Olade Olayinka. USA
15 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 1996. Age: 42
Olade is a 13 year survivor! Albeit eating healthy and working out, Olade was only 28 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Olade's treatment involved a radical modified mastectomy, chemotherapy (CAF), 35 radiation sessions and a five year chaser of Tamoxifen. Since the cancer had spread to 24 lymph nodes, Olade qualified, and was accepted, into a clinical trial for women with a high risk of reoccurrence. The trial involved getting a bone marrow transplant (autologous stem cell replacement). "After six rounds of chemotherapy I thought the bone marrow transplant would be a breeze, but it's like moving from the minor to the major league. It was, a literally and figuratively, a life transforming experience".
As a breast cancer survivor, Olade is an advocate for research, education, access to care and quality of life issues related to this disease. Olade was able to give back through telling her story on local network news, appearing in an educational video about the bone marrow/stem cell transplants, and guest speaking. Olade continues to spread the message that it's important to be your own advocate. "If I had turned away from any of the many obstacles I faced, I may not even be alive today. I found my own lump through a self-breast examination. Early detection was the key for me."
"Women of my race have a higher mortality rate, typically because their cancers are detected in later stages. There are also many African American women who are paralyzed with fear to get a diagnostic test to see if the lumps in their breast are cancerous. Unfortunately in the African American community, many survivors struggle with the disease in "hiding" and alone. I serve as a role model by being open that I am survivor. For the women who are too ashamed or reluctant to get information, I serve as a resource they seek out privately. I also promote the message that this disease can affect young women and how important it is to know your own body and perform self-breast examinations."
DONATE TO THE RIDER'S FUNDRAISING
Funds raised from Rider fundraising initiatives are used for awareness and education campaigns of the importance of early detection, as well as to provide support to people with breast cancer in less fortunate areas.
