Onyx Keesha, an actress, producer, and screenwriter, turned her battle with breast cancer into a mission to educate and empower Black women. Her journey began with a prophetic dream, but it took years before she understood the message and realized it was her reality. Today, Onyx is using her voice to advocate for informed healthcare decisions, self-care, and empowerment in the Black community.
A Dream That Changed Everything
Onyx Keesha once had a vivid dream about breast cancer. “I had a dream, and in my dream, I knew I had breast cancer,” she shared. She wondered if her deep-seated fear of the disease manifested into her diagnosis or if she foresaw it as part of her life’s journey. Several years before this dream, Onyx found lumps in her breast. Though the initial mammogram results were clear, she was advised to continue screenings.
Unfortunately, Onyx didn’t follow up as recommended. She remained focused on her booming career in television and film, where life moved fast and left little time for rest. But her dream persisted, and years later, she discovered a small lump during a self-examination.
“I was terrified,” Onyx admitted. “I had just turned 40 and was busy with life.” Despite her fear, she flew home to New Jersey to see her doctor. On New Year’s Day, she received her diagnosis: breast cancer.
Turning a Diagnosis into Triumph
Onyx’s breast cancer battle wasn’t just a personal fight. It pushed her to reflect on her family, her career, and her future. As a mother of two, one of her most difficult moments was breaking the news to her children. This inspired her to write Pink Lemonade, a children’s book that helps families discuss breast cancer. “Telling my son was hard because he’s very protective. My daughter, we reflect each other, and it was challenging to explain,” she revealed.
But she didn’t stop there. Onyx also wrote Facing It Together, a guide for breast cancer survivors and their support systems. “I wanted to give tools to the people around us, the ones who feel helpless,” she explained. The book became a resource for those supporting loved ones through the difficult journey of cancer treatment.
Empowering Black Women to Take Charge of Their Health
Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, often due to inadequate access to healthcare, mistrust in medical systems, or reliance on alternative methods. Onyx recognizes these challenges and hopes to inspire others to take control of their health.
“There’s so much misinformation out there,” she said. “We, Black women, need to advocate for ourselves, educate each other, and dispel myths to save lives.” Her advocacy extends beyond cancer awareness, encouraging Black women to make informed choices about their health.
Through her platform, Onyx works to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and the power of being proactive. She uses her story to remind Black women that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and that everyone, regardless of family history, should stay vigilant.
Life After Surviving Breast Cancer
Since overcoming breast cancer, Onyx Keesha has transformed her outlook on life. She has made self-care a priority and has shifted how she defines success. “Before cancer, I thought I was living my dream. Now, I’m truly living it because I’m putting myself first,” she said. The experience taught her the importance of slowing down and prioritizing her health.
Onyx continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness, focusing on empowering Black women to understand the link between stress, disease, and self-care. Stress has been connected to health issues like fibroids and heart disease, both of which disproportionately affect Black women. Onyx emphasizes the need for Black women to break free from the “superwoman schema,” which pushes them to neglect their well-being in favor of others.
“When you take care of yourself and define success for yourself, you’ll achieve true success,” Onyx advised. Her story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination that have fueled her journey and inspired so many.
