In observance of October honoring and paying homage to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in the following piece I will highlight three amazing women in sports who are breast cancer survivors and who continue to uplift the standard for women in athletics.
Chaunte Lowe– Chaunte Lowe is a Track & Field Olympic medalist, American record-holder, mom, wife and breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and had to undergo a double mastectomy. However, these battle scars have not stopped the greatness that she has been able to accomplish. Lowe has appeared in five Olympic games, including the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her strength to even train and compete while battling chemotherapy, surgery, and this aggressive cancer (triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma) speaks volume to her strength and resilience. Lowe has actively used her platform to spread awareness and knowledge about breast cancer and also the importance of testing. Testing is the first step to stopping the spread of the cancer, and Lowe is now currently living cancer-free.
2. Novlene Williams-Mills- Novlene Williams-Mills is a former Track & Field Champion and Olympian from St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. At thirty-years-old Mills was diagnosed with breast cancer right before she was scheduled to compete in the Olympics in London in 2012. However, she did not let this diagnosis or battle with cancer break her down, as she went on to continue competing and even won two additional Olympic medals. Her story is so similar to most as Mills was at top of her career when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She preserved, fought hard, and has even inspired so many other women to continue to fight for their dreams no matter the circumstances or obstacles that come your way. Now, she is looking forward to 9 years remission and has two beautiful twin boys to celebrate this special milestone as well.
Donna Hopkins – Donna hopkins is a sports reporter, broadcaster, amputee and two-time breast cancer survivor. Her journey started over two decades ago when she was first diagnosed with this disease, but she has now become a full-time advocate and fighter for the many others who suffer everyday with various forms of cancer. Her foundation, Hopkins Breast Cancer Inc. financially helps young men and women affected by breast cancer in the Washington D.C area. She fights everyday to help those affected by the disease and looks to inspire young women to get tested and spread awareness as well. Additionally, she travels around the country as a public speaker and has dedicated years of her life to not only telling her story but encouraging young men and women that they are not alone.