Maimah Karmo, a Liberian refugee and young mother of a toddler, was 32 when she received her breast cancer diagnosis. She was also engaged at the time, and her fiancé left her right before the wedding. Maimah's world turned upside-down, but instead of letting her disease beat her, Maimah turned her plight into action.
Maimah is the founder of the Tigerlily Foundation, an organization that educates, empowers and advocates for young women affected by breast cancer. The idea was born after her second chemotherapy treatment, and when she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to tell her story, Oprah's advice was clear. "Write a book," Oprah instructed.
So Maimah did. Fearless: Awakening to My Life's Purpose Through Breast Cancer (Brown Books, October 2012) is about "my transformation," says Maimah, "and how I learned that a challenge can be a gift."
Fearless is a stunning account of Maimah's upbringing in Liberia—which was uprooted when she was 16 years old, and her family was forced to flee to the US—to living the American Dream, watching it all fall apart with a breast cancer diagnosis, and ultimately, bouncing back. Today, Maimah has single-handedly changed the world of breast cancer diagnosis and recovery, and her work has been celebrated everywhere from Redbook Magazine to Good Morning America.
"I am dedicated to changing the breast cancer landscape and creating a legacy of a world free of breast cancer," says Maimah.
In 2009, L'Oreal's Paris Woman of Worth chose Maimah as the recipient of their Award, and the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership in Advocacy awarded Maimah in 2011. She and the Tigerlily Foundation have been profiled in numerous national outlets: O, the Oprah Magazine, Essence, Ladies Home Journal, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Redbook. She has also appeared on national television media, including The Oprah Winfrey Show,Good Morning America, FOX, ABC News, and CBS.
"The morning my life changed, I made a vow to live as loudly as possible. I would jump into the things that made me afraid; I would risk everything to feel, to live and to love. Most of all, I would be fully present in life and give of myself so that others may have the incredible joy I feel every day of my life," says Maimah.
How can you participate in the campaign for Fearless Moms?
Is there a mom in your life who is absolutely FEARLESS? Has she overcome odds that were overwhelmingly against her? Does she constantly take-on life’s curve balls with poise and positivity? Above all, is she an overwhelming source of love, encouragement and inspiration? We’re on a mission to honor these leading ladies in our lives and need your help!
- Think of a Fearless Mom in your life and feature her on your blog. Share the post with Maimah Karmo on Twitter (@MaimahKarmo) with the hashtag, #FearlessMom and on Maimah’s Facebook page.
- Send the link to your blog post featuring your selection for a Fearless Mom to Claire@prbythebook.com by December 31st, 2012.
Five nominees will be selected to attend Maimah’s Fearless Female Conference next year. They will also receive Maimah’s book, Fearless: Awakening to My Purpose Through Breast Cancer.
about the author:
MAIMAH KARMO was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and lived there until fleeing to the United States with her family in 1989. She lived in New Jersey before moving to Virginia, where she currently resides with her daughter. Learn more at www.tigerlilyfoundation.com
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