Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikia Hammonds-Blakely.
Having survived a life-altering bout with Breast Cancer at age 16 years old, Nikia Hammonds-Blakely is an author, singer, songwriter and motivational speaker who focuses her message on receiving physical and emotional healing with the help of God and family.
When she was a sophomore in high school, she found a lump in her breast. Not even fathoming it could be cancer – no one on either side of her family had ever suffered from the disease – she didn’t think much of it. However, during a physical a short time later, her physician suggested performing a biopsy just to be sure. It turned out to be cancer and a very aggressive form of cancer at that. She was terrified. Her doctors recommended a total mastectomy, but Nikia resisted. Instead, she underwent several months of radiation and other surgeries.
As traumatic as it was, Nikia says her cancer also gave her a resolve she never had before. Until her diagnosis, she says she was only an average student. But once she decided she would beat her cancer and make the most of her life, she earned straight A’s and became the first person in her family to go to college. But she wouldn’t stop there. She would go on to earn an MBA and is completing her Ph.D. program studying organizational management.
Today, at age 38, Nikia is conquering a life-long struggle with obesity, through a healthy diet and exercise, resulting in a 70lb. weight-loss. She says surviving cancer has motivated her to take control of her total health, and she finds great joy in encourages others to do the same. Still, her greatest lies ahead of her.
After discovering pre-cancerous cells during a recent mammogram & biopsy, Nikia decided to take a very proactive step to prevent the likely reoccurrence of breast cancer by undergoing a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Taking her mission of new life and health to a new level, Nikia continues to tirelessly educate young women that the disease can strike at a very young age. She says her greatest opportunity to date, was traveling to the continent of Africa, where she was able to minister to young girls, ages 13 & 14, who were battling stage 4 breast cancer. Nikia rallied the support of her community and proudly presented young, underprivileged African patients with nearly $1,000 worth of bras, prosthetics and medical supplies and over $115,000 to support the Princess Nikki Breast Cancer Foundation in Abuja, Nigeria.
Nikia’s story and work have been profiled in such media outlets as the Chicago Sun-Times, Glamour Magazine, O Magazine, Women’s World, Southern Living, The Yolanda Adams Morning Show, and interview documentaries on TVOne & BET, just to name a few.
Nikia also serves as a worship leader for The Potter’s House North Dallas, under the leadership of Pastor Sheryl Brady and Bishop T.D. Jakes; she is also a member of the newly formed Daystar Choir, under the leadership of Marcus & Joni Lamb.
Most recently, Nikia has started The CHAMPION Promise Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment and healthy lifestyles of high risk and underserved women. She has also released a new music single entitled “Champion,” along with her memoir “The Fight: Chronicles of a Champion.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Breast Cancer (twice) (and so young)
Early marriage and divorce
Life-long weight struggles
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The CHAMPION Promise Foundation story. Tell us more about it.
The CHAMPION Promise Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, healthy lifestyles and empowerment of high risk and underserved women and girls. We exist to encourage and equip women to live at their highest level of wellness.
We Educate: We will educate our audiences on: 1) the risks and available education, screenings & treatments of breast cancer, 3) the prevention of childhood obesity, and 3) the promotion of breast health and overall healthy lifestyle commitment
We Engage: We will engage our audiences through the use of workshops, literacy, performing arts and special events
We Enlighten: We will enlighten our audiences by promoting Self Awareness, Self Esteem, Vision Planning and the art of Mutual Mentorship
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck at all. I believe in GOD’s FAVOR. I believe in Purpose and Destiny… when those (3) things collide… you will find a force the blows luck right out of the water… POWERFUL!
Pricing:
- The Fight: Chronicles of a CHAMPION ($15) Nikia’s Memoir
- CHAMPION (multi-single CD) $5 featuring original music performed & written by Nikia
- Crosses and Crowns: A Counseling Guide for Living a CHAMPION Marriage ($20) Written by Nikia
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikiahammondsblakely.com
- Phone: 2144488205
- Instagram: The CHAMPION Promise Foundation
- Facebook: The CHAMPION Promise Foundation
- Twitter: The CHAMPION Promise Foundation
- Yelp: The CHAMPION Promise Foundation
- Other: The CHAMPION Promise Foundation
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
