Breast Cancer Changed My Story, Not My Strength
Danielle Hadnott: President of the Hadnott Foundation | Breast Cancer Advocate
Cynthia Smalls: Founder of Melanin Pink Ribbons | Breast Cancer Survivor & Advocate
In this episode of Community Conversations, guest host Danni Hadnott, President of the Hadnott Foundation, sits down with Cynthia Smalls, founder of Melanin Pink Ribbons, breast cancer survivor, author, and advocate, for an honest conversation about breast cancer, survivorship, advocacy, and the importance of Black women having open conversations about their health.
Cynthia shares how an ordinary annual mammogram led to a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 and how her experience inspired her to create Melanin Pink Ribbons after realizing how little representation she saw for Black women in the breast cancer resources she encountered. Her journey became a commitment to helping women understand their health, ask better questions, advocate for themselves, and remove the shame and silence that can surround breast health.
Danni and Cynthia also talk candidly about what happens after treatment ends. Cynthia shares how survivorship required her to redefine strength, learn how to rest, establish boundaries, reconnect with her body, and allow herself to receive support. She reminds women that taking care of themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually is not a sign of weakness.
In this episode, they discuss:
• Cynthia’s breast cancer diagnosis and the creation of Melanin Pink Ribbons
• Why conversations about breast health are especially important in the Black community
• The importance of mammograms, screenings, and asking questions about your care
• Advocating for yourself during medical appointments
• Why receiving support from your family, friends, and community matters
• Cynthia’s books, including The Self Love Journal and Love, Strength, and Crayons
• Finding strength even in the most difficult seasons of life
Cynthia leaves listeners with a powerful reminder:
“Breast cancer changed my story. It did not change my strength.”
About Danielle Hadnott
Danielle “Danni” Hadnott is President of The Hadnott Foundation, an organization that has spent more than 25 years advancing breast cancer and prostate cancer education, awareness, and access to resources. Through community outreach and advocacy, Danni is committed to helping individuals and families become more informed, ask important questions, and connect with the support they need.
A Note to Our Listeners
This conversation is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please speak with your physician or another qualified healthcare professional about questions concerning your health.
If this conversation spoke to you, share it with another woman who may need to hear it.
Listen to Community Conversations on Sistahs Connect Radio™ on the first Sunday of every month for a new episode. Download our app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
