The Unexpected Detour ❤️

Keywords breast cancer, staging, grading, treatment, TNM system, cancer cells, personalized treatment, advocacy Summary In this episode of Breast Cancer Education Monday, Frances Hammond breaks down the concepts of staging and grading in breast cancer. Staging indicates how far the cancer has spread, using the TNM system, while grading assesses the behavior of cancer cells. Understanding both is c...

Before there was pink, there was peach. Before the campaigns and corporate slogans, Charlotte Haley was a woman whose kitchen-table courage reshaped breast cancer advocacy forever. In this episode of The Unexpected Detour ❤️ , host Frances Hammond shares the untold story of the woman behind the ribbon, reminding us that proper awareness starts with integrity, not image. 🕊️ Charlotte Haley’s messag...

Welcome to Legacy of the Thrivers , a segment within The Unexpected Detour ❤️ , where we honor the voices—both loud and quiet—who’ve turned their pain into purpose. This week, I want to spotlight a man who used his platform not to promote himself, but to educate, empower, and warn others . He is a father, a businessman, and a survivor. And the detour he shared reminded the world that breast cancer...

Welcome to a new and important chapter of The Unexpected Detour❤️ one rooted in education, empowerment, and early detection . For October, I’m opening the door to the conversations I wish more of us were having—not just as survivors and thrivers—but as women, mothers, daughters, and friends. This is the beginning of our Breast Cancer Education Series , and today, we’re starting with the biology be...

No one can tell your story better than you. In this brief message, I encourage every Survivor and Thriver to advocate for yourself. Black Breast Cancer organizations, advocates, and communities—our stories matter. It’s time to come together and share them boldly. I open The Unexpected Detour ❤️ Podcast to anyone ready to tell their story in their own voice—because YOUR STORY MATTERS. contact me if...

In this heartfelt roundtable, the group shares personal updates and candid experiences related to breast cancer awareness and survivorship. Conversations explore the physical and emotional toll of treatment side effects, the complexities of breast reconstruction, and the critical role of medical self-advocacy. Participants reflect on the disparities in healthcare access, especially for marginalize...

Young Black women are being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier, and too many are dying. We need genetic testing, earlier screening, and louder voices . This episode is not just awareness — it’s a call to fight for our lives. 🎧 Listen now: The Unexpected Detour ❤️ #BreastCancerAwareness #BlackWomenAndBreastCancer #EarlyDetection #HealthEquity #TheUnexpectedDetour ❤️

In this powerful episode of The Legacy of The Thrivers , we honor the journey of actress and comedian Wanda Sykes , who faced breast cancer head-on and chose to speak up publicly about her double mastectomy. Her story is a reminder that thriving means being real, being brave, and being your full, authentic self. 🎧 Tune in as we explore how Wanda’s voice broke the silence, how laughter helped her...

From gospel beginnings to bluegrass stages across the country, Carolyn Routh has lived a life shaped by detours, healing, and the music that carried her through. In this heartfelt conversation, we talk about her journey from Siler City to co-founding Nu‑Blu , surviving two life-threatening strokes, and finding her voice again—stronger than ever. Her story is one of faith, fierce determination, and...

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Frances shares hard truths wrapped in love. Learn why Black men face higher risks, what the PSA test really involves, and how the BRCA gene plays a role. Featuring stories of men like Al Roker and Colin Powell, this episode dismantles fear with facts — and calls every listener to action. Whether you're a man over 40 or love someone who is, this message cou...

When most people think of Richard Roundtree, they think of Shaft — the cool, confident, groundbreaking role that made him a cultural icon. But before Hollywood, Richard was already breaking barriers as a fashion model, walking runways with the Ebony Fashion Fair. He was a man of presence, style, and strength. But beyond the spotlight was another story — one that many didn’t expect, and one that ch...

In this episode, we explore the resilience of Black women confronting breast cancer, highlighting their untold stories and the power of community. The conversation delves into health advocacy, the importance of paramedical tattooing, and the various options available for reconstruction and healing. The speakers emphasize the need for awareness, support for caregivers, and the role of art therapy i...

