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Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer

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May 29, 2025

Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer

Simone has lived in many placesβ€”England, Trinidad, New York, and now Maryland, where she’s been for over 20 years. She loves the area, but most of all, she loves food. β€œI’m a foodie,” Simone said with a smile. β€œI love sushi, Indian food, soul foodβ€”really, I love it all.”

She also shops at a nearby Amish market for fresh produce, nuts, grains, and lean meats. β€œYes, it can cost more,” she admitted. β€œBut I’ve had surgeries. I’ve seen the hospital bills. Eating healthy now is worth every penny.”

That became even clearer when Simone was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

β€œIt was scary. At first, my doctor wanted to rush me into surgery. I needed a minute,” Simone said. She got three opinions and chose to start with chemotherapy before surgery. It was toughβ€”especially because it took away her appetite. β€œI love food, so losing my appetite was the worst. Even a small protein shake took me two hours to finish, and sometimes I’d throw it up.”

Still, she kept going. β€œMy faith carried me,” she said. β€œI had peace, even when it was hard.”

That cancer diagnosis changed everything. β€œI realized I can’t control the environment or my geneticsβ€”but I can control what I eat,” Simone said. She made a promise to drink more water, cut back on sugary drinks, and eat more vegetables.

Simone’s love for veggies has helped her stay strong. β€œI’ve never met a veggie I didn’t like!” she laughed. She roasts themβ€”like beets and Brussels sproutsβ€”to bring out their flavor. β€œEven if you don’t like all veggies, find the ones you do like and eat more of them.”

Now, Simone shares her story to inspire others. β€œNo matter what you’re going throughβ€”diabetes, high blood pressure, cancerβ€”we all need support. A community helps. It keeps us accountable.”

Her advice? β€œYou don’t have to be perfect. I still enjoy treats sometimes. But every healthy choice matters. Start small. Be intentional. And don’t give up.”

‍

Watch Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer Video
Watch Video - Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer

Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer

Simone has lived in many placesβ€”England, Trinidad, New York, and now Maryland, where she’s been for over 20 years. She loves the area, but most of all, she loves food. β€œI’m a foodie,” Simone said with a smile. β€œI love sushi, Indian food, soul foodβ€”really, I love it all.”

She also shops at a nearby Amish market for fresh produce, nuts, grains, and lean meats. β€œYes, it can cost more,” she admitted. β€œBut I’ve had surgeries. I’ve seen the hospital bills. Eating healthy now is worth every penny.”

That became even clearer when Simone was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

β€œIt was scary. At first, my doctor wanted to rush me into surgery. I needed a minute,” Simone said. She got three opinions and chose to start with chemotherapy before surgery. It was toughβ€”especially because it took away her appetite. β€œI love food, so losing my appetite was the worst. Even a small protein shake took me two hours to finish, and sometimes I’d throw it up.”

Still, she kept going. β€œMy faith carried me,” she said. β€œI had peace, even when it was hard.”

That cancer diagnosis changed everything. β€œI realized I can’t control the environment or my geneticsβ€”but I can control what I eat,” Simone said. She made a promise to drink more water, cut back on sugary drinks, and eat more vegetables.

Simone’s love for veggies has helped her stay strong. β€œI’ve never met a veggie I didn’t like!” she laughed. She roasts themβ€”like beets and Brussels sproutsβ€”to bring out their flavor. β€œEven if you don’t like all veggies, find the ones you do like and eat more of them.”

Now, Simone shares her story to inspire others. β€œNo matter what you’re going throughβ€”diabetes, high blood pressure, cancerβ€”we all need support. A community helps. It keeps us accountable.”

Her advice? β€œYou don’t have to be perfect. I still enjoy treats sometimes. But every healthy choice matters. Start small. Be intentional. And don’t give up.”

‍

Watch Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer Video
Watch Video - Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer

Simone has lived in many placesβ€”England, Trinidad, New York, and now Maryland, where she’s been for over 20 years. She loves the area, but most of all, she loves food. β€œI’m a foodie,” Simone said with a smile. β€œI love sushi, Indian food, soul foodβ€”really, I love it all.”

She also shops at a nearby Amish market for fresh produce, nuts, grains, and lean meats. β€œYes, it can cost more,” she admitted. β€œBut I’ve had surgeries. I’ve seen the hospital bills. Eating healthy now is worth every penny.”

That became even clearer when Simone was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

β€œIt was scary. At first, my doctor wanted to rush me into surgery. I needed a minute,” Simone said. She got three opinions and chose to start with chemotherapy before surgery. It was toughβ€”especially because it took away her appetite. β€œI love food, so losing my appetite was the worst. Even a small protein shake took me two hours to finish, and sometimes I’d throw it up.”

Still, she kept going. β€œMy faith carried me,” she said. β€œI had peace, even when it was hard.”

That cancer diagnosis changed everything. β€œI realized I can’t control the environment or my geneticsβ€”but I can control what I eat,” Simone said. She made a promise to drink more water, cut back on sugary drinks, and eat more vegetables.

Simone’s love for veggies has helped her stay strong. β€œI’ve never met a veggie I didn’t like!” she laughed. She roasts themβ€”like beets and Brussels sproutsβ€”to bring out their flavor. β€œEven if you don’t like all veggies, find the ones you do like and eat more of them.”

Now, Simone shares her story to inspire others. β€œNo matter what you’re going throughβ€”diabetes, high blood pressure, cancerβ€”we all need support. A community helps. It keeps us accountable.”

Her advice? β€œYou don’t have to be perfect. I still enjoy treats sometimes. But every healthy choice matters. Start small. Be intentional. And don’t give up.”

‍

Watch Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer Video
Watch Video - Simone’s story: Overcoming cancer
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