Nura Magazine Fall/Winter 2016 | Page 54

The Power of Words: A Survivor Story Noelle, now 13, is so engaged with her mother’s initiatives, she has started her own popular event called Pajama Glam. Pajama Glam annually invites women and girls of all ages to experience a day of pure enjoyment while learning how to live healthy lives. Watching her mother fight and survive inspired Noelle to educate youth who may not be aware of the impact of breast cancer or how we can make choices early in life to lower risks. The Tigerlily Foundation, founded in 2006, provides resources for young women with breast cancer under the age of 45. Through the organization, Maimah has become one of the most sought after advocates for women and breast cancer awareness. In 2010, the Tigerlily Foundation worked to pass The Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act. The Tigerlily Foundation also launched the Young Women’s Breast Health Day on the Hill, to engage healthcare providers, policymakers, grassroots organizations and young women in advocating for issues facing young women and breast health. 54 Fall/Winter 2016 | NURAMagazine.com