Imagine…the moment in life when you realize your true purpose in life. What if that purpose involved a fight for survival? For Anisa Palmer, a driven Afro-Latina woman on her journey to her purpose; starting with the physical fight for survival as a combat veteran and leading to a path of breast cancer advocacy, a cause deeply personal to her.
“I was just five years old when my mother was diagnosed with stage-four invasive breast cancer,” Anisa recalls, her voice a mixture of fondness and gravity. “The doctors gave her six months to live. Her cancer had metastasized to her lungs. Despite the odds, she lived longer, but eventually, she passed when I was still very young.”
Despite the grim prognosis, her mother fought fiercely for six more years before losing the battle, leaving her daughter with more than just memories.
“It wasn’t until my second tour in Iraq, when I saw a mirage of my mother, that I knew I was being called to serve in a new way,” reveals Anisa.
That vision became the spark for I Will Survive, Inc. — a beacon of hope for women and families grappling with breast cancer. The organization offers financial assistance, education, resources and emotional support, all while working to build healthier communities. What began as a childhood tragedy would eventually turn into an inspiring story of resilience and advocacy, thus continuously empowering thousands of individuals affected by breast cancer.
Transitioning from the military to a life of service in the nonprofit world wasn’t easy. Through her military career, Anisa learned skills that translate into crisis management, leadership, and innovation, however the emotional weight of how she serves at I Will Survive, Inc. is a different type of battle. Despite the hardships Anisa has encountered along the way, is grateful for all of her experience.
“[The military] made me the leader I am today. I know how to stay calm in emergencies, like when a client is on the verge of eviction due to medical bills. That military discipline kicks right in,” says Anisa.
Anisa’s ability to empathize with diverse communities has allowed I Will Survive, Inc. to make such a significant impact, especially when encountering difficult moments that require a sensitivity Anisa knows all too well.
Anisa recalls a heartbreaking experience with a young boy whose mother was in the midst of a harrowing battle with breast cancer. “He asked me, ‘Is my mom going to die?’ I didn’t know how to answer, but I told him, ‘Whatever you do to help your mom will help her fight this.’ That boy is now thriving alongside his mother, and moments like that remind me why we do this work.”
Seeing survivors rebuild their lives, going from feeling hopeless to thriving, is perhaps the most rewarding part of Anisa’s journey. Anisa has watched survivors become authors, start businesses and even purchase their first homes, standing by their side each step of the way.
“We teach our survivors to say, ‘I will survive,’ and truly believe it…it’s transformative. Healing starts with mental health,” reveals Anisa.
That mantra even applies to Anisa herself. Working in such an emotionally charged field can truly take a toll, therefore self-care has become a necessity for Anisa and those who work with her as she embeds the ethos of wellness into her team, extending to the organization’s broader mission of not just surviving cancer, but thriving after it.
“We can’t pour into our communities if we’re not taking care of ourselves,” Anisa candidly explains. “Our team starts every meeting with a mental health check-in. We’ve created a culture where it’s okay to take time off, go for walks, or just sit outside and unplug.”
While wellness and self-care are engrained in the organizational culture and methodology of the organization, a cornerstone of I Will Survive, Inc’s impactful approach is mentorship. By pairing breast cancer survivors with mentors who have been through similar experiences, whether being newly diagnosed or long-term survivors, provides a network of support and practical advice. There are a host of unconventional questions that survivors may have that can only be answered by someone undergoing a similar experience.
“One survivor shared how she wished someone had warned her about the long-term effects of chemotherapy, like permanent nail loss or bone density issues. Our mentors provide that kind of insight,” says Anisa.
With almost 14 years of service behind them, I Will Survive, Inc. is planning big for the future. Before the pandemic, they were poised to expand globally, with plans to open health centers in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, where women have some of the highest mortality rates for breast cancer. Despite the setback from the pandemic, global expansion remains on the horizon. By staying committed to the idea of opening new health centers, the organization ensures that women worldwide have the resources they need to fight this disease.
I Will Survive is built on the values that Anisa’s mother instilled in her: to be a good person, no matter what. This simple yet profound mantra guides Anisa’s every decision and, in turn, creates a ripple effect of good in the world.
With a mission born out of loss, and fueled by resilience, I Will Survive, Inc. continues to empower breast cancer survivors and their families to not only survive, thrive, and honor the memory of women fighting everywhere.
“Go to our website and fill out an application if you find yourself, or someone you know, needing support. Whether it’s help with housing, mentoring, or fitness coaching to reduce the risk of recurrence, we are here for you,” promises Anisa.
Anisa’s journey of purpose to I Will Survive, Inc. is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and unwavering service. As this organization continues to grow, it is clear that they are changing lives, one survivor at a time.
Stay connected with Anisa Palmer:
- Website: IWillSurviveInc.org
- Instagram: @TheAnisaPalmer
