Inspo to Impact: April Smith and The Survivor’s Nest
April Smith, breast cancer survivor and founder of The Survivor’s Nest.
“Inspo to Impact” tells the story of how amazing CHAINgemakers in the breast cancer community are using their experience and expertise to make the pathway easier for others.
April Smith is as a mom, wife, survivor and fierce advocate for living life to the fullest. Filled with compassion and often referred to as the “voice of inspiration,” April, alongside her husband Jerald Smith founded, The Survivor’s Nest Inc., a non-profit organization that comprehensively supports women impacted by cancer with a focus on health and wellness. The organization embodies the motto, “We are Stronger Together,” and brings the power of human connection into the services their foundation provides. April shares how she’s CHAINging the game in this inspiring Q & A:
What’s your personal or professional relationship with breast cancer?
In 2013, at the age of 34, I faced a life-altering diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer, HER2+ Stage IIB. Instead of succumbing to fear, I immediately embarked on a journey to explore alternative healing methods, delving into natural remedies and holistic approaches. However, despite my initial determination and faith, my attempt to heal holistically without a proper plan in place ultimately fell short, but I wasn’t deterred by this setback.
I realized that true healing encompasses mind, body, and spirit, and requires a comprehensive approach. Taking control of my health empowered me to reclaim my strength and resilience in the face of cancer. I revamped my lifestyle, incorporating nutritious foods, embracing fitness activities like walking, cross-training, yoga, and dance, and nurturing my spiritual well-being through prayer, meditation, and journaling.
Looking back on my journey, I find inspiration in the difficulties Ifaced as a teenage mother - feeling embarrassed, scared, and unsure of myself. Despite these challenges, that experience planted seeds of strength, love, and compassion in me, preparing me for future battles. The resilience that helped me overcome the struggles of teenage motherhood also became my foundation in facing breast cancer.
Now, as of February 2024, I am grateful to celebrate 11 years free from breast cancer. My journey has taught me invaluable lessons about the power of resilience, faith, and holistic healing. I stand as a testament to the importance of addressing health challenges with a multifaceted approach, and I am committed to sharing my story to inspire and empower others on their own paths to wellness.
Tell us how your experience became the foundation for the work you do to advance breast cancer health equity?
April and her husband Jerald Smith.
As a result of my transformational journey with breast cancer, my light began to shine brighter, and it did not go unnoticed by friends, family, and the community. I started to get calls from women impacted by cancer or their family members looking for support. My husband and I found ourselves offering support by attending doctors and hospital visits with patients and survivors. We provided guidance on how they could change their lifestyle and get in the driver’s seat of their cancer care. Additionally, we provided financial resources so they can obtain herbs, and nutritious foods.
As the need for support increased, I knew we would be able to make a bigger impact by starting a non-profit organization, and that’s how The Survivor’s Nest was born. The Survivor’s Nest is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers direct support to women impacted with any type of cancer with a focus on health and wellness. It's our mission to provide education and economic resources to help patients and survivors. We offer a safe space for them to heal and be nurtured during and after their cancer journey. When they leave the nest, they are free to spread their wings and help others.
What challenges have you faced and overcome while working to advance health equity in the breast cancer community?
One of the most significant challenges we've encountered while working to advance health equity in the breast cancer community is access to funding. We are a small grassroots nonprofit organization that has a big heart to serve our community. The need for our services often surpasses the financial resources available to us, which can be a burden, especially when we're forced to turn away individuals seeking support. We've had to navigate this challenge by being transparent about our limitations when grants are scarce, while also proactively seeking additional resources and connections with sister organizations that may be able to provide assistance. While it's a difficult reality to face, we remain committed to finding creative solutions to ensure that everyone who reaches out to us receives the support they need during their cancer journey.
In your opinion, what are the key components of a successful project or initiative aimed at promoting health equity?
In my opinion, successful projects or initiatives aimed at promoting health equity require a multifaceted approach, but one key component is undoubtedly collaboration and partnership. At The Survivor's Nest, we've found success by joining forces with other organizations that share similar visions and goals. Partnering with these organizations has allowed us to amplify our voices and expand our reach to audiences and communities that we may not have otherwise had access to. By pooling our resources, expertise, and networks, we're able to work more effectively towards our shared mission of advancing health equity in the breast cancer community and beyond.
How do you measure the impact of your work within the breast cancer community?
We collect feedback from the individuals and families we serve to assess their satisfaction with our programs and services. Additionally, we track key metrics such as the number of individuals reached, the types of support provided, and any positive outcomes or improvements reported by our beneficiaries. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that our efforts result in tangible benefits for those affected by cancer, whether it's through improved quality of life, increased access to resources, or enhanced mental health support.
What are some collaborations or partnerships that have been pivotal to your success in advancing health equity?
At The Survivor's Nest, our success in advancing health equity is deeply rooted in strategic collaborations and partnerships. We work closely with local healthcare providers and medical professionals year-round to host educational events focusing on a range of health topics, including breast and genealogical health. These events provide our community with direct access to vital information and resources, empowering them to lead healthier lifestyles.
In addition to healthcare partnerships, we also collaborate with black-owned businesses that offer products and services aligned with our mission. These include non-toxic bath and body products, mental health services, and massage services. Through these partnerships, these businesses generously donate their time, services, and products to individuals impacted by cancer who are in need. Ensuring access to high-quality care and holistic support is a cornerstone of our organization's mission, and these collaborations play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their journey in advocating for health equity in breast cancer?
My advice to someone embarking on the journey of advocating for health equity in breast cancer is to always keep your 'why' at the heart of your mission. While this work is rewarding because it allows us to make a positive difference in the lives of others, it also comes with its share of heartbreak and disappointments. From the loss of brave warriors in the fight against cancer to the lack of resources in underserved communities and the persistent presence of inequality, the challenges can seem daunting. However, by staying connected to our 'why,’ our passion and commitment to creating a more equitable future, we find the strength to persevere through adversity. We are in this together! We are Stronger Together!
How can people support your work?
People can support our work at The Survivor's Nest in several meaningful ways. One of the most impactful ways is through financial contributions, which allow us to continue providing vital services and support to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Spreading awareness about our organization and mission is also incredibly valuable; by sharing our story and advocating for breast cancer awareness and health equity, people can help us reach more individuals in need of support. Lastly, people can support us by engaging with our events and initiatives, participating in fundraisers, and staying connected with us through social media channels. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer and work towards a future where everyone has access to quality care and support.
To learn more about April Smith and The Survivor’s Nest, visit thesurvivorsnestinc.org and follow her on Instagram.
