From incarceration to inspiration, from hardship to healing—Ken Miller’s story is a testament to the power of transformation.
In this soul-stirring episode of The Unexpected Detour ❤️, Frances sits down with Ken Miller, CFRE, President of Denali FSP, award-winning fundraising consultant, and national voice for equity in the nonprofit world. Together, they explore Ken’s remarkable path: overcoming addiction, rebuilding from loss, and emerging as a trusted leader helping others find purpose through philanthropy.
Ken doesn’t just teach fundraising—he embodies redemption. His story reminds us that resilience is more than survival—it’s about rising with a mission.
🛤️ This is an episode for anyone who’s been through something and still chooses to serve.
#BecomingKen #KenMillerCFRE #DenaliFSP #TheUnexpectedDetour #FrancesHammond #Resilience #Purpose #Philanthropy #FaithAndRedemption #FundraisingLeadership #Inspiration #Transformation #OvercomingAdversity #AuthenticLeadership #Nonprofit #PhilanthropyMatters #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #FaithJourney #PodcastInterview
🎙️ Legacy of the Thrivers honors a woman whose voice became a bridge between healing and hope — Olivia Newton-John.
Olivia showed the world that grace and strength can share the same stage through every note she sang and every challenge she faced.
Her legacy reminds us that music doesn’t just entertain — it heals.
✨ The Voice That Sang Through Cancer
— The Unexpected Detour ❤️
#LegacyOfTheThrivers #OliviaNewtonJohn #TheUnexpectedDetour #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerEducation #CancerJourney #SurvivorStories #HealingThroughMusic #Resilience #HopeLivesHere #FaithAndHealing #ThriversCommunity #InspiringWomen #BreastCancerAdvocate
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 crucial for determining personalized treatment plans and empowering patients in their care journey.
Takeaways
Staging shows how far the cancer has traveled.
The TNM system is used for staging breast cancer.
Stage zero is the earliest form of breast cancer.
Grade describes the behavior of cancer cells.
Grade one cells look almost normal and are slow-growing.
The stage tells us where the cancer is and how far it has gone.
Doctors combine stage, grade, and receptor status for treatment.
Understanding stage and grade helps in advocating for care.
Two people with the same stage can have different grades.
Knowledge empowers patients to face their diagnosis.
Decoding Breast Cancer: Staging and Grading Explained
Navigating Breast Cancer: Understanding Staging and Grading
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 message lives on—advocate, educate, and never stop questioning the system.
Have a listen and learn about the origins of the RIBBON.
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 isn’t just a woman’s disease—it’s a human one.
In 2019, Matthew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with male breast cancer.
It began with something subtle—small dots of blood on his shirt and bedsheets. But instead of ignoring it, he trusted his instincts and got checked.
Testing revealed he had Stage 1A breast cancer.
He underwent surgery and then made the decision to have a second mastectomy to reduce the risk of cancer developing in the other breast.
But he didn’t stop there.
He chose to go public with his diagnosis—not for attention, but to raise awareness about breast cancer in men and to urge others to know their family history.
Matthew revealed he carries the BRCA2 gene mutation—a genetic alteration that significantly increases the risk of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
He encouraged his entire family to get tested.
And in doing so, he started a ripple effect in communities where these conversations often never happen.
We don’t often hear about men with breast cancer.
And in Black communities, the silence is even louder.
But Matthew Knowles broke through that silence. He reminded us that cancer doesn’t discriminate—and neither should our awareness.
His story teaches us that early detection is life-saving, that genetics matter, and that Black men must be part of this conversation.
Whether you're a man, a woman, or someone who loves both, his courage teaches us this:
Silence can be deadly. But your voice? Your voice can heal generations.
Matthew, we honor your truth.
We thank you for turning your diagnosis into a message.
You didn’t just fight—you warned, taught, and stood tall in your truth.
You didn’t walk in shame on this detour—you walked in power.
And for that, we say: thank you.
Please follow, like, and share. We are available on multiple streaming platforms. We are also on YouTube, The Unexpected Detour
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 behind the diagnosis. Understanding what’s happening inside your body can help you advocate, speak up, and make the best decisions for your life.
When you're told you have breast cancer, it’s not just about a lump or a mammogram. Your doctor will test your cancer for specific receptors—proteins that live on or inside cancer cells. These receptors influence how the cancer grows and how it may respond to treatment.
The three most common receptors tested are:
If your breast cancer is ER-positive, that means the hormone estrogen is fueling the cancer cells.
Good news? We can fight this type with hormone-blocking medications like Tamoxifen, which stops estrogen from helping cancer grow.
Similar to estrogen, some cancers are fed by progesterone.
PR-positive breast cancer also responds well to hormonal therapies.
HER2 is a protein that causes cancer cells to grow rapidly.
If your tumor has too much HER2, it's considered HER2-positive.
But here's where science brings us hope:
Targeted therapies like Herceptin and Perjeta have been game changers for HER2-positive patients.
