Photo provided by Sisters’ Journey.

Sisters’ Journey Celebrates – Dana Hébért

Read her inspiring story (thanks www.sistersjourney.org)

On January 5, 2016, my business, Beauty By Dezign LLC, was featured in my town’s local paper. I was thrilled to be recognized as an upcoming salon for our African-American community in Manchester. However, the very next day, at age 43, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. 

I was diligent about my end-of-year self-care routines, attending all my medical appointments and mammograms. I had actually rescheduled my mammogram and almost didn’t go to the appointment, but GOD intervened! When I found out about my diagnosis, my doctor was unaware that no one had informed me. He entered the room and said, “So the type of cancer you have…” My mind went blank and shock took over. I had to phone a friend because it was more than I could handle. Picture that, strong me, unable to handle it! But it’s cancer, and you must give it respect! My friend Marcy Kelly came to my side and asked the serious questions I couldn’t ask due to shock. The doctor allowed me to stay as long as I needed to process the news – I HAVE CANCER!!! Trust me, I took my time processing it!

I never imagined a breast cancer diagnosis not once but twice! I truly understand and relate to the power of hair. Let’s be honest… hair is a wonder power!

Although I had friends and family checking on me, one family member supported me every step of the way – my cousin Latasha Johnson. From my initial diagnosis, she was there. Without her during those late nights after treatment and long days, I don’t know what I would have done. My daughter Azeria, who was still at home, watched me like a hawk. During those late 3 a.m. Walmart trips (steroids kept me up all night), she would accompany me! My eldest daughter Zanaija was in college and worried from afar. It was very hard for them both.

The first time I was diagnosed with cancer, the care team informed me that I would undergo a lumpectomy, lymph node removal, two types of chemotherapy and radiation. One chemo drug was called “Big Red.” It was harsh! Honestly, I was in a fight-or-flight state of mind. I don’t remember many details. I just did what they asked… PET scans, needles galore, no questions asked! I did not know what to expect. After all, this was my first time with cancer, my worst fear EVER!

As an experienced licensed beautician, I continued to service my clients during my treatments. The client interactions, I truly believe, helped with my recovery. They were incredibly encouraging and understanding. Doing their hair gave me a purpose beyond what they could imagine. It brought joy in the midst of my storm, and I looked forward to seeing them see me.

I didn’t have any symptoms, but I was so in tune with my body that I asked my first oncologist, who had requested a lot of blood work (I didn’t fully understand why), “How will I know if cancer has returned?” He shrugged, then said, “Have you had a mammogram?” I didn’t need to hear more! I scheduled my appointment immediately.

In 2020, at age 47, I was diagnosed for a second time with triple negative breast cancer. This time, my approach was different. I was more prepared and ready to fight! I felt my oncologist and I weren’t in alignment, so I sought a doctor who would collaborate with me. Armed with knowledge of essential oils and natural healing methods, I refused parts of the treatment plan because of the toll on my body. It’s  crucial to listen to your body and use common sense.

When I was diagnosed for the second time, my thoughts immediately turned to my two daughters. For their sake, I decided to take the BRCA test, which checks for abnormal changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with breast cancer. Thankfully, the test came back negative.

I had a port for chemo both times, but this time, we also used a chemo pill as the follow-up. To be honest, I was ready to undergo my treatment plan of chemo, lymph node removal and a double mastectomy.

By God’s grace, despite having lymph nodes removed on both sides, I don’t have lymphedema. I was told that the constant arm movement required in my profession might have contributed to me not developing it. Thank you, Lord!

Throughout this journey, I leaned heavily on my faith and my relationship with God. I knew he would see me through. My life’s story was just beginning, and by HIS design, I had more to accomplish. Interestingly, the mental recovery after the storm proved to be the hardest part. Listening to stories of others sometimes made me feel my own was less significant, or even a bit guilty. But I reminded myself that my story matters too. Cancer is cancer, and surviving it is a testament to strength, no matter the details.

Despite the challenges of two separate diagnoses and treatments, I can only say, “BUT GOD!” After twice battling breast cancer, I am still here, using my God-given gift to uplift others by enhancing their inner and outer beauty at my salon, Beauty By Dezign, Wellness, and Hair Salon, in downtown Manchester, CT.

For my story in video form, visit my TikTok page, “Beauty By Dezign,” or my YouTube channel, “Beauty By Dezign LLC Wellness.” To improve your health, check out the 14-day reset program and holistic alternatives on my essential oils website, (Young Living) MyYL.com/ylwithBeauty.

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WYBC celebrates Black History EVERYDAY!

Facts from www.blackfacts.com

July 1

1971 – Multiple Grammy Award winning musician Missy Elliot was born today.

1899 – The Father of Gospel Music, Thomas Dorsey, was born today in Villa Rica, GA.

July 2

1908 – Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, was born today in Baltimore, Maryland.

1964 – Lyndon B. Johnson gave the “Radio and Television Address at the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act,” which is considered by many as one of the most important measures enacted by the U.S. Congress in the 20^th Century.

July 3

1956 – TV talk show host Montel Williams was born today.

1962 – Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player in the major leagues, was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame today.

July 4

1827 – Slavery was abolished in New York State.

