The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

The heartbreaking story of a three-time cancer survivor who lost her daughter, sister and father to the deadly disease has inspired the launch of a new foundation to promote an alternative approach to treatment. One, that encompasses wellness of mind, body and soul.

Toni Lewis is a fighter. Not only has she fought three separate battles with cancer and won, she has also had to learn to live with the loss of three people near to her heart, including her daughter Treazure and her sister Tiffany.

In an interview with Tribune Health, Toni said her experience of living with cancer has taught her to live life to its fullest at all times, with no regrets. Each and every day Toni said she is reminded that nothing is promised, and while people may be here this moment, the next they could be gone forever.

“I am a positive person. I love to laugh and I dismiss negative energy, small issues and negative people. What I can change, I pray about and try, try, try to leave it alone. I also try not to expect anything from anybody as it only causes disappointments. My cancer journeys have each been different and all have been learning experiences. Each experience has had one thing in common in that it’s wonderful to have the love and support of family and friends and even fellow survivors. These supporters keep you prayed up, encouraged and comforted, and for that I am grateful,” she said.

Toni’s father, Walter Callender, died when he was just 30 years old of a haematoma and liver cancer, and her sister Tiffany died at the age of 20 of liposarcoma, a cancer that arises in fat cells in deep soft tissue.

Toni was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 35. Her daughter Treazure was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone tumour) of the left thigh at the age of eight, just three months after Toni’s breast cancer diagnosis.

“Treazure and I sometimes had chemotherapy treatments simultaneously. She would attend Jackson Memorial Hospital for four days while I was at Mount Sinai. Unfortunately, after three months of chemotherapy, Treazure died,” she said.

“In 2015, I was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma (a malignant mesenchymal tumour). It was removed. In 2016, four months later, the fibrosarcoma had returned. It was even bigger and a more serious surgery was required. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a myxofibrosarcoma (a type of cancer that typically appears as a slow-growing lump on legs or arms). More chemotherapy was required. This time, much stronger drugs were used, and I would be in hospital taking chemo for six days. Subsequently, I was advised that an even more intricate surgery would be needed in February 2018. The surgery lasted 15 hours. Strangely enough, my doctors called me their healthiest patient. In my family there is not high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease...nothing. Just cancer.”

Her latest bout with cancer has been the most difficult yet, as it included travelling and hospitalisation for chemotherapy for one week, as well as an additional week of close monitoring before the all-clear was given for her to return home.

“Fortunately for me, my husband, my mother, Freddie Munroe and Aunt Dianna tag-team to stay with me to ensure that I have persons in hospital with me at all times and also after discharge from hospital, so in that regard I was never alone. A special thanks to my sons Challandar Lewis and Gareth Jr, Felicia Archer, Christopher, David, and also very good friends of mine who were there every step of the way in this last, and hopefully final, cancer experience. Thanks to all who called, visited and prayed during this time, and in fact, throughout my four times of fighting this disease,” said Toni.

Toni’s heart-wrenching experiences inspired her friend, Felicia Archer, founder of the Fresh Fire Outreach Ministries International, to expand her charity and community work and establish the Tiffany Treazure Hope Foundation – in honour of Toni’s sister and daughter.

“Last year, having gone through the entire chemotherapy process with (Toni), seeing her at her lowest and at her best, but still remaining strong, I found myself being inspired and impacted in a major way. The loss of her sister and baby girl to cancer...I just knew within myself there was something that can be done to honour both of their lives and legacies,” said Felicia.

The official launch of the Tiffany Treazure Hope Foundation is scheduled for Friday, March 30, at the Southland Church of God on Soldier Road.

“I never had the opportunity to meet (Tiffany and Treazure), but my life has been impacted by them because of Toni. One of the things I was led to do is rebrand the Fresh Fire Outreach Ministries, expand the mission and officially launch this arm. I waited until the time was right to share with (Toni) what God had laid on my heart to do. She was more than happy and humble to have something named in honour of her sister and daughter,” said Felicia.

This new foundation hopes to take a new approach to the treatment of cancer patients. First up on the agenda is a special wellness island retreat which is being planned by Toni and the Fresh Fire Outreach team

“My husband and I had recently completed a small home in Andros – a place I call my happy place. While there we bond and enjoy each other’s company. The idea of welcoming cancer survivors to our quaint island home so that they can experience ‘Treazures on the Beach” is exciting,” said Toni.

She is certain the experience will help people to de-stress, relax, and provide them with a moment to simply forget about their health issues while enjoying the pleasures of island life.

“Felicia and I both agreed that it was a brilliant idea considering the high incidence of this illness in the Bahamas. This idyllic island retreat will develop and serve as a unique model of wellness and inspiration in the world of cancer treatment, care and life enrichment. Together, we will learn how to prepare healthy vegetarian food, learn a bit more of the healing properties of what we eat, drink bush tea, bond with other survivors, connect with nature, enjoy yoga and walking the beach, and be fed spiritually and mentally in a happy place,” said Toni.

She said the foundation also aims to focus on the distribution of chemo care kits in an effort to uplift the spirit of children who are undergoing chemotherapy. It is also hoped in the long-term that the foundation will partner with local artists to begin an art therapy initiative at local hospitals.

“It was something that both Treazure and I looked forward to when she was in hospital undergoing chemotherapy,” she added.

Toni said the pain of losing her loved ones to cancer is at times unbearable, but it is her hope that she will overcome, and directing her energy toward the Tiffany Treazure Hope Foundation will help in this endeavour.

“I am a very private person but have been very open with my family’s experience with cancer to bring awareness to the disease and for the cause – feeding the needy and focusing on children and women with cancer. Focusing on something positive such as the foundation is also a healing (method) for me,” she said.