The Sun will Shine - Leah Hooks "I Beat Aggressive Breast Cancer 18 years ago"

"At 51, I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer—one tumor was aggressive triple-negative, the other estrogen-positive. My journey was filled with challenges, but 18 years later, I stand here cancer-free. This is my story of faith, resilience, and the people who supported me along the way. If you're battling cancer or know someone who is, know that hope is real, and you're not alone."

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Transcript

 Hi, everybody. I'm sitting here with Leah Hooks, who is part of the Gloria Gemma (6:04) She Rolls class of 2024. How are you today? I'm good, Lisa.Thank you. You look beautiful. (6:09) Thank you.How was today's photo shoot makeover experience? Very nice. Did you have fun? Yes, it (6:16) was. Do you get to get dressed up and put on gowns in your day to day, weekly, monthly? I mean, (6:23) is that something you do? No, no, I work in the office all week for Lifespan, which is (6:28) five hospitals in Rhode Island.Okay, so many people have mentioned Lifespan today in their (6:34) telling me their stories and their background. So is Lifespan real big out here? (6:40) They have a monopoly over the hospitals in Rhode Island, because there's five of them, (6:45) and there's only three other hospitals in Rhode Island that's not part of Lifespan. (6:50) Didn't you say, I think it was at SCART, your cancer was a while ago, is that correct? (6:56) 18 years.Okay, yeah, that's great. And so was your main desire in participating in this program (7:04) to help advocate, what was the main reason you said, you know, I want to be part of the She (7:09) Rolls class? Well, I figured it would be an encouragement for some of the other survivors (7:13) that's still maybe going through treatments, or maybe only out a year or two, that know there (7:21) is hope and that hopefully they can reach those number of years and beyond. Yeah, absolutely.I (7:28) know when someone hears 18, they're like, I can't wait to say that. Yeah, yeah, that's exciting. (7:36) Through doing that, I mean, obviously, women are natural nurturers and wanting to help others and (7:41) give back.But, you know, we need to take care of ourselves also. So in that vein, was there a part (7:48) of this that was part of your growth journey in being part of any of this, SCART or StoryCrafting, (7:54) today's makeover photo shoot? Probably in writing this, the StoryCrafting, (8:03) it's bringing out things that never was discussed before, or just showing how strong I am (8:10) as an individual. And I have a lot of faith in God.From the time I was, well, from being born (8:19) premature to now, I know there's a reason I'm here. Didn't you share that you were like a pound or (8:25) something? Three and a half pounds. Three and a half pounds.Oh my god. 1955. Wow, a little bitty, (8:31) three and a half.A little bitty Leah. Oh, well, so I know God is using you. And I can't wait to hear (8:38) your story.It's called The Sun Will Shine. Now, you spelled it in this way. S-U-N.Is that not you? (8:46) Oh, no. Oh, did I? I don't remember that. Sun will shine.Maybe I gave you that title. I don't think (8:54) you actually, you know what it was? I think that I looked at this and had to give it a title. (9:01) So if you had it, because I think you say that someplace in here, you can rename that.No, it's fine. (9:07) That's fine. And you know, knowing you, that sun can have two different spellings, right? No, that's (9:13) fine.Okay, so then a story named by me, written by you. That's okay. Called The Sun Will Shine (9:22) by Leah Huggs.Take it away, my darling. Okay. My biggest challenges in life have been my shyness, (9:29) lack of confidence, and quiet dismay.I attribute these challenges to being born three months (9:37) premature and sensitive to all my surroundings. I never like loud noises and feel that even today. (9:45) I describe myself as a sensitive person who was sometimes called names by others as a child (9:53) and sexually molested once as a little girl by an unknown person.My physical and mental mindset (10:02) was that of a baby bird depending on her mom to nurture and feed her young. Uncertain of what (10:10) life must give and when I will spread my wings beyond the comforts of my mother's nest. Be brave, (10:18) confident, and have self-worth.You are a perfect creation of God's creation. (10:25) Beautiful, smart, and caring, an asset to the world. Recognize your positive virtues.