My name is Angelia, and I’m a mother, entrepreneur, and the founder of Hope Magazine. In July 2024, after nearly two years of unexplained symptoms and unanswered questions, I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
I had been living with chronic fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and deep emotional exhaustion. I chalked it up to stress and perimenopause, all while grieving the loss of my brother and trying to stay present for my children and the community I serve. But something told me — this was deeper.
I kept pushing my doctors for more testing. Finally, a bone marrow biopsy revealed the truth. My hematologist told me it was like finding a needle in a haystack — and if I hadn’t advocated for myself, it may have gone unnoticed much longer.
I started oral chemotherapy right away. The goal was to bring my red blood cell and platelets counts down. The medication worked, but the side effects were brutal. I battled fatigue, panic attacks, and depression. I gained weight rapidly. There were days I could barely keep my eyes open. But I kept going, grounded by my faith and the constant encouragement from my children, “Keep fighting, Mom.”
And I did.
After nine months on oral chemo, I heard the words I prayed for, “undetectable.” One year after diagnosis, I still am.
This journey hasn’t just been medical — it’s been transformational. I had to let go of what drained me, from toxic relationships to self-doubt. I stopped apologizing for needing rest. I learned to advocate not only in hospitals, but in every area of my life.
I’m still healing. Still learning. Still giving HOPE.
To other women — especially Black women over 40 — who may feel dismissed or overlooked in medical spaces, your body is worth listening to. You are worth fighting for.
I'm grateful for every resource, story, and survivor that has paved the way. And I’m honored to share mine in return.
What I’d like others to know: advocacy saved my life. Trust your intuition. Push for answers. Healing is a journey, and you’re not alone.
Angelia
chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
