What did the African American program look like in its early days?
Dominique: This program was created with the knowledge that women of color are under-represented in the medical field. Because of LatinaSHARE and their successful model, the door was open for us to create a program that addressed the needs of Black women.
Tell us about your cancer experience
I am a three-time cancer survivor, twice uterine and then ovarian cancer. I've been free of uterine cancer for 6 years, and this July, I will be 4 years free of ovarian cancer.
November 2022 will be 9 years since I received my first diagnosis of uterine cancer.
Tell us about your cancer experience
I have experienced all aspects of cancer as part of my career, volunteerism, advocacy for myself and others, and most importantly as a survivor. I have no regrets about my journey with cancer because it is my belief that it defines my purpose in life.
My cancer journey began in 2013. I was 33 years old, and had just gotten married six months prior to being diagnosed with uterine cancer. Being diagnosed with stage 1c uterine cancer changed my life and body forever.
My Name is Rosalind B. Pettiford. On November 2, 2009, I heard the terrifying words: “You have Uterine Cancer.” My only symptom was bleeding on vacation with my then Husband. We drove straight to the Veterans Hospital in Brooklyn on our way home, and Dr. Friedman scheduled me for a Pap smear.
I am very grateful that SHARE decided to start supporting women with
endometrial cancer so that I could join the community and benefit from its resources. In March 2017, I was diagnosed with stage IIIA uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) completely out of the blue at age 69. My only symptom was post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, and, at the time, I did not even know that it was a symptom of endometrial cancer.
April 28th was the fourth anniversary of the most frightening event of my life. I found myself remembering, in sharp detail waking up hemorrhaging, the ambulance ride to the hospital, the cold delivery of the news that it looked like cancer, blood transfusions, another ambulance ride to a different hospital, more transfusions, and a biopsy that became the surgical removal of a large tumor.
I was diagnosed with endometrial uterine cancer in September of 2015. My symptoms were minor and I only realized they were “symptoms” after I was diagnosed and told what some of the symptoms were...bleeding, bloating and discharge. Heart disease runs in my family so cancer never entered my mind!
In 2013 gynecologist sent me for a hysteroscopy due to some light bleeding.
Our lives have changed so much in the weeks since the coronavirus pandemic emerged. But some things remain the same. SHARE is here for you, no matter your situation.
As cases of the novel coronavirus are reported in the U.S., we want to share some information and resources for cancer patients and update you on what SHARE is doing to prepare.
