Hi, I’m Faith.

If you asked me who I am outside of breast cancer, I’d tell you I’m still figuring it out… and that’s okay.

I’m quirky. I have a wild imagination. I can be a little extra. I love flowers, gardening, DIY projects, and yes, I own power tools. Am I completely confident using them? Not yet. But they’re here, and I definitely want more.

I’m also a wife, a mom, and the primary caregiver for my mom, who is living with dementia. Life is full, sometimes messy, and always teaching me something new.

One thing people are usually surprised to learn is that I’m actually shy. I’m an introvert at heart, but little by little, the extrovert inside me is starting to come out.

I think that’s what this season of life has been about, becoming the person I was always meant to be.

I knew something wasn’t right.

About five years before my diagnosis, I felt something in my breast. I brought it up to my doctor. I had an ultrasound. I was told it was nothing. So I let it go.

Looking back, I honestly don’t know why I did. I knew better.

Then I had my first mammogram at 40. I remember thinking, “If something is there, they’ll find it.”

A few months before that mammogram, I started feeling sharp pains in the exact same area where I’d originally felt the lump. Looking back, I believe my body was reminding me to pay attention.

When I read the mammogram report, I knew. Before anyone called me. Before additional imaging. Before the biopsy. I knew.

Soon after, I was diagnosed with multifocal triple-positive invasive ductal carcinoma.

Treatment was only the beginning.

I underwent a single mastectomy because my surgeon told me there was no need to “mess with a good breast.”

Two lymph nodes were removed, and both contained cancer.

From there came chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, healing complications, infections, multiple surgeries, a wound vac, MRSA, and eventually a second mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction.

Seven years later, I’m still learning this body.

Healing isn’t always about reaching the finish line. Sometimes it’s learning to make peace with the person staring back at you in the mirror.

Cancer changed how I see life.

The biggest lesson cancer taught me is simple.

I spent too much time existing instead of living. For so many years, I stayed on the sidelines. I watched. I waited. I told myself I’d do things later.

Cancer reminded me that tomorrow isn’t promised. Now, when something scares me, I try to do it anyway.

Whether it’s speaking up, applying for something I don’t think I’m qualified for, or simply stepping outside my comfort zone, I’m learning to choose living over fear.

Live.

Love.

Laugh.

Do the thing. Whatever your “thing” is.

Finding my voice

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that while you can’t control every part of a cancer diagnosis, you do have a voice in your care.

Ask questions. Seek clarity. Advocate for yourself.

And when you don’t feel strong enough to do those things, borrow strength from your village until you find your own.

That’s what community is for.

Why I became a Baddie Ambassador

If I’m being honest, I almost didn’t apply. I looked at the application and thought, “I haven’t done enough advocacy.” I convinced myself I needed to accomplish more first. Then I attended Breast Cancer BaddieCon in 2025.

Something shifted. I left feeling renewed. I realized advocacy isn’t about doing everything. It’s about showing up. It’s about sharing your story. It’s about helping one person feel a little less alone than you did.

That’s why I’m here.

What being a Breast Cancer Baddie means to me

I’ve always tried to find purpose in every storm.

Breast cancer is part of my story, but it doesn’t define who I am.

If sharing my experiences helps another woman feel seen…

If it helps her find the confidence to ask one more question…

If it reminds her she isn’t walking this road by herself…

Then every chapter I’ve lived through has meaning.

That’s what being a Breast Cancer Baddie means to me.

To the woman who was just diagnosed…

Find your voice.

And use it.

You don’t have to know everything today.

You don’t have to have all the answers.

Lean on your community.

Borrow strength when you need it.

Trust yourself.

And remember this…

You only get one life.

Please don’t spend it sitting on the sidelines.

Go live it. 💗