Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nicole Robinson.
Dr. Nicole Robinson is the founder of the Hatz 4 Hearts Foundation. She found purpose in her diagnosis. After being diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, her journey started with the focus of giving back as a simple gesture of HOPE.
Hair loss can be one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy treatment. She wasn’t afraid of the prognosis of cancer, she was more afraid of losing her hair and identity as a woman. In April 2014, she began hosting events to collect new hats and headwear for cancer patients affected by chemotherapy.
Hatz 4 Hearts provides supportive services that include the distribution of new hats, headwear, scarfs, and wigs to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy; breast cancer awareness, education, and fundraising to support their efforts. All donations are “gifts of hope” offered FREE to patients, oncology clinics, and hospitals within the surrounding area. This simple gesture shows an act of kindness and provides hope to patients knowing they’re not alone in the fight.
In August 2015, Nicole began celebrating her survivorship through promoting breast health awareness and advocacy fueled by her cancer diagnosis. She is lead by her passion and determination to invoke change through the simple gesture of giving. She acknowledges finding her purpose as a result of her cancer diagnosis.
A simple gesture goes a long way… Give a Hat and warm a Heart!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Last year, before being re-diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer, I can recall eagerly awaiting my birthdate. It’s not my traditional birthday or the date I was born, but August 24th was the day I celebrated life. The month of August was the month I was reborn into new hope and given a second chance at living my best life after cancer. It was my bittersweet milestone commemorating my survivorship.
At the age of 46, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Mammary Carcinoma, “breast cancer,” as we know it. I recall how I dismissed and ignored all the warning signs my body was loudly screaming before being diagnosed. And so, it began, in March 2014, right after my Valentine’s Day mammogram. My then somewhat simple life was abruptly put on hold as I grappled with the big “C.”
Like many who receive the news of a cancer diagnosis; I thought, “why me, why now?” Cancer had now become my new reality. For some, the word “cancer” can be paralyzing, perpetuating fear, while providing an outright death sentence. But for me, cancer was my new beginning. I’m a firm believer that the universe has a way of revealing small pieces of your destiny through tragedy; it’s a road map that leads to purpose.
After being diagnosed, I was immediately thrown into the unknown world of cancer, which brought with it unexpected life shifts, dealing with emotions of fear and uncertainty. My new normal became scans, biopsies, surgery, chemotherapy, and then radiation treatment. Admittedly, I knew nothing about cancer treatment and chemotherapy. To my knowledge, no one in my family had ever battled cancer before me. With all the horror stories swirling around chemo and the debilitating side effects, I was only concerned about losing my hair. Losing your hair can be such a traumatic experience, especially for a woman whose identity is tied to her hair. But I had a tribe of supporters, family and friends begin shaving their heads to show support. It was a beautiful gesture that I will always cherish.
Surviving cancer is a continual fight. You pay the ultimate price of physical and mental scars. The cost of the disease can be financially debilitating. Financial toxicity sadly enough is another component that patients and families encounter when battling the disease. Interesting enough, no one ever speaks of the financial burdens and cost associated with cancer treatment.
Before being diagnosed with cancer, I was fortunate enough to have what I considered to be one of the best insurances as a federal employee. But little did I know, even having the best insurance didn’t cover my treatment. Although treatment is available to many, some patients can’t afford proper treatment and care. Let’s be real for a moment… Cancer treatment cost can be crippling, and it’s the unspoken truth that’s rarely discussed. There are people within a specific socioeconomic status who flat out can’t afford necessities of care, let alone affordable cancer treatment. In my view, this class of people are often forgotten and underserved.
I can recall the day I was told my insurance didn’t cover one of my cancer drugs that cost $5,000. I took a deep breath and said, “How?” What was I about to do? Fortunately, enough for me, it was the luxury of having a credit card that allowed me to pay for treatment. But everyone doesn’t have that luxury, especially those substandard or no insurance. Financially, I had to make some hard decisions, which led me to stay in graduate school during treatment and using student loans to help fund my treatment.
That’s why I’m in this space to contribute to the conversation. Something must change when it comes to affordable cancer treatments. No one should be faced with the burdens of having to decide which bills will get paid or if your credit line is large enough to help offset mounting cost. This scenario really makes me questions weather or not everyone is receiving the same level of care?
