Nakeyta Perry
CaregiverIn MemorialSupporter
![](https://www.komen.org/wp-content/uploads/7a4179c5-e93c-4561-9915-f4a4b23c901e.jpeg)
My mother broke the news to my sister and I on November 21st, the day after my 30th birthday. I felt like I couldn’t breath; I blacked out and completely lost it. I was speechless; I didn’t know what to think or say. My mom was living in South Carolina at the time, but agreed to stay with us in Maryland to immediately start treatment. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. My mother fought and persevered for 4 months, until she gained her Heavenly wings on February 6, 2017. I miss her immensely everyday, and this experience has pushed us and our family members to be even more proactive about breast health and yearly screenings. It is so important to be aware of your health, and spreading the word for others to do so. I spent every day caring for and being there for my mother, up to her last day on this earth. That is something that I hold very sentimental.