Survivor Blog: Dawn Freeman, a 2020 Give Back Grant Recipient
In 2020, KAB made a commitment to directly support BIPOC Breast Cancer Survivors in Tennessee with a new program: the KAB Give Back Grant.
THIS YEAR, THROUGH A GENEROUS DONATION,
WE ARE ABLE TO EXPAND THIS PROGRAM TO PROVIDE GRANTS
IN ALL OF THE UNITED STATES.
We are giving away $100k! Nationwide.
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO MEET ONE OF OUR 2020 GIVE BACK GRANT RECIPIENTS, DAWN FREEMAN.
“When you are experiencing the outcome of breast cancer you don’t know what to expect financially. There is the possibility of financial challenges. Keep A Breast Foundation and the Give Back Grant assisted me with making a mortgage payment. I am appreciative that I walked into the Keep A Breast exhibit 2020, while it was in Nashville. I have met some phenomenal people and now have the opportunity to volunteer with Keep A Breast Foundation,” says Dawn.
Dawn is a health and wellness coach and a musician living in Nashville, Tennessee. You can listen to her song “Freedom of the Soul” by clicking below while you read this blog. Thank you, Dawn, for sharing your story with us.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
If I were an animal I would be a dog! Dogs are known to be “man’s best friend”. Dog’s live a life of unconditional love to their owners, friends and to many that they come in contact with. I want to provide as much love to those that I come in contact with.
When was your diagnosis and how old were you?
I was diagnosed for the first time at the age of 47 and my second diagnosis I was 48.
How did you find out you had breast cancer?
My first diagnosis came while I was working in a sales job for a great company! The department I worked for and my manager were not resonating with me nor my beliefs. I was absolutely miserable, stressed and for the first time in my life I hated my job. So I made the decision that I was going to quit the job. However, we had great benefits and I decided I would get my mammogram, a physical and me routine dental cleaning. A few days after my mammogram, I got the news that they would need to do further testing which turned out to be DCIS.
My second diagnosis happened on a Saturday morning while I was out driving. My surgeon from my first diagnosis called me and I knew that she would not call me on a Saturday morning unless it was something serious. She asked me to pull over and to stop the car. She gave me the news, explained the diagnosis and I went from there. I was pretty devastated to learn that I would have to go through this process again.
Who was the first person you confided in about your illness?
At the time of my diagnosis, I reached out to my spouse who I am separated from. I reached out to them as I knew they would more than likely help me through this. It was very difficult sharing this with them as we were not in a good place. I also was not in a good place mentally due to the fact that we had separated. I was very uncomfortable and felt like I would be going through this alone.
Tell us something about yourself that people probably don’t know?
Many people don’t know that my mother had me at the age of 13. This put my grandfather in a situation to step in and raise me. My mother was not able to care for me as I had health issues (adrenal disease) and her age. I am grateful that I had someone to care for me vs being placed for adoption or into the foster care system.
After your treatment, what do you now make time for in your day?
After treatment I have learned that self-care and mindset are most important for me. I spend 20-30 minutes every morning when I awake for meditation, reading and silence. This is a time for me to get my mind right and to set the intention on how I want my day to be.
What advice would you give to someone recently diagnosed?
Don’t be afraid and nor feel shame about your diagnosis. Be open to support and love from your friends and family members. Make a plan for transportation, food, help after surgery. Be sure you have comfortable and loose fitting pajamas or sleeping wear for after your surgery. Lastly, take the time to talk to friends and family if you are feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
If I were 16 years old I would tell myself to be sure to take advantage of having scholarships for college. When you graduate next year, go to college and follow your dreams.
What was the toughest challenge you faced?
My toughest challenge was dealing with adrenal fatigue and attempting to regain my strength after all of the surgeries associated with all of the surgeries. It was a definite struggle to not have the ability to care for myself on the daily basis. I was at the time a very independent person and did not believe in asking for support.
When do you laugh the most?
I laugh the most when I am spending time with my family and friends. It’s important for me to be fully present when I am sharing quality time with my friends and family.
If you could go back in time to any event, what would it be?
Four years ago, my family and I had a party for my dad who is now 91 years old. Some of my family had traveled from California and we stayed with my dad for a week. The day of the party, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends attended. We all took a moment to acknowledge my dad and give a short story or memory about my dad that was memorable. It was an amazing time.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?
A place that I would like to travel to is Italy. I love to cook and I love great food. I’ve always wanted to travel to Italy to experience the culture, the small cafés and coffee shops and the food. Some of my favorite foods were inspired by the first cookbook that was gifted to me when I was about 21. The book is an Italian cookbook titled “Biba’s Kitchen”.