Through it all, I refuse to be defeated. Every day I wrestled with thoughts of “what if?” Daily, I had to fight the negative thoughts and chatter that plagued my mind regarding my survival. But I know I serve a higher power that governs my path; who knows my beginning and my ending. Honestly, my diagnosis transformed my whole being. I found purpose and ministry through my struggles in dealing with cancer.
I can still remember the night of my first chemotherapy treatment. I vividly remember thoughts and feelings of uncertainty. I remember the energy in the room, it was such a dark place. In the Infusion room there were twelve of us huddled together receiving treatment that day. I thought, “what could I do, how could I help?” With that, I knew my fight would be continual. I was on the journey for change. I wanted to do something. No, it was a mandate to fight, to be a voice and advocate toward helping change the narrative. I accepted that I would come apart of community of many voices that stand in the gap and who would no longer be silent about the effects of cancer in all areas: mentally, physically, and financially.
I was gifted with an idea to give hats to chemo patients. That night, I started a Facebook page, Hatz 4 Hearts. I wanted to start a foundation with one thing in mind, providing HOPE; giving hats to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who are losing their hair. A simple and heartfelt gesture was my personal gift of hope but little did I know, it would become much more. Giving was not only a gift to others, but my own personal therapy toward my own healing anf fighting against cancer.
I’m most proud of Hatz 4 Hearts and what it means to me; it’s my gift, my ministry, and my reminder of my beginning. If cancer doesn’t take a break, neither will I. It’s about making small changes in your lifestyle, being present, and being vulnerable enough in telling your truth to help others on the road to healing.
As the prevalence of cancer-related diagnoses and deaths continue to be the highest amongst the African American community, my foundation is focused on continuing our efforts to serve others. Together, we can change the narrative.
For more information about Dr. Nicole Robinson, visit www.hatz4hearts.org.
Please tell us about Hatz 4 Hearts Foundation.
Hatz 4 Hearts provides HOPE through giving.
WHO WE ARE – OUR MISSION is supporting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We provide supportive services to underserved communities comprised of low-income patients.
OUR FOCUS is to bring awareness to health disparities among uninsured families who can’t afford treatment. Having access to affordable healthcare is essential for individuals diagnosed with cancer who are likely more than to face financial hardship due to treatment cost.
My mandate: Changing the narrative regarding cancer treatment cost and the debilitating effects of
– Financial toxicity associated the cancer treatment
– Putting a stop to insurance coming for bully patients into “Step Therapy”
Step therapy, also known as “fail first,” is a process used by health insurers to control costs. It requires patients to try one or more medications specified by the insurance company, typically a generic or lower-cost medicine, to treat a health condition. Patients must then fail on the medication(s) before allowing a “step up” to another medicine that may be more expensive for the insurer.
http://prescriptionprocess.com/barriers-to-access/step-therapy/
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Finding the right mentor is key. For me, the ideal mentor really has to be someone you can trust, a skilled navigator who can help guide and lead you to ensure you’re accountable for your talents and success.
Over the course of my career, I’ve had many mentors. They all were strategically placed for different moments in my life and career. I’ve put out in the universe that my next mentor will be a master resource and networker to help guide me through my next project. My very own documentary called: My Treatment My Choice
It is designed to expose the dark secrets of cancer, especially the cost factor that goes along with having a chronic illness. Highlighting the over-expansive costs on all levels and aspects of a patients’ quality of life. Maintaining and navigating through the unknowns and devastation families face trying to afford treatment. There are patients who are either dying or experiencing extreme hardships as a result which jeopardizing a patient’s mental, physical, and financial health.
Shining the light on how cancer has just become big business; fighting back against insurance companies who deny treatment and forcing patients to agree to accept alternative drugs to save on cost. It’s disheartening, and it has harmful effects on countless lives. I want to fight to put a STOP to “step therapy,” putting a stop to Big Pharma and placing caps on cancer treatment costs. So, we’ll see what’s next. Stay tuned!
Contact Info:
- Address: HATZ – Los Angeles 19100 Pricetown Ave Carson, CA 90746
- Website: www.hatz4hearts.org
- Phone: 414-248-8570
- Email: hatz4hearts@gmail
- Instagram: hatz4hearts
- Facebook: hatz4hearts
- Twitter: @cancer4hatz
- Other: Linkedin: Hatz4hearts
Image Credit:
Photoshoot images, Photos by: Spencer Tegner
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