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I don’t know anyone who planned to have a total laryngectomy. I certainly didn’t. In fact, it all happened rather quickly. I was diagnosed in late June, had a biopsy and surgery in July, had a subsequent “cleanup” surgery on August 5 and was released from the hospital on August 8.Fortunately, everything moved so rapidly that I didn’t have a lot of time to freak out at first, that is, until I got home and spent time alone. Then the doubts, fears, disappointments and “what if’s” attacked. I was only able to survive due to my strong faith in God, my incredibly supportive family, a great network of friends and church members, the wonderful team of medical professionals at USC Keck and the laryngectomees and caregivers support group that I recently joined. Together, they kept me focused on preparing for this new phase of my life, which greatly helped me in fighting depression and embracing my future with enthusiasm. Recently, my son took me to pick up new glasses and we saw this mural. He suggested posing for photos and since I had on yellow and the lion mural included yellow, the resulting image was a great match! I tried to portray the upbeat, optimistic feeling that I was feeling at the time. I think I conveyed that because many people have shared such kind comments after seeing the photo. I’m so thankful for all of the support and encouragement that I continue to receive. I highly recommend to anyone who is undergoing a similar experience to seek out positive people who will share uplifting, yet honest, words with you, especially on those “downer” days when you really need a pick-me-up. If you are a person of faith, hold fast to your beliefs and use this journey to grow closer to your God. Commit to surviving and thriving in this new phase of your life and even if you have a setback, take a day or two to feel sorry for yourself, then resume your positive journey. You’ll be glad that you did and you’ll likely encourage others who are watching you and being inspired by the way you are approaching and overcoming adversity in this situation. Here is the photo of me in front on the lion mural taken by my son last week: 
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Cora Jackson-Fossett is the religion editor and a staff writer for the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper. In this capacity, she won Merit Awards in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019 from the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which is comprised of 215 Black newspapers in the United States.
Previously, she served 15 years as the public affairs director for the Los Angeles Department of Public Works where she developed and implemented strategic communications programs. Also, she directed several award-winning projects and earned five L.A. Emmy nominations for producing public works DVDs. Jackson-Fossett also worked as a principal public relations representative for Los Angeles International Airport and public affairs specialist at the Chicago and Long Beach postal facilities. Jackson-Fossett retired in 2014 after 36 years of government service. Currently, she is a member of the L.A. County 211 Board of Directors, SEIU 721 Retirees Leadership Council, National Association of Black Journalists, Black Public Relations Society, NAACP Beverly Hills/Hollywood Chapter Theatre Committee and Crenshaw Manor Neighborhood Association. She united with Brookins-Kirkland Community A.M.E. Church in 1987 and currently serves as a Sunday School teacher, Public Relations Commission chair and on the Board of Stewards under Pastor Mary S. Minor. Jackson-Fossett earned a bachelor’s degree at Indiana University, completed graduate courses at Columbia College in Chicago, IL, and received an honorary doctorate from California University of Theology. Her guiding principles are: Have faith in God, approach life with enthusiasm, treat others with respect, and never stop learning. |
AuthorCora Jackson-Fossett is the religion editor and a staff writer for the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper. Read her first blog post titled "Cora's Biography" to learn more information about her! Archives
March 2022
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