Sophia Rolle

Sophia Rolle said she planned for her “life to be a fairytale,” but two years ago, God proved to her that life is far from it.

“Never would I have imagined being a two-time survivor…when I look in the mirror and see the new me, I fall in love daily.My scars are testimonies to the test I passed. They are a reminder that life is a gift that should be cherished regardless of the circumstances,” she said.

2017 turned out to be pivotal for Sophia. Upon completing an annual physical, doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in her right breast as well as cancerous cells on her ovaries.

“When I was given this news, I was distraught due to the fact that only older persons have cancer. Oh was I wrong,” said the young woman who was 27 at the time.

“I cried for a few days as I broke this news to family members and loved ones, but made it no easier for them as I watched the reactions on their faces. During this time I had to make up in my mind to either make it or break it. I was dedicated to making it not only for myself but for my princes and princess and those that care about my well-being,” she recalled.

The single mother of three beautiful children never considered herself to be a quitter.

“I am a strong believer that nothing you put your mind to, you won’t see glory from it. So said, so done. My faith was more than enough – not that fear wasn’t around. It became a bitter sweet adventure: test after test,doctor visits one after the next, medication none stop before and after surgery, follow ups, complications,extended hospital stays, bad reactions, loss of blood, seizures, more tests. And it was like this for months, but it was all worth it,” said the positive-minded Sophia.

Sophia still remembers that fateful day when her physical appearance would be altered forever. On July 11th,2017, shortly after 9 am, Sophia was prepped for a double mastectomy.

“I was so excited, I went in the theater with a smile and came out with one. It was painful, but at least I was blessed enough with the grace of God to have made it out still breathing – best experience ever with the amazing doctors and nurses I still have,” said the grateful young woman.

That fairytale life she dreamed about, became fragile. Sophia had to adapt to many bodily changes and routines. It challenged her physically, mentally,emotionally and spiritually.

“My kids were my rock. They would stare just like other individuals and it was my three-year-old at the time, who asked, ‘Mummy,ya breast in the sky?’ and I remembered telling her, ‘Yes, God took them because they were no good.’”

Meanwhile, Sophia sees life as a work in progress and continues to work for Super Value food stores; she has been employed there for 11 years. When not working as a supervisor at the company, she is focusing on her children, who are dear to her and her “amazing family,” inclusive of four “wonderful sisters.”

More importantly, she has not forgotten God.

“I never understood why people said, ‘Put God in the mix and see the blessing in everything.’ He never leads us astray but always guides us,goes before us,blesses, protects and keeps us right where we ought to be – the palm of His hands. If I could do it again I would – every bit of my journey – just so God can use me,” she said.