BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MICHELLE CHAPMAN

I had the pleasure of reaching out to Michelle Chapman’s family to honor her life and legacy during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Lavar Jacobs Sr., the founder of Not Just October, an Akron, OH based non-profit organization devoted to spreading Breast Cancer Awareness all year and not just in the month of October, put me in contact with them via Facebook. Not Just October provided Michelle Chapman and her children with Christmas gifts in December of 2017.

Michelle Chapman was born on March 15, 1990 and transitioned on March 4, 2018. Michelle Chapman was a mother of two children, a boy and a girl. She lived in Akron, OH, which is my hometown. While I remember seeing Michelle in passing, I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing her personally. I think it is extremely important to not only celebrate those who are still living after breast cancer, but those who fought the good fight until they transitioned. I wanted to honor Michelle Chapman because she was much more than a woman who had breast cancer. Michelle Chapman’s youngest sister, Tasia Beck, provided me with some insight on the remarkable woman that Michelle was and how she and her family keep her legacy alive!

Michelle was an inspiration to her sister and others because she was a fighter. She never complained, fought breast cancer with a smile on her face, and took care of her children until her last days. Three words to describe Michelle would be pretty, diva and spectacular. Michelle’s favorite restaurant was Olive Garden. Michelle loved fashion, she dressed amazing! Michelle’s favorite thing about motherhood was spoiling her kids.

Tasia is strong, independent, and dedicated just like her big sister Michelle. If Tasia could say one thing to her sister she would say, “You were right, you have cancer and cancer doesn’t have you”. And Michelle would reply “I WON!” To honor her sister’s legacy, Tasia cooks Michelle’s favorite meals, listens to her favorite songs, looks at her pictures and listens to stories about her from her kids. Tasia’s fondest memory of her sister Michelle is while she was battling cancer. During this time, she would stop her car at a red light, smile and dance to her favorite song.

If Michelle could pick ONLY 3 of the following options: Netflix, Starbucks, Leggings, Mascara, Lipstick, Lashes, Tacos, Jeans, Books, Amazon, she would choose Netflix, Lashes, and Amazon. A lesson Michelle taught Tasia was to never be scared to show your emotions and fight until the end. Michelle’s favorite hobby was shopping. The role Michelle played in the family was Mother #2. If Michelle had to choose between Chic-Fil-A and Popeyes, she’d choose Popeyes.

Michelle’s greatest blessing was her children. A few things that would put a smile on Michelle’s face were being with her children, getting her hair nails and lashes done, and buying her children clothes and shoes. Michelle was passionate about working. She worked from the age of 15 until her last days consistently.

Michelle’s favorite perfume was Victoria’s Secret. Michelle’s favorite girl power song that she’d play when she needed a boost was Listen by Beyonce. Michelle’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, she loved her momma’s dressing with extra cranberry sauce. Michelle’s favorite flavor of ice cream was Cookies and Cream. Michelle’s spirit animal would be a fish, she loved the water.

Tasia would tell people who never had the opportunity to meet Michelle that she was beautiful, smart, courageous, outgoing and loved very much by many. Tasia would like the readers to know that in regards to breast cancer, detection is key. Get checked and learn how to check yourself. Tasia is determined to spread breast cancer awareness and to tell her sister’s story.

I know without a doubt that many women can relate to Michelle Chapman, myself included. According to winshipcancer.emory.edu breast cancer is often first suspected when a lump is felt or when an abnormal area is found on a mammogram. The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommends that all women, beginning at age 40, get a yearly mammogram. Regular mammography screenings can detect breast cancer up to 2 years before you feel it. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and offers the best chance of survival.

According to winshipcancer.emory.edu, in Georgia, breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new cancers in women each year. Breast cancer mortality rates are 40% higher among black women than white women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among all women. While I realize the likelihood of readers living in Georgia is small, the statistics are life-altering. I encourage you to look up the statistics where you reside. I, along with Tasia, would like to urge all women to get mammograms regularly. While it is recommended to get yearly mammograms at 40, I would suggest that you conduct self exams of your breasts using the pads of your three middle fingers. Michelle transitioned at the age of 27, nine days before her 28th birthday. Cancer is invading women’s bodies at younger and younger ages.

Tasia Beck (Michelle’s sister) wearing pink hair in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I’d like to commend Michelle Chapman for her courage and her steadfast commitment to her children. I’d like to commend her for her strength. She is a testament of resilience, perseverance and tenacity. She is a survivor. I’d like to commend her children for living the best life that they can without their mother. And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to commend her family for loving Michelle with intensity, supporting her children, and keeping her legacy alive by being willing to share her story and spreading breast cancer awareness!

Michelle Chapman March 15, 1990 - March 4, 2018