We Honor You!
This month, we honor and celebrate the remarkable individuals whose courage, strength, and dedication inspire us in the fight against cancer, as well as the caregivers whose unwavering support makes a profound difference. To honor someone special, please email Healingrootsconnect@gmail.com.
Grateful to God that I can continue to say: I'm a Survivor
Cassandra Bellaphant - Cheatem
In Nov 2006, I received the diagnosis of DCIS—ductal carcinoma, stage 2. On Jan 5, 2007, I lost a breast to cancer, but praise God, I did not lose my life! Through it all, I never wavered in my faith. I knew God was in total control. The love and prayers that surrounded me kept me going. I am grateful!
A Mothers Love
Keep Fighting
In March 2025, just one week after her 35th birthday, my daughter Shayla Matthews found a lump in her breast. Soon after, she received the news no one ever wants to hear: she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A young mother of two, a new wife, and a new homeowner, she suddenly faced the biggest battle of her life.
Since May, Shayla has completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, undergone two surgeries, and pushed through physical therapy. Through it all, she has remained prayerful and determined, fighting this disease with everything she has.
Seeing her laugh and smile through the pain brings me so much joy. As mothers, we want to protect our children from hurt, but sometimes all we can do is stand by them and love them fiercely. There are no words to express how proud I am of my beautiful, courageous daughter.
Introducing Talaya Dendy
A Compassionate Cancer Doula Guided by Lived Experience
We are honored to introduce Talaya Dendy, a Cancer Doula whose work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and personal truth. Talaya’s journey began in 2011 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—an unexpected turning point that reshaped her life and ignited her calling to support others facing cancer.
Before her diagnosis, Talaya was healthy and rarely needed more than routine medical visits. Suddenly she found herself navigating a confusing healthcare system, managing overwhelming emotions, and trying to make sense of life-altering decisions. Like so many others, she felt unprepared, afraid, and uncertain about what lay ahead.
But Talaya leaned into what had always been her strengths—her love of learning, her thoughtful, analytical nature, and her ability to bring order to chaos. As she gained understanding, she realized she couldn’t move through cancer as a passive patient. She became the advocate and gatekeeper of her own health, taking an active role in every step of her journey.
That experience changed her.
And it inspired her to change the experience for others.
Today, Talaya brings wisdom, compassion, and a deeply personal understanding to her work as a Cancer Doula. She is known for her calming presence, her ability to truly listen, and her commitment to supporting the whole person—emotionally, mentally, and practically.
Talaya stands beside individuals and families during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives, ensuring they never feel alone, unheard, or uncertain. Her story is one of strength, purpose, and heart—and we are proud to introduce her to our community.
Previous Honorees
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