journal to see where my spark was so I can continue to fight the next chronic illness battle.  I will tell God, my family, and my friends that I wanted my life back and only 24 hours to be pain free and illness free.  When the Lord responded, it was in the scripture to write the vision and share the vision.  I shared my vision to myself to have motivation and determination again to live my “new” normal life without cancer.  The steps to a better life just began this week.  I had been silencing and blocking God’s vision because I was putting negativity into the atmosphere and getting no nourishment.

Overall, chronic illness is consuming all of your being.  I know first hand if it consumes you, you will become the reality of your thoughts.  As always, it still is a battle everyday to stay mentally strong and alive to have the best quality of life!

Always Surviving,

Christina