She is a Breast Cancer Survivor
By Matie Singh

Mildred Joyce Forde, who migrated from Guyana some 24 years ago is a breast cancer survivor.
"In 1985 I went for my routine annual medical check-up when the doctors said to me that they saw a shadow in my chest," said Ms. Forde during a phone interview. "At first it was shocking, but after I had a biopsy and found it (cancer in her right breast) was malignant, I went for a second opinion which confirmed the first. I had two weeks to think about getting the operation."
Thirteen successful and productive years have since passed and Ms. Forde continues to be cancer free.
Ms. Forde never gave herself the opportunity to feel "less than a woman", though, "it was difficult decision".
"I know a woman who went home and dies of self-pity after she found out she had breast cancer," said Ms. Forde. "She felt she would be less than a woman if she had her breast removed."
Routine therapy and counseling were part of Ms. Forde's journey to recovery and positive growth. "I look at it as more like doing something to save my life. Yes it fees like I've lost part of my body." she said. "To this day there's still some discomfort, but my family support was and still is great.
A few months after surgery Ms. Forde went back to work and found that she had been demoted. "At that time, that was sort of a prejudice. I didn't realize it until after I left the job".
Her love for people led her to founding the "Young Models Competition", a Brooklyn based modeling agency catering for children ages 5 to 11. "It's not only about fashion. These children are taught moral principles and how to carry themselves in life".
The idea itself came about "after witnessing a young lady fighting in the street. I thought to myself how can I help to improve the lives of young people. That's how I began the modeling school. At first they thought they were coming to learn modeling but I used modeling as a vehicle to attract them"
A dress maker from back home, Ms. Forde designs original styles for her models. There's an 8-10 week course, where "no fees are taken" but students are asked to help with sales of tickets.
For this and other community based activities Joyce Forde has won many awards including a "Woman of Distinction" award and a "Lifetime Achievement" award. her advise to women is to "always have their annual checkup and do a self-examination (of the breast) regularly." And "do not feel you're less than a woman or it's the end of the world if you have to get an operation."
And her philosophy? "You never get old if you have peace of mind".