Cynthia Smalls

She was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma Insitu of the left breast in December 2008.  Then in April 2013 the cancer returned in the right breast. Although Cynthia found it by self breast examination and it was found in early stage, it was a more aggressive form this time.  Both occurrences was life changing.

Her diagnosis of cancer made her more aware that there were many women in the community that were survivors, but were not telling their story.  It also made her realize how important it was to get the word out to as many women as possible about the importance of early detection.  Joining Sonya and Odessah in the mission to empower, embrace, and educate about breast cancer was no second thought. She is proud and honored to be apart of the Embracing U.

She gives God all the glory for the great things he has allowed the founders and board to accomplish through Embracing U.

Odessah W. Mackey

My diagnoses with breast cancer in 2000 was a life changing event after hearing that the cancer was aggressive and I had to fight for my life. July 6^th was a start of my new life after a radical mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation. I walk in my healing with continuous faith and preventive treatments through hormonal therapy. Today, I am forever grateful to God for his faithfulness unto me.

In my community, cancer was the unspoken word and a lot of women were not willing to share their story of breast cancer survival. Through my affliction I knew I had to be a face of hope for others. I was ready to speak out and be a vessel of support to others.

During my mission a greater bond was created with two of my church sisters who diagnoses with the disease, Cynthia Smalls and Sonya W. Simmons. It was planted in my spirit for us to create an organization that would send a message hope to the community.  Together our passion to embrace, educate and empower others moved us to give birth to the Embracing U Breast Cancer Non-Profit Organization.

Sonya W. Simmons

I was diagnosed with Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the left breast in January of 2005. Thankfully, the aggressive cancer was detected in its earliest stage. After surgery, I started on chemotherapy treatment and underwent six rounds with no required radiation. I won my battle with breast cancer and to God be the glory! It was all because of my strong family support system, my faith in God and my belief that all things through Christ truly are possible.

From the diagnosis to the treatment, to my victory in the battle, my life has been changed completely and I owe it all to God. I felt that I had a newfound calling upon my life, and that calling developed a clear vision which I shared with fellow Breast Cancer survivors Odessah Mackey and Cynthia Smalls; two extraordinarily courageous women.

We have made a commitment to become ambassadors within our community and to help eradicate Breast Cancer by Educating, Embracing, and Empowering all whom we can. A special and invigorating bond was created among us.

This bond generated a humanitarian energy which gave birth to Embracing U, a 501C3 Non-Profit Organization.

Donna Duckworth Blanding