Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamron Little
Hi Tamron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Just by looking at me, I bet you couldn’t guess that I am a 17 year and counting peritoneal Mesothelioma survivor. Most times when I tell people their mouth drops, then proceed to ask what’s mesothelioma?
To be honest when I first found out I had peritoneal Mesothelioma I didn’t know what it was either. First of all, while pregnant I was misdiagnosed with a fibroid tumor. Just for reference mesothelioma is a type of cancer that’s caused by asbestos exposure. If you look online now you will probably see that the statics show that the typical patient is an older man in his mid 60s, who has worked in the white-collar industry. I didn’t check all the boxes being that I was a 21-year-old African American female. Talk about not being your typical patient.
In the beginning of my journey battling cancer, I was determined to overcome it. My faith kicked into overdrive and was motivated by my newborn son to push through. Imagine being told you have cancer and 18 months to live with a cancer you’ve never heard of before.
After going to an oncologist who knew nothing about the cancer, I was referred to an actual specialist who introduced me to the HIPEC. This surgery was a groundbreaking one and changed my life for the better. I responded well to the treatment and surprised my medical team.
Through out my journey I remained hopeful, I kept pushing and never gave up. When I couldn’t see the light, I searched for it and thought about being present for my son.
I’ve been told I have a way with words, and I use my talents and story to inspire others. Whether it’s cancer patients, caregivers, or anyone to give them hope. The hope and joy that I see in people when they hear my story just confirms I’m in the right space. I’m grateful that I am able to share my experience and story through writing for several publications such as, asbestos.com, CURE, Women’s Quarterly, and Survivorship Today.
Learning that hope is what so many people need, and I’m elated that I can give it out.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been smoothed but it’s been a journey of learning to advocate for myself, as well as learning to lean on my faith and not giving up. The more significant struggle for me was my mental health. Growing up not being aware of the importance of mental health placed me at a disadvantage when I was diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t realize the impact it has on the whole person. Learning more about myself and getting the help I needed opened up the opportunity to share how much your mental health is important as your physical health. They go hand and hand.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a woman of many hats and talents. I have been in the healthcare field for the last 9 years and currently work in HR Communications.
My experience as a cancer survivor has opened up opportunities for me to be a contributing writer for Asbestos.com, featured on SurvivorShip Today, the keynote speaker at various events such as The Cancer Moonshot Forum at The White House, featured in Essence and BET magazine, and I was just awarded the 40under40 in cancer award.
I am proud of the work I am doing in the communications and advocacy space. Sharing my story with others brings a smile to my face because I know I am spreading hope and awareness.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risk is apart of life. If you avoid taking risk then you’re stunting your own growth. Taking risk in my life allowed me to see how far I could really go. When I first shared my story of being a 17 year and counting peritoneal mesothelioma survivor I took a huge risk. Being a woman of color with a rare cancer who normally white men in the 60s get, the thought of how I would be received was always in the back of my mind. Being open and transparent about cancer survivorship is something that culture has just embraced. So I definitely created my own path to navigate, which makes it easier for others coming behind me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tamronlittle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamronlittle?igsh=YXE2bmQ5bTl4ajVr&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talkswithtamron/id1574903433