This form of breast cancer does not have any of the three central receptors—ER, PR, or HER2. That’s why it’s called Triple Negative.
It’s more aggressive, harder to treat, and more common among Black women.
Because it doesn’t respond to hormonal or HER2-targeted treatments, the treatment options are more limited, often relying on chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
But let me be clear: Triple Negative is NOT a death sentence. It means your fight will look different—and that’s why knowledge is everything.
On the opposite end, triple-positive breast cancer means the tumor is positive for all three receptors—ER, PR, and HER2.
It responds very well to a combination of:
Hormonal therapy
HER2-targeted treatments
And sometimes chemotherapy
When you know what’s fueling the cancer, your doctor can create a treatment plan just for you.
That’s why I encourage every listener:
Ask for your receptor status.
Read your pathology report.
And if you don’t understand it—ask again.
Because you are not just a patient—you are your own best advocate.
What’s one question you’ve never asked your doctor about your body?
Please write it down. Say it out loud.
When you go in for your next appointment, ask about it. You deserve answers.
Affirmation to Carry This Week
I honor my body by learning about it.
I will not be afraid of what I do not know.
I ask questions. I seek truth. I speak up for my life.
Please follow like and share
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 you would like to be a guest at theunexpecteddetour17@gmail.com
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 marginalized communities, and the emotional weight of raising children while navigating cancer treatment. The discussion concludes with anticipation for upcoming awareness events and educational initiatives, highlighting the strength, resilience, and determination of survivors as they continue to navigate the healthcare system and make empowered decisions about their care.Today’s episode is brought to you by Moxi Beauty, founded by Jasmine Waldron — offering vegan, organic skincare and haircare for women and men.
Because self-care is part of every healing journey.
Visit shopmoxibeauty.com to learn more.#BreastCancerAwareness
#BreastCancerSurvivor
#BreastCancerThriver
#BlackWomenAndBreastCancer
#BreastCancerSupport
#BreastCancerAdvocate
#LifeAfterBreastCancer
#ReconstructionJourney
#CancerAwareness
#CancerSupportCommunity
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 heal, and why her transparency is saving lives.
—
💬 SHARE this episode
💓 SUBSCRIBE to The Unexpected Detour ❤️
📢 Let your story be heard
#WandaSykes #BreastCancerAwareness #LegacyOfTheThrivers
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 the healing power of sound.
Whether you're a fan of bluegrass, a survivor reclaiming your voice, or just someone navigating life’s unexpected turns—Carolyn’s journey will bless your soul.
The Unexpected Detour ❤️ – Where in Life, Detours Are Inevitable
Official Website
🔗 nu-blu.com
📱 Social Media
Instagram: @nubluofficial
Facebook: facebook.com/Nu.Blu.Official
X / Twitter: @nu_blu
Streaming & Video Platform
YouTube Channel: Nu-Blu Official
YouTube Music / Topic Channel: Nu-Blu – Topic
Spotify: Nu-Blu on Spotify
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 could save a life.
🎧 Listen now and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
"
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 changed the way we talk about breast cancer.
In 1993, at just 51 years old, Richard Roundtree discovered a lump in his chest. It turned out to be male breast cancer, a diagnosis many had never considered possible.
He underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy. At that time, very few men — especially Black men — spoke openly about breast cancer. But Richard refused to stay silent. He chose to share his truth, breaking down stigma and encouraging men to pay attention to their bodies.
His powerful reminder still resonates today:
“Breast cancer is not gender specific.” – Richard Roundtree
Richard went on to live nearly three decades after his diagnosis. He continued acting, advocating, and inspiring — proving that a diagnosis does not define your destiny.
In October 2023, Richard passed away at the age of 81. Yet his life remains a beacon — a story of courage, openness, and advocacy that made space for countless men and women to face their own journeys without shame.
Richard Roundtree’s legacy is bigger than Hollywood and broader than fashion. He showed us that courage means speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and that awareness can save lives.
Today, we honor him not just as an actor and model, but as a thriver whose honesty opened doors for conversations too often left in silence. Richard’s voice still calls to us: pay attention, check yourself, and never assume it can’t happen to you.
Richard Roundtree’s legacy is bigger than Hollywood and broader than fashion. He showed us that courage means speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and that awareness can save lives.
“Thank you for joining me for this episode of Legacy of the Thrivers. These stories remind us that breast cancer doesn’t define a life — but courage, advocacy, and resilience do.
To every survivor, thriver, and family touched by this disease — we see you, we honor you, and we will continue to speak your names.
I’m Frances Hammond, and this has been The Unexpected Detour ❤️. Until next time, may we continue to walk this journey together in hope and strength.”
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 in the healing process. They also discuss the challenges of insurance coverage for these services and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding cancer to foster understanding and support.
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 light into one of the darkest battles of her life.
Ann was just 26 years old when she heard the words no one wanted to hear: Stage IV breast cancer. It had already spread to her liver, and the outlook was grim. Doctors gave her just a few years.
But Ann wasn’t about to let cancer steal her joy. She leaned into what she knew best — her voice, her humor, her ability to make people laugh even when she herself was in pain. Through social media, writing, and comedy, she began to share her journey.
And she didn’t sugarcoat it. She was honest about the treatments, the fear, and the days when things felt impossible. But in the middle of it all, she gave people permission to laugh. She showed that even in the fight for your life, humor can be healing.
Decades later, Ann is still here. Thriving. Creating. Advocating. She’s living proof that numbers on a chart don’t get to define a person’s destiny.
Ann Bond’s story is more than survival. It’s about resilience, honesty, and finding joy in the middle of hardship. She reminds us that strength doesn’t always look like a clenched fist — sometimes it looks like a smile through the tears, a joke in the middle of chemo, or the courage to say, “I’m still here.”
Today, we honor Ann as part of the Legacy of the Thrivers. Her voice, her laughter, and her life remind us all that thriving isn’t about pretending the pain isn’t real — it’s about choosing to live fully in spite of it.
Ann Bond’s journey is a reminder that early detection, advocacy, and community is effective. If you haven’t scheduled your mammogram — do it today. If something feels different in your body — don’t wait, get it checked.
And beyond your own health, share Ann’s story. Talk about it with your sisters, your daughters, your friends. Because every voice raised in awareness has the power to save a life.
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 screening and genetic testing
✝️ Be reminded that faith and science walk hand-in-hand on the journey to healing
This isn’t just about science — it’s about survival, advocacy, and hope.
👉 Listen now and share with someone who needs encouragement today.
#TheUnexpectedDetour ❤️
#TheUnexpectedDetour #Oncogenes #CancerAwareness #BreastCancerAwareness #BlackWomenAndCancer #FaithAndHealing #Resilience #WomensHealth #GeneticsAndHealth #HealthEquity #GodIsAble #AdvocateForYourHealth #CancerEducation
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 openly about her mastectomy, about identity, about choosing life not just in body, but in spirit. Audre reminded us that survival isn’t passive. It’s an act. It’s a practice. It’s community. And it’s political, because whose lives are protected—and whose are ignored—has everything to do with power.
Audre lived with metastatic disease for years, and in that time she kept teaching us: advocate for yourself, ask hard questions, build a circle that holds you up, and never confuse silence with peace. She showed that scars are not the end of beauty; they’re proof that we’re still here.
Because too many are still told to keep quiet. Too many are dismissed when they say, “Something’s wrong.” Audre’s legacy tells us to listen to our bodies, demand the care we deserve, and use our voices—even when they shake.
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 conversations about cancer—especially breast cancer—were often hushed, she chose to be open about her fight. She underwent a mastectomy and continued to perform, record, and share her gift with the world. Her voice never lost its clarity, and her spirit never lost its light.
Minnie understood that her time might be limited, but she refused to let illness take her joy. She became an advocate for early detection, using her platform to raise awareness when few others would speak about it publicly. She recorded her final album, Minnie, in 1979, a testament to her artistry and her will to keep creating until the very end.
On July 12, 1979, at the age of 31, Minnie passed away. But her voice—both in song and in advocacy—still resonates. Her courage reminds us that even in the shadow of illness, we can choose to sing our song, to live fully, and to love deeply.
Quote: “Love is a song that never ends.” – Minnie Riperton
"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 your eyes — and from familiar voices returning with more to share about living, thriving, and advocating in the fight against breast cancer.
In our premiere episode, we meet Jeanelle and Lakeil, whose journey reminds us that resilience isn’t just about surviving — it’s about finding your voice, standing in your truth, and ensuring no one else has to walk this road alone.
If you believe these stories matter — and I know you do — share this episode with someone you love, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a moment of Season 2."
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 before her breast cancer diagnosis, she faced life-altering challenges, including surviving a near-fatal car accident that left her with lasting injuries. Many would have been crushed by such trials, but Danielle pressed forward with quiet strength and an unshakable faith.
In 2014, life handed her another unexpected detour — a breast cancer diagnosis. This was not a script she had chosen, but it became a defining chapter in her story. She approached her treatment and recovery with the same determination she had shown throughout her life.
Danielle chose to be open about her diagnosis, using her voice to raise awareness about the importance of knowing your body, paying attention to changes, and seeking medical advice without delay. Her words and example remind us that early detection can save lives.
Her journey isn’t just about survival — it’s about living with purpose. Danielle’s resilience sends a message to all of us: no matter how many challenges come our way, we can rise, adapt, and inspire others.
Quote
💬 “Breast cancer taught me that life is too short not to live it fully and with purpose.” – Danielle Spencer
Thank you for joining me for this special tribute to Danielle Spencer. May her story remind you that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Until next time, stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep thriving.
