Thriver Spotlight
Gloria Weston-Smart
Gloria Weston-Smart was born in Columbus, Ga and raised in public housing by her single mother of 5. Gloria graduated from Columbus High School in 1974 shortly after the school was integrated. She attended college at Selma University in Selma, AL and finished with her B.S degree at Troy State University. Gloria also became the first of her siblings to graduate from college. A major accomplishment but not surprising to her family. “Growing up as the middle child my sisters would always say “Gloria, you’ll try anything!”
Gloria is a former employee with Girl Scouts of America where she initially volunteered for 10 years before being promoted to an Executive Staff Member. Gloria then went on to become the first African American Executive Director for Keep Columbus Beautiful.
“My experience at Keep Columbus Beautiful was nothing short of amazing because everything that God did was first perfected through our environment. My focus was always to engage and educate individuals to be better stewards to our environment. As we go through day to day living, most people rarely acknowledge how the elements around us influence our life. I am thankful for the life God has provided me and the jobs I’ve had.”
At age 40, Gloria began to receive mammograms annually. “Many times I had to receive multiple mammograms because my breasts were very dense.” In 2012, Gloria was diagnosed with stage one Breast cancer. Several X-rays revealed Gloria had aggressive invasive cells. Invasive cells are cancer cells that have spread beyond the tissue where the cancer first developed. “After telling my family I had Breast Cancer, I said “Don’t cry, this is my journey. God gave it to me.”
After delivering the news to her family, Gloria’s brother, Bobby Bynam came to live with her and became her main caregiver. “My brother Bobby was an anchor for me at that time. I could not have asked for a better support system. My church family, Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church showed overwhelming love and support. During the most troubling times God’s love always shines through.”
Gloria ultimately decided to have a bi-lateral procedure and chose to opt out of reconstruction. “Some women are really concerned when they lose their breast but it didn’t faze me. I knew I was making the best decision for me. I looked at it as a battle wound scar.”
To date, Gloria has been Breast Cancer free for seven years! “It was a journey I am so thankful to God for because he brought me through. The best thing that could have happened to me was that God gave me peace that surpasses all understanding.”
Is there anything you’d like to share with other “Thrivers” or individuals who may be currently battling Cancer?
“Don’t give up! Always have a positive attitude. Be an encourager while you’re going through. Some of the people who love you will take the news very hard ;so you have to encourage them. Embrace your journey and know who God is in your life. Know that He is a protector, provider, healer, and lover of his children. He gives us grace and mercy every single day of our lives. I would encourage you to be thankful and know that God got it!