Honoring My Grandmother: A Legacy of Love, Faith and Advocacy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the remarkable women in our lives and the battles they’ve faced. For me, that woman was my grandmother, Luester Miller.

A Woman of Strength and Faith

Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, my grandmother migrated to Chicago with determination, resilience, and a heart full of faith. As a single mom in the 1960s, she raised my mother who was only 17 when she gave birth navigating challenges with unwavering strength. Eventually, she became an evangelist minister, sharing hope, love, and her faith in Jesus with all who knew her.

I owe so much of who I am to her. One of my most vivid memories of her courage came even before I was born. My grandmother made it clear that giving me up was never an option. When my mom shared the news of my birth from the county hospital, my grandmother went immediately to ensure I stayed with her. That fierce protection and love shaped my earliest understanding of family and strength.

A Lesson in Advocacy and Vigilance

Throughout her life, my grandmother prioritized her health, enduring multiple biopsies on her left breast. Each time, the results were benign, so no action was taken. But in the summer of 1985, after the devastating loss of my mother, my grandmother fell seriously ill. What seemed minor quickly became a rapid decline, and within two months, I lost her to aggressive breast cancer. Her passing left a hole in my heart, but also a legacy of resilience and faith.

Her story is a powerful reminder: awareness and self-advocacy can save lives. I learned this lesson myself 26 years ago when a lump was discovered in my breast. Initially, doctors suggested waiting six months to see what would happen. I refused, I advocated for myself, insisted on its removal, and acted promptly. That decision reinforced a truth my grandmother lived by: we must speak up for our own health.

Practical Advice for Every Woman

Breast cancer awareness isn’t just about getting mammograms. It’s about understanding your body and taking proactive steps:

• Know your risk factors: Family history, age, and breast density all matter.

• Listen to your body: Changes in shape, size, or texture are worth investigating.

• Be proactive with screenings: Mammograms, ultrasounds, and self-exams save lives.

• Advocate for yourself: Never hesitate to ask questions, request tests, or seek a second opinion.

A Lesson in Advocacy and Vigilance

I honor my grandmother, Luester Miller, by living boldly, loving fiercely, and refusing to give up—because she taught me that strength, faith, and advocacy are the keys to navigating life. This October, I encourage every woman to do the same: stay informed, trust your instincts, and take control of your health.

Our bodies are worth fighting for. Our lives are worth protecting.