Our mission: sharing miracles and returning thanks through supporting and empowerment to cancer survivors and families.
In late October 2011, after being absent of a menstrual cycle for two years, assuming I was in menopause, I suddenly experienced vaginal bleeding continuously for three months. The amount of blood over the extended time period became a cause for great concern, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor.
Unfortunately, before I was able to make that visit, my back started hurting. The pain was unbearable. I immediately went to the emergency room. Upon arrival, they did an MRI along with an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a tumor on my right kidney. I was informed that the tumor was cancerous, “Kidney Cancer”. The word cancer left me feeling lost, alone and afraid.
I began to experience crippling anxiety, I needed answers, emotional support, and someone at times just to talk to. In search of something or someone to talk to I reached out to various hospitals and outreach groups looking for a cancer support group in my neighborhood. There were no cancer group meetings in my neighborhood.
My right kidney was removed in November 2011. There was no treatment, no chemotherapy, and no radiation. I was happy and surprised the Oncologist assured me everything was ok. I was grateful for the outcome, but I was still on shaky ground emotionally.
Out of an immense desire to help myself and assure, no one else would go through what I went through (feeling alone and afraid) the vision for S.M.A.R.T. (Sharing Miracles And Returning Thanks) Cancer Foundation was born. It was formally established in November 2014 and granted non-profit 501C-3 status in January 2015.
S.M.A.R.T. would be a place for newly diagnosed, as well as fighting and surviving cancer patients to talk about their fear, anxiety, and depression. To provide support and uphold each other. A place to share resources and network for transportation, supplies, food, and things as simple as a spa day or haircut.
In 2020, I experienced some discomfort in my left thigh. As I rubbed my left thigh, I noticed a lump. It seemed that the lump grew overnight. Again, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor. He sent me for an MRI. After reviewing the MRI he said to me, “I'm sorry to tell you your cancer has come back.”
This time the cancer has spread to my lungs, chin, and both legs. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. My Oncologist did not recommend surgery because of the seriousness (metastatic).
In May 2021 my Oncologist told me that the cancer is in remission and to go live a good quality of life! It lit a new fire, I now had a profound knowledge of this disease, all the lack of support and resources that come with fighting it, and needed to take further steps in expanding the mission of S.M.A.R.T Cancer Foundation.
We are expanding our fundraising and donation efforts to provide a regular meeting facility location, where the Heroes of cancer are given the opportunity to come together to fellowship, share their story, and their fears. We hope to partner with professional counselors for services for those suffering from depression, to put together a network to be able to assist in transportation to and from medical appointments. To expand our ability to provide services for day-to-day necessities, clothes, food, etc. To incorporate regular events for cancer Heroes and their families to bring smiles back especially during holidays and potentially provide some gifts, either for their children or the cancer Hero themselves.
Our mission: sharing miracles and returning thanks through supporting and empowerment to cancer survivors and families.
During the year and especially the Christmas holidays we would like to make a cancer hero’s smile. Whether it be a kid or adult cancer hero survivor.
4800 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE, #303 Washington, DC 20019
