Maimah Karmo

Health Interests

Breast Cancer

Drugs I am Taking

None

About Me

My name is Maimah Karmo. I am a woman, I am a mother, a loving daugther, a lover of life and I am a fierce and dedicated breast cancer survivor and advocate. On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I thought it was the worst thing that could have happened to me, but now, I realize that it was a blessing. It was only a stepping stone to my greater destiny. If you'd told me that I would be saying this two years ago, when I was skinny, bald and throwing up, I would have asked you to come closer, then I would have smacked you...hard...no seriously. :O) But hey, I didn't know that a challenge could be a gift. I was terrified of cancer, but now I think it is more terrifying to live a life devoid of true joy, appreciation, love, peace and hope. I didn't know that there was a peace of mind that you get knowing that cancer or not, I was in control of my life and that at least with cancer, I had and have the gift of time, and I can appreciate that more now than ever. While going through chemotherapy, I created a foundation to help other young women while in treatment. It is called Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily Foundation provides young women with hands-on support, including chemobuddies, financial support, empowerment, meals during treatment and more. Visit us at www.tigerlilyfoundation.org to learn more. I became such a relentless advocate that I was blessed to be featured in Essence Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, on Good Morning America, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and local news networks - including Fox 5, ABC 7 and more. Formerly someone who didn't like to speak in public, I've spoken in over 60 venues, educating women about breast cancer and empowering them to be their own best advocates. I am on the Lance Armstrong Foundation Young Adult Alliance, The Young Survival Coalition's Diversity Outreach Committee and a member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. My goal is that by the year 2012, Tigerlily Foundation will provide hands-on support to young women nation-wide during treatment and beyond... are you on board? I am also writing a book about how my breast cancer experience saved my life and I look forward to sharing my story with other women around the world. Until then...love the moment.... I do! ;O)