WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Tawana Martin-German was diagnosed with cancer at just 31 years old. Now, she's advocating for the Williamsburg-based support group that helped her during her battle with invasive ductal carcinoma.
On Tawana's left arm, near her shoulder, is a tattoo of flowers.
"I got flowers to kind of cover up my scars," Martin-German said, "to be able to look at myself in the mirror and to see those beautiful memories that I've went through."
"When you die, everybody gives you flowers," Martin-German said. "I wanted my flowers now."
They reflect a difficult time in Martin-German's life that started in December of 2014.
"I started having some pain in my chest.," Martin-German said. "I was taking a shower one day, and I found a little lump."
Martin-German was 31 years old when she got it checked out the following month. She said her doctors told her it was likely not cancer.
"I was told... it was nothing to worry about... because cancer isn't painful... and I was also too young," Martin-German said.
But several months and several tests later, Martin-German received a call from her doctor.
"I was told, hey, it's invasive ductal carcinoma," Martin-German said. "And I was Stage 2B."
After hanging up the phone, Martin-German said she felt like her world immediately changed.
"I had a double mastectomy... I've had close to, probably, at least, maybe 15, 16 different surgeries," Martin-German said.
After a challenging treatment plan that included chemotherapy and radiation, Martin-German was declared remission in January 2016.
But she said her breast cancer journey was only just beginning.
"Even now, like, nine, almost ten years later, I'm still dealing with things that are as a result of breast cancer," Martin-German said. Despite the obstacles since her diagnosis, Martin-German said she's glad she didn't back down when she knew something was wrong.
"I really had to fight for my care," Martin-German said. "You have to advocate for yourself."
But Martin-German said no one should have to fight alone, and that's why she's glad she found Here for the Girls. The Williamsburg-based nonprofit is dedicated to improving the lives of young women affected by breast cancer.
"Oftentimes, we have to feel like we're strong, and we can't always share how we're feeling," Martin-German said.
"Here for the Girls... I found them at the end of my journey, pretty much, for treatments," Martin-German said. "It's great to have women around you that can say, yeah, I know what that feels like."
She said the ladies of Here for the Girls became like family and helped her embrace her new normal.
"Everything that makes you feel like a woman is kind of taken away through your breast cancer journey," Martin-German said. "I've had to learn to... love the new me."
Martin-German's message to others is to always look for beauty, even in the face of adversity.
"It's important that as we're going through these processes in life, no matter what it is, to enjoy the little moments and define those little flowers along the road of your journey and to find happiness in those moments," Martin-German said.
Tawana is featured in Here for the Girls' 2023 calendar and guide. This year's theme is 'In Her Own Words'-- survivors telling their stories their way and sharing powerful words of advice.
Funds raised by calendar ambassadors support the group.
Click here to learn more about becoming a sponsor or making a donation.