1900 – Louis Armstrong was born today.

July 5

1975 – Arthur Ashe makes history by becoming the first African American male to win the men’s single title at Wimbledon, defeating Jimmy Connors.

1899 – Anna Arnold Hedgeman, the first woman to serve in the cabinet of a New York City mayor, was born today.

July 6

1957 – The first Black woman tennis champion, Althea Gibson, wins the women’s Wimbledon singles tournament. Gibson is the first African American woman tennis champion.

2002 – Serena Williams triumphs over her sister Venus to win the Wimbledon Woman’s singles competition.

1971 – Henry Sampson, an African American inventor, invented the cellular phone.

July 7

1972 – Semi-professional basketball player Lisa Leslie was born today.

1915 – Famous writer Margret Walker was born today.

July 8

2001 – Venus Williams wins her second straight Wimbledon.

1965 – NAACP elects Roy Wilkins as their new executive director.

July 9

1947 – O.J. Simpson was born today.

1955 – E. Frederic Morrow was appointed as administrative aide to President Eisenhower, and became the first African American to hold an executive position on the White House staff.

July 10

1943 – Arthur Ashe, the first African American to win Wimbledon, was born today.

1927 – David Norman Dinkins, the first African American major of New York City, was born today. He served between 1989 – 1993.

July 11

1954 – First White Citizens Council was organized in Indianola, Mississippi.

1943 – Civil Rights activist WEB Dubois found the Niagara Movement.

July 12

1949 – F.M. Jones patents starter generator.

1937 – William “Bill” Cosby was born today.

July 13

1972 – Shirley Chisholm became the first African American Presidential nominee, with 151 votes from the delegates polled.

1965 – The first African American solicitor, Thurgood Marshall was appointed today.

July 14

1940 – Lady Bo, Bo Diddley’s orginial girl guitar player, and the first female guitarists in history to be hired by a major rock and roll musican was born today.

1885 – Sarah Goode invented the cabinet bed.

July 15

1929 – Guitarist and author, Francis Bebey was born today.

1822 – Philadelphia opens its public schools for African Americans.

July 16

1822 – Violette Johnson, who was the first African American woman to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, was born today.

1991 – Miles Davis, jazz trumpeter, was named a Knight in the (French) Legion of Honor, one of the nation’s highest cultural honors.

July 17

1944 – Actress Diahnn Carrol was born today.

1794 – Richard Allen organized Philadelphia’s Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

July 18

1967 – Actor Vin Diesel (born Mark Sinclair) was born today.

1863 – Sgt. William H. Carney won Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in the charge and became the first African American soldier to receive the coveted award.

July 19

1941 – President Roosevelt established a Fair Employment Practices Committee to monitor discrimination against Negroes in defense industries.

1925 – Entertainer and singer, Josephine Baker, makes her Paris debut.

July 20

1967 – More than one thousands persons attended the first Black Power Conference in Newark, New Jersey.

1868 – On July 20, 1868, the 14^th Amendment, validating citizenship rights for all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. was ratified.

July 21

1864 – The first African American daily newspaper, The New Orleans Tribune, is published in bot English and French.

1896 – National Federation of African American Women and the Colored Women’s League, merged and created the National Association of Colored Women.

July 22

1963 — Floyd Patterson is defeated by Sony Liston and loses his world heavyweight title.

1861 – Emancipation Proclamation is read to the cabinet by Abraham Lincoln.

July 23

1984 – Vanessa Williams relinquishes her Miss America crown. She is replaced by Suzette Charles, the first runner up.

1868 – 14^th Amendment validates citizenship for African Americans.

July 24

1921 – Jazz musician Billy Taylor was born today.

1964 – Barry Bonds was born today.

July 25

1953 – Walter Payton was born today.

2002 – African American publisher Earl G. Graves and Magic Johnson signed an agreement to purchase Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C., and became the largest minority controlled Pepsi-Cola franchise in the country.

July 26

2015 – Bobbi Brown died after spending months in a medically induced coma after being found unconscious in the bathtub of her home near Atlanta.

1948 – President Truman issued Executive Order No. 9981 directing “equality of treatment and opportunity” in the armed forces.

July 27

1880 – Inventor AP Abourne was awarded a patent for refining coconut oil.

1847 –Alexandre Pierre Dumas was born today.

July 28

1915 – 10,000 African Americans marked down Fifth Avenue in silent parade protesting lynching and racial indignities.

1868 – The 14^th Amendment, making African Americans citizens, was passed today.

July 29

1918 – The National Liberty Congress of Colored Americans asked Congress to make lynching a federal crime.

1909 – Crime novelist Chester Himes was born today.

1885 – The first National Convention of Black Women was held in Boston, MA today.

July 30

1936 – Influential blues guitarist Buddy Guy was born today in Lettsworth, LA.

1866 – Edward Walker, son of abolitionist David Walker and Charles L. Mitchell electee to Massachusetts Assembly from Boston and became the first African Americans to sit in the Legislature of an American state in the post Civil War period.

July 31

1981 – Attorney Arnette R. Hubbard was installed as the first woman president of the National Bar Association.

1969 – National Guard mobilized in racial disturbances in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Facts from www.blackfacts.com