Breast cancer advocate Roberta A. Albany was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 44. She travelled to Peru in 2018, as part of A Fresh Chapter’s Fellowship Program. Her advocacy work includes volunteering with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, National Breast Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society, Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and Susan G. Komen.

Telling her story

When Roberta Albany went through treatment for breast cancer, she received little support from her significant other. Instead, she leaned on his family, her little sister, her son and a girlfriend she met through Black Girls Run. After chemo, she reached out to siblings and her mom, a move that helped restore family relationships. Roberta learned there was a history of cancer in her family. While people talked about other health issues, cancer seemed to be off limits. Something had to change. Roberta wanted things to be different for her son, siblings and others. “You can’t get it because you said the word cancer.” Roberta started sharing her journey on Facebook.

After Roberta participated in a Look Good, Feel Better program for cancer survivors, she noticed that she was the only African-American participant. She spoke to her oncologist and surgeon about it. They said that when their African-American patients finished treatment, they were “done.” After treatment, she applied for Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s (LBBC) Young Advocate Program. Roberta, retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, said, “Advocacy is my new job. I’m helping not just myself but my community.” She wants to let African-American women know it is OK to ask for help and be themselves.

Ready for A Fresh Chapter

Roberta learned about A Fresh Chapter through another advocate, Sheila McGlown. Sheila fundraised to go to India in 2016 and shared her experience with her online community. In 2018, Sheila encouraged Roberta to go to ReFresh, a retreat for advocates. Because of an LBBC training, she could not go. Months later, AFC founder, Terri Wingham, reached out about opportunity to travel to Peru, as part of the Fellowship Program. Roberta said yes.

In Peru, Roberta worked with senior citizens. Duties included serving breakfast, painting the building, arts and crafts and just being there. “They’re such a loving group of people.” Roberta said the work was similar to advocacy but more hands on. She observed that the people of Peru are positive and resilient. “At the center, they are a community. They look out for one another. We need to get back to that.”

Since returning home, Roberta has interviewed participants for Peru Odyssey 2019. She talks about AFC with groups. “Peru has really changed me big time, especially Machu Picchu.” Roberta never imagined going there. She would have thought someone was crazy to suggest it. At Machu Picchu, she doubted her ability to complete the hike. As she watched older people reaching the top, she found the inspiration to persevere. Roberta felt so much peace at the top. There, she watched clouds and “knew there is a God.” She added, “A Fresh Chapter makes you deal with your baggage. I left a lot of it at Machu Picchu.”

“We don’t have to be super women”

Roberta sees the possibility for others in sharing their stories. “Some people have trouble opening up. If you are not going to be your true self—truly vulnerable—you are being a disservice to yourself and others.” AFC helped her find forgiveness for her significant other, who is now by her side. Forgiving allowed her to heal. “It’s OK,” she said. “We’re human.”

She celebrated her 50^th birthday in February. In April, Roberta participated in the Miss Pink Pageant in Massachusets, an honor she was nominated for. As an introvert, she would have never nominated herself. “I went and strutted my stuff,” she said, proudly. Roberta’s presence shows other African-American women that they can get involved. “We die at a higher rate,” she stressed. “I need more of my sisters to take advantage of these things.” During a portion of the pageant, Roberta spoke about her experiences. After the event, she received feedback, praising her authenticity and vulnerability. “You were real,” people said. Roberta believes it is important to talk about stigmas related to cancer, as well as mental health issues. “We don’t have to be super women.”