We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josephine Roach. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josephine below.

Josephine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

In October of 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis shocked me and rocked my world. After I had some time to let the diagnosis, surgery, and treatment set in, I realized the fragility of life. At age 50, I was facing a potentially fatal disease. I began looking at things in my life much differently. I had been my mother’s caregiver for many years while juggling a career and family commitments. When you are faced with a diagnosis like cancer, you realize what is most important. I looked at my career and realized I had to change. Others needed to be educated on breast cancer. I began telling my story and wrote a book chronicling the year I went through my breast cancer journey. Today, I speak about breast cancer at professional conferences, libraries, and local community centers. The diagnosis changed my life’s purpose. If one person hears me and gets that mammogram, they may be putting off and saving their life; my purpose will be complete.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a breast cancer advocate, author, and inspirational speaker. My breast cancer diagnosis led me to this career. There are silver linings to diseases like cancer, and I am happy to say I am a six-year breast cancer survivor. As an advocate, I visit our state capital in Michigan once a year and meet with my senator and state representative to discuss important healthcare bills that need to be passed. I am advocating for all cancer patients in my state. I also speak to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, listen to their concerns, and advise them on the journey they are about to embark on. I have been involved with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the past ten years. I help organize the yearly Komen Michigan Race for the Cure. This is the work I am most proud of because I met such strong women facing a life-threatening disease. These women teach me many life lessons, and I, in turn, help them see there is life after breast cancer.

After reflecting on my journey through cancer, I decided I had a story to tell. With the urging from some amazing people in a women’s group I am part of called G 100 Oneness & Wisdom, I wrote “Josephine’s Journey: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story of Hope.” I share my story so others can realize that cancer does not have to be the end, it can be the beginning to a new, fulfilling life. My book has helped many, which is the purpose I wanted to fulfill.

Through my speaking engagements, I provide inspiration to those who are going through their cancer journey. I share my trials and tribulations and give hope to a situation that seems hopeless at times. I speak at professional medical conferences, local libraries, and community centers. I know I am making a difference in people’s lives by sharing breast cancer awareness. If one person who is putting off their mammogram hears my story and gets their mammogram and potentially saves their life, my life purpose will be well served.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I went through treatment for breast cancer, I never gave up. I kept a positive attitude, and with the help of family and friends, I knew I would get through the year of treatment I faced. My attitude helped in my recovery. The support I received daily from my family and friends was incredible. A day did not go by that I did not receive a phone call, text, an inspirational card, or a homemade meal. It touched my heart and made me realize what I meant to those I loved the most. It kept me going, and I knew I would tackle anything that came my way.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

NEVER take anything for granted. As I went through chemotherapy and lost my hair, I realized how important it was to me. My hair was part of my identity. Without it, how would I be identified? As time passed, I realized I was much more than my appearance. What was on the inside, how a breast cancer diagnosis changed me, and how I looked at myself and others is what is most important. There is no time to lose. Seize every day and appreciate the little things in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://journeywithjosephine.now.site
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/josephineroachsurvivor
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jori.127
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-roach-8425531b3
• Other: To order Josephine’s Journey: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story of Hope, go to: https://josephinesjourney.now.site