(10:32) With hope in God's prayers, you will overcome all challenges that come your way. (10:39) My fondest memories are of growing up as a child. I especially enjoy the summer months, (10:47) going to the local playground.When I was not at the playground but in my yard, (10:53) we would play hide and seek, make mud pies, or play with our bobby dolls. (10:59) My maternal grandparents lived one street from my house. Later we would eventually move into (11:06) their house on the first floor.I love my grandmother dearly. She taught me how to crochet (11:14) and sew on her old-fashioned sewing machine. I love crafting to this day.(11:21) My grandfather was a businessman who organized the local 1329 Longshoremen Association (11:29) in 1933. My papa never sat down to eat dinner until his grandchildren ate first. We always (11:38) had delicious meals.I was becoming a young lady who loved God and church and reading books. (11:46) In these early years, I was developing my own personality and interests. No longer a baby bird (11:53) sheltered by its mother, but a beautiful, elegant bird flying over a glistening lake and discovering (12:01) the beautiful nature of the earth.Fishing in the ocean with the sun beaming down on her feathers, (12:10) warm and comforted. Life changed 360 degrees in 1990. My marriage was failing and I filed for (12:20) divorce.My two daughters were only eight and three years old. My mom was my biggest emotional (12:27) supporter. I was able to maintain a good upbringing for my children and independently (12:35) take care of them.Little did I know on July 24, 2006, I received a wake-up call. I was told I had (12:45) bilateral breast cancer. I was 51.Thank God for my oldest daughter, Melissa. She accompanied me (12:54) to the doctor's appointment. I felt numb.I was in shock, full of fear and worry. On a positive note, (13:03) I was given a six-month leave from work to deal with my cancer journey of surgery, radiation, (13:11) and chemotherapy. I did not have surgery until early September as my mission was to complete (13:18) my first bowling league.I was very optimistic and positive during the early months of treatment. (13:26) This attitude quickly changed when I was administered four treatments of chemotherapy. (13:32) Bottom line, cancer was not going to spoil my life activities.Not only did I finish my bowling (13:40) league, but also went to New York City to see a play and then on to England. The motivation (13:48) that kept me moving forward was the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. They taught us (13:55) to live each day.I no longer felt alone, but had other pink sisters to share my sorrow, pain, worries, (14:04) and fun. Yes, fun. Without this organization, I would never have become a model in a fashion show, (14:12) one of several survivors writing our first book to an honorary coach for Providence College (14:19) women's basketball team.My favorite motto is from the children's movie Meet the Robinsons, (14:27) keep moving forward. I aspire each day to be a role model and help others by my involvement in (14:36) church, volunteering at Providence Performing Arts Center, and being involved in cultural and (14:43) charitable organizations. When I pass on from this earth, I would like to be known as a person who (14:50) cares about others.What is the saying? How would you fill in the space between your dash? My spirit (14:59) and energy are like a dove bringing harmony and peace to all that I encounter. Don't let grudges (15:06) and hate distance you from your family and friends. Life is too short.Enjoy life each day. (15:15) Seek professional help and assistance with whatever obstacles come into your life. (15:23) Have faith and stay positive that the storm will soon pass and sunshine will appear in the sky.(15:31) I would like to acknowledge my gratitude to the following, my friend Cheryl Ruggieri for her (15:38) delicious brownies and homemade soup, and to my daughters for all their support during my (15:44) treatments. Also thanks to my family and friends that prayed for me and any other acts of support (15:52) during my cancer journey. That's a great story.I do love that dash poem where it's not how we (16:01) start or end our life, it's how we live that dash. And I can tell that you have a beautiful (16:08) giving dash. I mean you are a giver and I'm sure so many people benefit from just your natural (16:16) outpouring of love and you do fill it.I think the world needs more people like you in it and I'm so (16:24) glad that you didn't shy away from this and that you felt that you could use your experience to (16:32) bless others because this world needs a lot of blessings and you're one of them. (16:36) Yes, thank you. (16:37) Thank you sweet Leah.(16:38) Thank you. So good to see you. (16:40) You too.