Zitalia Fox – Program

Zitalia Fox is a brave woman. The August 27th, 2019 edition of The Nassau Guardian had a photo on the front page of its Health & Wellness section, showing Zitalia’s upper body -without breasts. She was just 22 when her breasts were removed after being diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive breast cancer and she has no plans for reconstruction.

This young woman is very transparent about her story and she is quite content with her physique. She recognizes that breasts have nothing to do with her spirit…who she is within. Admittedly, initially following the surgery, Zitalia briefly considered reconstructive surgery; however, since then, she does not regret the decision and loves herself just the way she is.

It was November 2014 when the young woman discovered a lump in her left breast. Like some women, she ignored it; however, as time went on, the lump expanded and became painful. It could no longer be ignored. She said doctors did not wish to perform a mammogram on her because she was so young, but the courageous Ziggy – as she is affectionately called – was strongminded about having it done. The first diagnosis was that she had a fibroadenoma lump (non-cancerous) and it had to be removed. Zitalia breathe a sigh of relief, just knowing cancer was not in the cards. However, in December of that same yearwas the beginning of a new chapter of her life. She made a trip to the emergency room because the spot where the lump was growing had turned into an abscess.

Doctors cut the lump, drained the fluid and Zitalia had to wait a long two weeks for the results. With her mother, two aunts and a cousin by her side, she learned the outcome: breast cancer. With no children and no degree as yet, Zitalia felt her world was coming to an end. She felt she was so young and questioned why this was happening to her. In one word, she admits to having felt, “Devastated.”

This young woman endured six rounds of chemotherapy every 30 days, was not successful keeping fluids down and barely ate. The uphill battle was arduous. In 2015, she had a double mastectomy and in April 2016, she had six weeks of radiation. It was the same year she would graduate from The Bahamas Baptist Community College with an Associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems.

Meanwhile, cancer is no stranger to Zitalia’s family as she witnessed her mother, Jennimae Johnson and aunt, Jan Johnson contend with the disease. Thirteen years later both women are still alive to tell the tale. Additionally, both Zitalia and her mother are honourees of this year’s Remilda Rose Designs’ fashion for a cause.

As young as she is, the positive 26-year-old has exuded strength and grace, in what she considers a storm. She gives God the praise for keeping her through it all and the good support system, which she considers a blessing.