Today’s Mom in Heels Naoshia, is a strong and inspiring mom. This interview really moved me and I am sure you will feel the same way reading it. Naoshia’s beautiful daughter, Marley was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and she shares what that experience was like for her family.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Naoshia. I’ve been a registered nurse for 13 years, and in three more semesters, I will have my PhD in nursing. My hobbies are shopping and cooking, but my greatest love is spending time with my daughter, Marley. Anything we can do together and with family is my favorite activity.
How many kids do you have and how old?
I have one child, Marley, and she’s 11. And she is the sweetest girl around!
What’s the biggest parenting challenge you’ve overcome?
The biggest parenting challenge I’ve overcome was accepting my child had a cancerous brain tumor. She was diagnosed last year with ependymoma. That’s the worst thing we’ve ever been through. I think it’s the worst news any parent can hear.
How did your family learn about St. Jude?
Being from Louisiana, St. Jude has always been a household name for us. We’d heard of St. Jude on the radio and on TV and on billboards. Even when I was in grade school, it was something we knew about. We had also known other families with children at St. Jude.
What advice would you give another mother who just found out her child had cancer?
Pray. Take it one day at a time. And if your child becomes a patient at St. Jude, rest assured your child will be cared for in the best way possible. Whatever St. Jude can do to help, they will. It is terrifying in the beginning, but you can weather this.
[Tweet “It is terrifying in the beginning, but you can weather this.”]How is your child doing now?
Marley is doing great! She has finished cancer treatment and comes back to St. Jude every three months for scans.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like being trendy – but I always dress professionally when I’m in a professional environment because I feel that’s very important. I love sneakers, especially my Converse, with jeans and a sweater, but I will always love high heels. I like a lot of designer stuff, too. When Marley was going through treatment every day, I really relied on sportswear.
Did your personal style change since you became a mother?
No, because I was always somewhat conservative. As a parent, I believe in leading by example. Especially when you’re a mother to a little girl, you always have to make sure you have class in everything you do. I don’t want to be one of those moms who look like a grandmother, either, but you can be cute and classy at the same time!
[Tweet “As a parent, I believe in leading by example. Especially when you’re a mother to a little girl, you always have to make sure you have class in everything you do”]What would be your advice to moms who are struggling to establish their style and make time to care for themselves?
You always have to make time for yourself. If you can’t care for yourself, you can’t care for those around you. As far as style, just find that one special thing that you like. Invest in something that makes you feel good – as a woman, and also as a mother.
[Tweet “You always have to make time for yourself. If you can’t care for yourself, you can’t care for those around you. “]