Today we’d like to introduce you to Charnita West.
Hi Charnita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a native Atlantan and I love my city even though I no longer live within the city limits. I think that I was born to be in leadership positions and had the opportunity to watch powerful leaders navigate barriers to advocate for others. After 10th grade, my family moved to Fayette County and I spent the last two years of my high school career at Fayette County High School. I left Georgia for college and returned to earn three additional degrees from Columbus State University and Georgia State University. I am a leader professionally and personally. I currently serve as the president of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. – NewRock Chapter – and have an amazing opportunity to engage with Ladies, our Top Teens of America (TTA) which is our youth auxiliary group, Lords (husbands of members), and the community. I was able to ascend professionally and personally because I learned as a young girl that I would never be a victim of circumstance; conversely, I would be a victor over any obstacle that would be placed in my way.
It was this type of determination and spirit that allowed me to stand strong when I received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 which was two months after I buried my father after his battle with the disease. By January 2020, I selected my breast surgeon, oncologist, and radiologist and was prepared for surgery. By March when I was finishing my 2nd chemotherapy treatment, the world was faced with COVID-19. The uncertainty of this disease left me anxious because I did not know whether I would be able to travel to the hospital since Georgia (and the world for that matter) were mandated to shelter in place. Once I received word that my treatments would continue I felt so relieved, but I was vigilant about washing my hands and wearing masks. I did not have any visitors unless they were my immediate family or volunteered to drive me to treatments. This period of time allowed me to appreciate life and I took advantage of time to reflect, grieve for my father, and heal. I went back and forth to the Winship Cancer Center at Emory University Hospital for an additional ten weeks to get medicine that would save my life. On May 20, 2020 I was able to ring the bell signifying that my chemotherapy treatments were over! The next step was 21 days of radiation in July 2020 and I was able to ring the bell again. I returned to the infusion center every three weeks for additional treatments until March 2021.
I wanted to honor my mother who had breast cancer and my father who had prostate cancer by forming a foundation in their honor. I wanted people to know that cancer is not an automatic death sentence unless you give up. I wanted to encourage cancer patients and their families by sharing my story and resources that would help them navigate through any obstacles they may face. As a result, Pinking of Hue Foundation, Inc. was birthed. Although we are in our infancy stages, we have been able to be a valuable resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a foundation takes time, dedication, and business acumen. One of the hardest decisions to make was determining if I wanted to share my story with the world. I contemplated letting others into my personal thoughts and feelings and reliving the emotions that are evoked when I heard, “You have cancer.” I had the support of my family and friends, but I was unsure if I was mentally strong enough to share without having some kind of breakdown. I must admit coming up with the name was probably one of the toughest choices, but I wanted the name to mean something to anyone who heard it. Believe it or not, the biggest obstacle that I have faced is obtaining Facebook’s permission to fundraise. I submitted and resubmitted documents more times than I care to admit!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an educator who has worked in elementary schools throughout my 28-year career. My specialty areas are language and literacy which means that I have degrees and certifications in reading. My work with Pinking of Hue Foundation, Inc. has mainly been supporting women and their families after receiving breast cancer diagnoses. My eventual goal is to team up with medical personnel or a company to own a mammogram bus that will provide free screenings to women who do not have financial or human resources to undergo this exam. I am proud of my resilience, trust in God, and positivity as I endured treatment. The process was mentally draining; however, I was able to overcome and fear or doubt that I would not only survive the disease but thrive once treatment was completed. What sets me apart from others is my compassion for others who either have a loved one who has cancer or has been diagnosed with cancer. Both of my parents were affected by the disease – I was approximately five years old when my mother battled breast cancer and I was almost 50 when my father’s prostate cancer came out of remission. I know how it feels to be a young child and an adult watching parents fight this disease.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned that I must take control of my health by getting recommended screenings and asking questions when I am unsure of terminology that doctors are using. Although I had a very knowledgeable and competent healthcare team, they were aware that they could be replaced if I felt uncomfortable at any time. Additionally, I have learned to take time for myself and to trust God in ALL things and He has surrounded me with a wonderful village who loves me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: pinking_of_hue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkingofhue
