Melanin & Pink Ribbons

Dr. Michelle Bean is a full circle changemaker in that she began her journey as a caregiver to her twin sister during her breast cancer fight. She then became a fighter with her own 2016 diagnosis and then moved to an advocate role as she established PINK “ME”, a nonprofit breast cancer organization in New Mexico. Her survivorship was interrupted by a second breast cancer diagnosis and that propelled her to fight again and win! Currently she has completed her chemotherapy and is enjoying her life while leading her nonprofit.

Dr. Dean whose professional life includes Director of Health Information Management for a major medical system in New Mexico is a powerhouse of compassion, consistency, focus and perseverance. I know her through our shared membership in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc but when she was first diagnosed in April 2016, she was doing double duty working her full-time job in New Mexico and regularly flying to the east coast to be a caregiver and support to her twin sister who was an active breast cancer patient. As a result of her sister’s diagnosis and genetic testing she had a mammogram that changed her life. Dr. Bean had breast cancer, specifically ductal carcinoma in situ. This form of breast cancer is noninvasive or pre invasive and the cancer cells are limited to the ducts in the breast and have not spread to surrounding tissue. In disbelief her first thought was how would she tell her parents their other twin daughter was ill. She fought past her fear, assembled her support team and went about the next step in the patient process. Being the decisive person she is, Dr. Bean learned to be her own advocate as she sought answers to her questions and exercised her faith muscle through prayer. She has publicly stated “listen to your body, advocate for your own health and treatment methods; it may be a decision that changes your life.” Her treatment plan included a double mastectomy and reconstruction.

Armed with the firsthand experience as a caregiver, patient and now survivor a gap in service became apparent to her consciousness and PINK “ME” was founded by Dr. Bean. The organization has been embraced by the New Mexico community and very quickly the challenges of being new to the nonprofit world and no start up resources did not deter her. With a clear purpose PINK “ME” has three major programs:

1. Connected By Cells – a program that supports active breast cancer patients via cell phone
2. Breast Cancer Treatment Assistance – active breast cancer patients can apply for funds to help with living expenses
3. Survivor Health & Wellness Assistance – aids survivors with financial assistance

The New Mexico community has utilized each of the programs, but the Breast Cancer Treatment Assistance program is the one most frequently used with women as far away as South Carolina, Texas and New York contacting them for help. Clearly the gap in services stretches far beyond New Mexico.

In April 2021 as she was growing and strengthening her organization Dr. Bean was hit with another breast cancer diagnosis and it was shocking and hard to accept. However, she again put on her self-advocate hat, asked questions, prayed and decided upon a treatment plan that consisted of chemotherapy and bravely moved forward. Now on the other side and a double survivor she notes her self-care included leaning on her faith and listening to her body. When she needed rest, she rested with no regard to the clock or obligations. She also stresses the power of unconditional love and support as pillars of strength that were essential to her as she went through chemotherapy.

Among caregiver, patient, survivor, advocate, patient and survivor are the tip of the iceberg when describing this portion of Dr. Michelle Bean’s journey.  Armed with her hallmark traits of compassion, consistency, focus and perseverance it is not yet known where the road of life will take her, but I am sure she will continue to champion all obstacles while living, loving and enjoying life as she completes her treatment plan in mid November.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to engage, interview and learn from Dr. Michelle Bean and l thank her for taking the time and to be featured on this blog.