We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keisha Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Keisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Turning Fear into Advocacy: My Journey as a Previvor

In the landscape of modern medicine, the term “previvor” has become a beacon of hope and empowerment. A previvor is someone who has a predisposition to cancer but has not yet developed the disease. My journey as a previvor began with a stark realization of my genetic predisposition, leading to a decision that would not only change my life but also fuel a passion for advocacy. Here is my story of how I faced the risk of breast cancer head-on, chose to undergo a bilateral double mastectomy, and transformed that challenge into a force for positive change.

Growing up, cancer was a recurring shadow in my family history. My mother and grandmother both battled breast cancer, their struggles marking our family with a deep-seated fear of the disease. When I learned that I carried the ATM gene mutation, known to significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, the weight of my family history felt even heavier. This mutation meant I had a high likelihood of facing the same battle my loved ones endured.

The decision to undergo a bilateral double mastectomy as a preventive measure was not taken lightly. I was healthy, young, and yet faced with a daunting choice: live with the constant fear of developing cancer or take a proactive step to reduce my risk. After extensive consultations with genetic counselors and oncologists, and many heartfelt conversations with my family, I chose the latter.

This decision was driven by a desire not only to take control of my health but also to free myself from the anxiety that loomed over my future. The surgery, while drastic, offered a sense of empowerment. It was my way of reclaiming my body and my peace of mind from the clutches of genetic predisposition.

Undergoing a bilateral double mastectomy was both physically and emotionally challenging. The surgery itself was a significant ordeal, followed by a long and often painful recovery process. There were moments of doubt, fear, and grief over the loss of a part of my body that had always been a symbol of femininity and identity.

However, through the support of my family, friends, and a community of fellow previvors, I found strength. The shared stories, encouragement, and solidarity helped me navigate the toughest moments. Slowly, as my body healed, so did my spirit.

As I recovered, I felt a growing need to turn my experience into something meaningful. I began sharing my story, first through small support groups, then on larger platforms. My goal was to raise awareness about the ATM gene mutation and the options available for those at high risk. I wanted to offer hope and support to others facing similar decisions.

I became actively involved in advocacy organizations, participating in educational campaigns, and fundraising events for cancer research. I wrote articles, and leveraged social media to spread awareness. My story resonated with many, and I realized the profound impact personal narratives can have in demystifying medical choices and empowering others. I decided to write about my journey in my latest project “facing the unknown” : a previvor’s path to wellness.

My journey as a previvor, marked by the decision to undergo a bilateral double mastectomy, has been transformative. What began as a deeply personal challenge has become a platform for advocacy and positive change. By turning my fear into action, I have not only taken control of my health but also contributed to a broader movement of awareness and support.

My story is a testament to the power of informed decision-making, the strength of community, and the importance of turning personal challenges into opportunities for advocacy. Through this journey, I have learned that while we may not choose our genetic destiny, we can choose how we respond to it—and in doing so, we can inspire and empower others to do the same.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The Healing Exchange: Empowering Journeys of Resilience and Hope

The Healing Exchange is a unique platform dedicated to fostering a community of support, resilience, and empowerment for those navigating the challenges of genetic predispositions and preventative health decisions. Founded by a previvor who courageously chose to undergo a bilateral double mastectomy due to a high-risk ATM gene mutation, The Healing Exchange is more than just a brand—it’s a movement.

Our founder’s personal journey of facing her fears, making informed decisions, and transforming adversity into advocacy has deeply influenced the ethos of The Healing Exchange. Here, we believe in the power of sharing stories and the strength found in community. By providing a safe space for individuals to share their healing journeys, we aim to inspire hope, foster connections, and offer vital resources and support.

Join us at The Healing Exchange, where every story matters, and every journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for positive change.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Facing the reality of my genetic predisposition to breast cancer was a moment that tested my resilience like never before. The discovery that I carried the ATM gene mutation, significantly increasing my risk, brought forth a wave of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and a profound sense of vulnerability. However, it was through this daunting revelation that I found an unexpected strength within myself.

The decision to undergo a bilateral double mastectomy as a preventative measure was one that required immense courage. It wasn’t just about the physical implications of the surgery, but also the emotional and psychological challenges that came with it. The thought of altering my body so drastically was terrifying, but the desire to take control of my health and future outweighed the fear. I knew that this choice would significantly reduce my risk of developing breast cancer and provide me with peace of mind.

