The W

I was motivated to start my foundation based on both of my parents. This motivation, in some way, was formed out of not knowing how to handle my grief and still wanting to make them both proud. 

My Mother Walterine, a Louisiana native, loss her battle with cancer in April of 2022. She was a strong fighter to the very end. My mother’s battle went into remission for a very short time but returned in an aggressive form during the Covid-19 era. This prevented me from being able to sit with her and the doctor during the aggressive stage. By the time I was aware of the stage she was in, I was informed she had two weeks or less to live. It was a devastating blow. She was such a God fearing woman, we never discussed the what if’s. We both just knew she would win this battle.   

We laid my mother to rest in May 2022 on Derby Saturday. She was such a huge Kentucky Derby Fan. She would have her programs on the races and picks ready for the races. In 2000, she actually won in one of her race picks! I can still remember how excited she was. It helped her morale. The Derby will always be special to me because of my mother. We had plans to go once she was Cancer free.

I’m advocating early detection screening along with progressive screening for all. I want to dedicate resources to helping those navigating challenges associated with Breast Cancer. My Mother was taken from me too soon because of Breast Cancer.