When I think about courage, I think about women like Ann Bond. Women who didn’t ask for this journey, who didn’t expect their life to take such a turn — but still showed up, fought with dignity, and reminded us that strength has many faces. Ann’s story isn’t about fame in the usual sense. It’s about a woman who used her gift of laughter — as a comedian, a writer, and a truth-teller — to bring ligh...

The Unexpected Detour ❤️ presents: “When Good Genes Go Rogue: Understanding Oncogenes and the Power of Knowing” In this episode, Frances Hammond breaks down the science of cancer in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and rooted in faith. 🧬 Learn what genes, proto-oncogenes, and oncogenes are ⚡ Discover what can trigger oncogenes to go “rogue” ✊🏾 Hear why Black women must advocate for early scr...

Audre Lorde faced breast cancer the same way she faced the world—head-on, without apology. She refused to let fear or secrecy write her story. Instead, she named the hard things: the body changing, the systems failing, the quiet ways women—especially Black women—are told to swallow pain and smile through it. Her book The Cancer Journals didn’t dress suffering up; it told the truth. She spoke openl...

Minnie Riperton’s voice was unlike any other—pure, soaring, and filled with a tenderness that could make the world pause. Best known for her timeless hit “Lovin’ You” , Minnie’s music carried joy, romance, and an unshakable beauty. But behind the melodies was a courageous woman facing a silent battle. In January 1976, at just 28 years old, Minnie was diagnosed with breast cancer . At a time when c...

"When it comes to breast cancer, every story matters — because every story has the power to save a life. Welcome to Season 2 of The Resilience of Black Women Confronting Breast Cancer Podcast Series: Stories That Still Need Telling . I’m your host, Frances Hammond, and I’m so glad you’re here. This season, you’ll hear from new faces whose journeys will inspire you, challenge you, and open you...

Welcome to this special edition of The Unexpected Detour ❤️ , where we honor the courage, strength, and resilience of those who have faced life’s toughest battles. Tonight, we shine a light on a woman who many of us grew up watching on our TV screens — the unforgettable Danielle Spencer, “Dee” from the classic sitcom What’s Happening!! . Danielle’s journey is one of grace through adversity. Long b...

Diahann Carroll was more than an actress — she was a trailblazer who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood. Many remember her for her elegance, grace, and the unforgettable roles she brought to life, but what’s just as powerful is how openly she faced breast cancer. In 1997, Diahann was diagnosed and made the courageous choice to share her journey publicly. At a time when conversations about...

The interview with Jeanelle Adams was nothing short of phenomenal. At just 33 years old , Jeanelle—a wife, mother, daughter, and sister—noticed a rash on her breast. Doctors told her it was eczema. But she trusted her gut—and kept pushing for answers. That persistence led to a life-altering diagnosis: Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer —one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, and one t...

Robin Roberts was diagnosed in 2007 with triple-negative breast cancer. She shared her journey openly on Good Morning America. Later, she also faced a rare bone marrow disorder. Despite these challenges, Robin inspired millions by showing up in truth and grace. Her quote: 'Make your mess your message' gave many the courage to transform their pain into purpose. Her story is one of unwavering faith...

Kwame Terra is truly one awesome person. I genuinely enjoyed my interview with him and walked away feeling inspired, informed, and full of hope. During our conversation, I learned how bEHR Health came to be—and the deep, personal motivation behind his movement. Like so many of us, Kwame had a vision and a plan, but God revealed something greater. What began as a personal passion transformed into a...

In this powerful conversation, the ladies opened up about their personal journeys with breast reconstruction —discussing how the procedure is performed and breaking down the two main types of reconstruction. Whether you're considering this step or simply seeking to understand the options, today's episode offers heartfelt insight, honest experiences, and valuable education. 💗 There's a...

Sonet Teruel was my guest today on The Unexpected Detour ❤️ . She is a devoted wife, mother, and nurse who was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. In this heartfelt episode, Sonet shares her powerful journey — and how her husband, her father, and her unwavering faith in God, along with continuous prayer, helped her navigate every step of the way. She is truly a beacon of hope, and her beauty rad...

In this powerful episode of The Unexpected Detour ❤️, host Frances sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and advocate Rebecca Faye Smith Galli, whose life was transformed by unexpected heartbreak, loss, and paralysis. From the devastating death of her brother and daughter to navigating life in a wheelchair after a sudden illness, Rebecca’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. She shares h...