Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor profile picture

Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor

I am here for Networking

About Me

I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer at the age of 21, while pursuing my education at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Although I followed most of my doctors’ medical advice, I decided to forego chemotherapy to allow for a more holistic approach to fighting the disease. For the next 6 years I was cancer-free. But in 1997, at the age of 27, I had a “recurrence.” I again underwent a lumpectomy, and yet again refused chemotherapy.Today, I am a 37 year-old, 16-year, two-time breast cancer survivor. Since my first diagnosis, I married my college sweetheart, received my Bachelor of Science in Business Finance, and gave birth to 2 beautiful girls, ages 1 and 5 years old. My mantra for life is “He was wounded for my transgressions, He bruised for my iniquities, the chastisement of my peace was upon Him, and with His stripes I am healed.”I use various avenues to get the word out, that breast cancer is no longer just a middle-aged woman’s disease. I also want the medical community to begin to treat the “whole” person, when they are faced with a cancer diagnosis. "Cancer is a human disease, and should not just be treated in a test tube.” I work diligently as an advocate for survivors through various nonprofit organizations. My prayer is that all cancers will be eradicated in my lifetime. I HATE CANCER!!!I've written a book about my experiences on this planet as a young survivor...I'd love for you to check it out. All proceeds will be contributed to our non-profit organization, The Tonya T. Griffin Women's Health Organization.For more info on our programs please contact us at : [email protected].. ......a href='

My Interests

Working on the documentary based on my book. Cancer advocacy, awareness,prevention, and young survivor support, through the Tonya T. Griffin Women's Health Organization.

I'd like to meet:

Anyone who has been touched by cancer in any way...I will be speaking for a Women's Day Event in Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday, November 22, 2007. I'll update you with the details as I firm them up. BE HEALTHY!!!

Music:

Christian, Gospel, etc.

Movies:

Office Space, Conversations with God, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Illusionist

Television:

Smallville, Scrubs, Johnny Smith...

Books:

Doing Busines by the Good Book, The Bible, The Millionare Mind, Eagles Angels and Butterflies: How We Got Our Wings

Heroes:

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, my parents, my hubby, my family that has supported me through the difficult days, MLK, Ghandi, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Bono, Oprah, anyone who has a giving heart and follows it, and lastly - anyone who is fighting cancer.

My Blog

Where the Green Grass Grows...

Thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement...it means alot to me.  Also I wanted to tell you that I now have a new strength and determination to continue on.  Especially after heari...
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:36:00 PST

"This is dedicated to all the cancer survivors out there...

we are butterflies.  Eagles are those survivors who are great advocates and orators for the cancer cause.  Angels were survivors first, but they have since finished their work on this earth ...
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 07:26:00 PST

Excerpt from "Eagles, Angels and Butterflies: How we got our wings"

"What people don't understand about cancer is that you have to fight everyday.  You have to fight negative thoughts, you have to fight the fear that you have passed a defective gene to your offsp...
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:27:00 PST

What Can I Say?

Life is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  So live it to the fullest...    
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:24:00 PST

"The Triple Negative"

I was reading about an article on the Young Survivors Coalition site.  It was talking about how those who are considered part of the triple negative, when diagnosed with breast cancer...are most ...
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 08:49:00 PST

Today...

I'm tired today...the kids have given me a run for my money!  Cheerios on the floor...drawing on their faces with markers...using my favorite tee-shirt as a napkin...mixing all the colors of thei...
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 06:36:00 PST

I am a 36 year-old, 15 year, two-time breast cancer survivor who refused chemo...

I've written and published a story about my experiences in life as a cancer survivor, and a mom, and a wife, etc., etc.  My hope and prayer is that someone who has been diagnosed with breast canc...
Posted by Tonya : 16-year, 2x Survivor on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 09:09:00 PST