If there’s one thing breast cancer has taught me, it’s that life isn’t something to put on hold.

I’m Liz, a proud mom to my amazing daughter, Kamryn, an organizational development specialist, a lifelong learner, and a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver. I recently earned my master’s degree in Human Resource Development with a 4.0 GPA, something I’m incredibly proud of because it reminded me that a diagnosis doesn’t get to define what’s possible for my future.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me planning my next trip, curled up with a romance novel, attending networking events, or spending time making memories with the people I love. Those moments matter so much more to me now than they ever did before.

My Journey

I was just 23 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Like many young women, cancer wasn’t even on my radar. I completed treatment hoping I could move forward with my life, but my journey didn’t end there. Over the years, my cancer metastasized, spreading to my bones and other areas of my body.

One of the most defining moments of my journey came when I realized I had to trust myself.

Something didn’t feel right, so I kept asking questions. I pushed for additional biopsies, even when it wasn’t easy. Those biopsies ultimately confirmed my metastatic diagnosis.

That experience reinforced something I’ll never forget: no one knows your body better than you do.

Advocating for yourself isn’t being difficult. It’s being informed, engaged, and determined to get the care you deserve.

Why I Became a Baddie Ambassador

Representation has always mattered to me.

As an Afro-Latina immigrant, I know what it’s like to navigate spaces where you don’t always see yourself reflected. I also understand what it means to move between cultures, speaking both English and Spanish, while carrying experiences that aren’t always understood by the people around you.

I recognize how fortunate I am to speak English fluently and have access to resources that not everyone in our community has. Language and cultural barriers can make it harder for women to understand their treatment options, advocate for themselves, and feel heard throughout their care.

That’s one of the reasons I wanted to become part of For the Breast of Us.

This community allows women of color to show up as our full selves, not just as patients, but as mothers, professionals, dreamers, travelers, advocates, and women who are still building beautiful lives after diagnosis. Seeing someone who looks like you and understands your lived experience can make all the difference, and I’m honored to be part of creating that representation. It’s a mission that reflects FTBOU’s commitment to advocacy, community, and education for women of color affected by breast cancer.

The Greatest Lesson Cancer Has Taught Me

Cancer changed my perspective on time.

Tomorrow isn’t promised, so I stopped waiting for the “perfect” moment.

I travel more.

I celebrate more.

I say yes more often.

I prioritize the people I love and the experiences that fill my life with joy because life is happening right now.

I’ve also learned that strength isn’t pretending everything is okay. Sometimes, strength is asking for help. Sometimes it’s resting. Sometimes it’s giving yourself grace.

What Being a Baddie Means to Me

To me, being a Baddie isn’t about looking perfect.

It’s about owning your story.

It’s choosing joy even when life is difficult.

It’s advocating for yourself in doctor’s appointments, supporting other women, and refusing to let cancer take away your identity.

A Baddie is resilient, authentic, confident, and understands that beauty exists in every stage of the journey.

My Message to You

If you’re navigating breast cancer right now, I hope you know this:

Give yourself permission to feel every emotion, but never lose sight of your worth.

You are so much more than your diagnosis.

Your voice matters.

Your concerns deserve to be heard.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek community, or lean on the people who want to support you. There will be difficult days, but there will also be beautiful moments worth celebrating.

And if there’s one thing I want you to remember, it’s this:

No estás sola, mi vida. Eres fuerte, eres valiosa, y mereces ser escuchada. Paso a paso, con fe y con amor… sigue pa’lante.

You are not alone, my love. You are strong, you are valuable, and you deserve to be heard. Step by step, with faith and love… keep moving forward.