Tricia Griffith turned her breast cancer journey into a mission of hope and support for others. The Bronx survivor now leads Pink Power Steps, helping women navigate their cancer diagnosis.
From Diagnosis to Determination: A Survivor’s Journey
Life took an unexpected turn for Tricia Griffith during her milestone 40th birthday year in 2016. Her first mammogram revealed triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form primarily affecting Black women.
“I was 40 years old and going for my first mammogram,” Griffith told MadameNoire. The diagnosis arrived during what should have been a celebratory time.
Her battle included two surgeries, four months of chemotherapy, and eight weeks of radiation. Despite these challenges, she sought comprehensive care at Philadelphia’s Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Building a Network of Strength and Support
Family proved instrumental in Griffith’s recovery journey. Her brother drove her to appointments, often accompanied by a carload of supporters.
“My brother drove me to my appointments, but it wasn’t just my brother, it was a car-full,” she recalled with a laugh. Her AKA sorority sisters also rallied around her.
The treatment center offered holistic healing approaches. Beyond traditional treatments, they provided supportive therapies like acupuncture, manicures, and massages to manage side effects.
Pink Power Steps: Creating a Legacy of Hope
Griffith’s experience inspired her to establish Pink Power Steps. The organization specifically supports women of color aged 40 to 50 facing breast cancer diagnoses.
“The name came from finding your power,” she explained. “We all feel powerless when you hear those words, that you have cancer.”
Her book, “The Positive of My Triple-Negative Breast Cancer,” shares her journey. It serves as a guidebook for others navigating similar paths.
Advocacy Beyond Personal Victory
Today, Griffith channels her energy into broader cancer advocacy. She works with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, lobbying for research funding.
She serves on Jacobi Hospital’s community advisory board in the Bronx. Additionally, she helped establish the New York City chapter of the Sisters Network survivorship group.
“I wasn’t living my truth. I wasn’t speaking up,” she reflected. “It’s about living authentically now, as opposed to living scared.”
