At just a few years shy of my 70th birthday, I’ve decided to do something a little unexpected: I entered the Fab Over 40 competition.

This national contest, sponsored by Colossal.org, celebrates women who are thriving beyond 40 — redefining what it means to age, live fully, and inspire others. And while that message alone is powerful, what makes this competition truly special is that it supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation — raising money for breast cancer research, early detection, and survivor support programs.

That mission hits close to home for me.

I have friends and family members who are breast cancer survivors. I’ve walked alongside them through fear, surgery, chemo, and faith. I’ve seen what courage looks like up close. And I’ve learned that this disease, like so many others, does not impact all women equally. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer and more likely to die from it.

That reality is part of why I do the work I do. As a food story coach and author of Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict, I’ve spent years helping women — especially Black women — understand how trauma, culture, and emotion shape how we manage food and our bodies. My own journey with obesity has been lifelong. I’ve gained and lost over 700 pounds — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

What many people don’t realize is that obesity is not just about weight. It’s about pain, memory, and survival. And it’s also a major health risk — one that has been directly linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.

For me, competing in Fab Over 40 is not just a vanity project or a bucket-list moment. It’s part of my purpose. It’s another way to raise awareness about the connection between food, trauma, and health — and to honor the women who are fighting, surviving, and thriving against all odds.

Right now, I’m proud to say I’m ranked #3 in the competition. This round will determine the winner. I need your help to bring home the win so I can continue this work.

You can vote for me once every 24 hours for free using this link: