Answering the Call: My Journey into Patient Advocacy

I’m incredibly transparent about about my cancer survivorship, but if you had asked me years or even months ago whether I saw myself on a stage speaking about patient advocacy, I likely would have said no. But when the call came, I answered—and I’m just getting started.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of participating in two powerful conversations that highlighted the importance of accurate health information and the role of patient advocates. At the State of Black Health: What Now Summit, I joined the panel “Information is Medicine: On Social Media, Misinformation, and Trust for Black Health” with BlackDoctor.org and USA Today. Last week, at the SGO 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, I was a panelist for “The Role of the Patient Advocate” at the LEAD Summit. Reflecting on both experiences, patient advocacy is not just about amplifying voices—it’s about responsibility, access, and impact.

As a public health communicator and cancer survivor, I occupy a unique space. I understand firsthand what it means to navigate a diagnosis, seek trustworthy information, and make sense of a complex healthcare system. At the same time, my work in public health gives me access to research, experts, and resources that many patients and caregivers may not have. That access comes with a responsibility—to translate knowledge into action, to bridge the gap between the medical community and the people they serve, and to ensure that critical health information reaches those who need it most.

These panels were a reflection of the larger movement toward health equity, informed decision-making, and patient empowerment. Misinformation spreads rapidly, particularly in communities historically marginalized by the healthcare system. Trust is also hard-earned in these communities, and patient advocates can play a crucial role in building it.

I never set out to do this work, but purpose often finds us before we find it. My journey as an advocate continues to evolve, and I am committed to using my voice to ensure that women—especially Black women—have the information and support they need to make the best decisions for their health. If health advocacy ever calls to you, I hope you answer.