Natalie
Wilson
Pay attention to
abnormal changes in
your body, and
advocate for yourself
and others because
making a change for
yourself can lead to
making a change for
future generations.
A ‘High Heal’
warrior for
Black women’s
health
Growing up, Natalie Wilson was never taught to check her breasts for lumps, making her completely unaware of breast cancer and its risks. Her diagnosis came in 2008, shortly after the birth of her youngest child, triggered by a painful experience with breastfeeding that led her on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and passionate advocacy.
Lucky to catch her cancer before Stage 1, Natalie opted for a double subcutaneous mastectomy, a procedure that removed the breasts without removing the nipple, therefore excluding the need for chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, this led to 26 reconstructive surgeries and two subsequent cancer diagnoses, ultimately leading to the removal of the reconstructed breast, which included the removal of her nipple.
“It was hard for me to get over the reality of losing one of my breasts because I felt like breast equals woman,”
Natalie says. After a year-and-a-half of rest, Natalie went into her final reconstructive surgery with her head held high. This time, Natalie’s doctors took a muscle from her back to recreate a breast, and added an implant. Natalie now has one real nipple and one tattooed nipple, which she says makes her feel beautiful, both inside and out.
“Despite all the complications and lack of communication at times, I still feel like I was well-taken care of,” Natalie says. “I’m still here. I’m still alive.”
Behind this powerful statement is the knowledge of how often Black women are silenced by society, including the medical system, and pushed to accept what their doctors say without being given the opportunity to ask questions or standing up and advocating for themselves. Driven by this knowledge came Natalie’s decision to create ‘High Heal Diaries’, a support platform for women with cancer to talk freely about their experiences with others. The name is a play on words, relating back to Natalie’s glamorous sense of style and favourite type of shoe wear, and paying close attention to one’s health and “HEALling”
Through this platform, Natalie has been able to achieve many things, such as interviewing other survivors and cancer patients on her talk show, modeling her body and scars to show body positivity in magazines and news television, writing inspirational stories, and sharing her story at public speaking events where she’s connected with other women. She’s also hosted four separate high-heel walk events called ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ to raise money for patients undergoing treatment and need immediate financial assistance —the proceeds are used to help pay for groceries, daycare costs, transportation costs to treatment, utilities, and more.
“Should my cancer return and I’m not spared, I find peace in knowing I’ve used my voice for good.”
To Black women everywhere, Natalie says she cannot stress the importance of being diligent with their bodies.
“Pay attention to abnormal changes in your body, and advocate for yourself and others because making a change for yourself can lead to making a change for future generations.”
