Maimah Karmo

I am a young breast cancer survivor. On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. I had no family history of breast cancer; and was only 32-years old. I didn't fit the profile. I had been told by my doctor that I was too young to get breast cancer. In May, after I had been given my second chemotherapy treatment, I decided to create an organization that would empower, educate, support and end isolation for young women affected by breast cancer. The organization was named Tigerlily Foundation (Tigerlily).

Tigerlily is committed to "connecting the dots" and ending isolation among young women affected with breast cancer by educating them about the disease, providing support and empowering them to celebrate their lives every day by harnessing their personal power.

The mission of Tigerlily is as follows:
To educate, empower, advocate for, support and inspire young women affected by breast cancer.
To end isolation among young adult breast cancer survivors.
To improve the quality of life for young adult breast cancer survivors by creating vigilant self-advocates.
I am a member of the Young Survival Coalition's Diversity Outreach Committee and a speaker for the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. Isupport the African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA), and am a member of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) Young Adult Alliance (YAA). I am also writing a best-seller about how my breast cancer diagnosis transformed my life and empowered me to live my best life today. I am an active patient advocate and attend breast cancer, oncology and health conferences in order to become a more informed advocate for young women affected by breast cancer.

Media Appearances: I speaks regularly, and have appeared in various magazines, including Essence, Ladies Home Journal and Global Woman Magazines, on Fox 5, News Channel 8, an ABC station, Good Morning America, WLCM radio, WFBR Radio, the Vital Options' radio show on XM's, Sirius Doctor Radio, among others. I've also been featured in the SABCS/Cure Magazine online.