The surgery itself was a grueling experience, and the recovery process tested my resilience every step of the way. The physical pain and discomfort were accompanied by emotional struggles. There were days when I felt overwhelmed by the loss of a part of myself and questioned my decision. However, it was during these moments of doubt that I discovered the true depth of my resilience.

Support from my family, friends, and a community of fellow previvors played a crucial role in my journey. Their encouragement and shared experiences provided me with strength and hope. I learned to lean on them during the tough times and celebrate the small victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, was a testament to my resilience and determination.

As I began to heal physically and emotionally, I realized that my journey could serve a greater purpose. I started sharing my story, first with close friends and support groups, and eventually on larger platforms. My goal was to raise awareness about genetic predispositions and the preventative measures available. I wanted to empower others facing similar challenges to make informed decisions and find strength in their journeys.

This advocacy work became a source of healing and empowerment for me. Through speaking engagements, writing, and participating in educational campaigns, I connected with countless individuals who were navigating their own paths of resilience. Their stories of courage and determination further fueled my commitment to this cause.

Inspired by my journey and the incredible people I met along the way, I founded The Healing Exchange. This platform is dedicated to providing a space where individuals can share their healing journeys, find support, and connect with others who understand their struggles. The Healing Exchange is a testament to the power of resilience and community, offering hope and empowerment to all who join.

My journey through adversity has taught me that resilience is not just about facing challenges, but about finding the strength to turn those challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change. By embracing my journey and sharing it with others, I have not only healed myself but also created a platform that empowers countless others. Resilience, I have learned, is a powerful force that can transform fear into action and adversity into advocacy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Running a successful brand like The Healing Exchange, which thrives on supporting others, has always been my passion and my purpose. I poured my heart and soul into creating a community where individuals could share their healing journeys and find strength in one another. However, when faced with my own medical crisis, the challenge of pausing to take care of myself was one of the hardest battles I had to face.

As the founder and driving force behind The Healing Exchange, my days were filled with managing the platform, engaging with our community, organizing events, and creating content to raise awareness. The work was deeply fulfilling but also relentless. I felt a constant responsibility to be there for others, to respond to their stories, and to keep the momentum of our mission going.

When I discovered that I carried the ATM gene mutation and had a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer, the reality of needing a bilateral double mastectomy hit me hard. The thought of taking a step back from my work to focus on my health seemed impossible. How could I abandon my community, even for a moment, when they relied on me for support and inspiration?

The decision to undergo surgery was not just a medical one; it was a profound personal and professional dilemma. I wrestled with guilt and fear—guilt for feeling like I was letting my community down, and fear of the unknowns that lay ahead with my surgery and recovery.

Taking time for myself felt selfish in a way that contradicted the very essence of what The Healing Exchange stood for. My identity was so intertwined with my work that the idea of stepping away felt like losing a part of myself. However, I knew deep down that if I didn’t prioritize my health, I wouldn’t be able to continue the work I was so passionate about.

It took countless conversations with loved ones and a hard look at my own needs to finally accept that I had to put myself first. My family and friends reminded me that true advocacy starts with self-care and that by taking care of my health, I was setting an example for my community.

Reluctantly, I announced to my team and the broader community that I needed to take a temporary hiatus. The outpouring of support and understanding I received was overwhelming and reassuring. My community, whom I had feared letting down, rallied around me, offering words of encouragement and sharing their own experiences with taking necessary breaks for health.

The surgery and subsequent recovery period were some of the most challenging times of my life. The physical pain was significant, but the emotional struggle was even more profound. Allowing myself to be vulnerable and focusing solely on my healing required a kind of strength I wasn’t used to.

Taking time for myself ultimately became a transformative experience. It taught me the importance of balance and the necessity of self-care in sustaining long-term efforts in advocacy and support. When I returned to The Healing Exchange, I did so with renewed energy and a deeper understanding of the very principles I advocated for.

My personal journey through surgery and recovery not only strengthened my resolve but also enriched the community’s connection. By sharing my experience, I was able to foster an even more profound sense of empathy and support within our platform.

The decision to pause and prioritize my health was one of the hardest yet most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. It reinforced the belief that true resilience and advocacy begin with self-care. By taking time for myself, I was able to return to The Healing Exchange with a fuller heart and a deeper commitment to our mission. My story became a testament to the power of vulnerability and the necessity of self-care in the pursuit of helping others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.keemaenterprises.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Speak2MotivateU/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM6v1fnGCaib_9RXP0_jisw