When 50-year-old Trinidad and Tobago native Allison Alexis was diagnosed with Breast Cancer after a routine mammogram in March 2001, she immediately underwent lumpectomy surgery and started chemotherapy — 33 segments of radiation treatment.
This is a fitting example of how early detection and treatment work. Today, six years after being diagnosed with the disease, Alexis proudly says, she is cancer-free, and a breast cancer survivor.
Thanks to the urgency in which she sought treatment after diagnoses, the process saved her life, and has helped her to spared the word, and inspire others, to be vigilant about testing, and early treatment.
Now, a strong advocate against cancer, this brave woman, continues to educate both men and women, through outreach programs, and an cancer annual walk.
Last Sept. 16, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Deputy Borough President Melva Miller, and Anthony Lemma, representative from Assemblyman David Weprin’s office, joined Alexis at her 4th Annual Queens Cancer Walk in Astoria.
Before marching to bring about awareness, Alexis pinned a lavender ribbon on the chest of Hon. Melinda Katz to say thanks. The symbolic “lavender color” highlights all forms of cancer.
Alexis, who came from the town of Maraval, in Trinidad & Tobago, is the founder of the Annual Queens Cancer Walk in Smokey Park, from where she donates 100 percent of the funds raised to the non-profit organization — Sharing and Caring.
She is passionate about giving back to this particular organization that provided her with the necessary coping mechanisms when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001.
“I want to give back to Sharing and Caring, and its founder, Anna Krill who provided counseling throughout my treatment process.”
Anna Krill also participated in the march, to share information with the community, and to provide citizens with the resources necessary to combat all types of cancer, said Alexis, who is steadfast in her commitment to help others understand that early detection, and urgency in seeking help is paramount.
Advocates and resource professionals, Linda Bulone, a cancer research nurse at Queens Hospital, Michael Andrews who signed up marchers to become bone marrow donors, and the Caribbean Equality Project who provided resource information from the Lesbian Women for Mammogram and Screening, all played a significant role, and made the march a success.
Alexis, plans to start a support group in Richmond Hill, Queens, where she and other survivors will come together on a regular basis to inspire each other.
As Alexis celebrate six years cancer free, this Cancer Awareness Month, she is happy to step-in when necessary to help anyone who is in need of help.
“All of the Volunteers on the day of the walk are my friends. “I appreciate them very much,” said Alexis, adding, “I would like to tell persons diagnosed with cancer, to seek the best treatment available to them.
“I know not everyone prefers to go through chemotherapy and radiation, but I will be a source of support for everyone regardless of what treatment they choose.
An upcoming Veterans Appreciation Luncheon will be held on Oct. 28 in Brooklyn, to raise much needed funds in an effort to fight all forms of cancer.
Allison Alexis could be reached by emailing; Sweep
