Warrior: Yolanda Jackson-Martina
~ Yolanda Jackson-Martina’s story of survival ~
PHILIPSBURG--“At one point, I wanted to give up, but my eldest daughter held my hand, looked into my eyes, and said, ‘Mommy, please fight, we love you!’”
Those words, spoken by her 17-year-old daughter, became the turning point for Yolanda Jackson-Martina, a wife and mother of two, who has been battling breast cancer for the past four years. On Wednesday, she shared her deeply personal story in Parliament, hoping that her journey would inspire others to get screened and never lose faith.
Jackson-Martina's testimony comes as existing health data from the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) 2024 Annual Report highlights the ongoing impact of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the community. The report recorded 95 deaths that year, with 75% linked to NCDs, including 42% from cardiovascular disease and 20% from malignant neoplasms (cancers) – figures that underscore the urgency of early detection and prevention, a message echoed throughout Jackson-Martina’s emotional account.
Jackson-Martina, a devoted wife and mother of two children ages 17 and 12, said that at age 39, her life was forever changed on January 18, 2021, when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Her journey began with a frightening discovery one ordinary day while preparing for a shower – a bloody discharge from her nipple.
“Concerned, I contacted my doctor, which led to a mammogram. It revealed discrepancies which prompted an ultrasound on the same day. The ultrasound also remained inconclusive. Thereafter a biopsy was done. When the results came back, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear- ‘You have cancer.’”
She described being in complete shock. “I was looking forward to celebrating my 40th birthday, not fighting for my life.”
Within ten days, she underwent surgery to remove the tumour and began chemotherapy three weeks later at SMMC.
“The treatment was brutal, it was the devil in liquid form – from the very first treatment, I lost my hair, my appetite, my weight and vomited most days until I vomited blood and I was too weak to move,” she said. “The nausea was constant, and I depended completely on my family for the simplest tasks.”
The once independent and active mother found herself relying on her family for everything – to shower, dress, and eat. But in her lowest moment, her daughter’s plea reignited her will to fight.
“That moment when I heard her shaky voice and saw her teary eyes, it fuelled my strength and determination to fight for my life.”
After eight gruelling months of chemotherapy, Jackson-Martina travelled to Curaçao for radiation. Tests revealed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and throughout her right breast.
“My doctor advised me to have an immediate mastectomy,” she recalled. “As a young woman and wife, the thought of losing my breast was terrifying.”
Her husband, however, became her rock. “He looked at me and said, ‘If this is what you need to save your life, then we’ll get through it together. My love for you won’t change, what matters is that I want you here by my side as we grow old together.’”
His words gave her the courage to proceed with surgery on September 16, 2021. Recovery was long and painful. “I lost feeling in my right arm and hand and spent months in therapy. Later, in 2023, I travelled twice to Colombia for further treatment and reconstructive surgery – a step toward reclaiming my self-confidence and healing emotionally.”
Even today, she continues to live with the lasting effects of chemotherapy – early menopause, fatigue, joint pain, tingling in her limbs, mood changes, brain fog and sleepless nights. But despite it all, she stood before Parliament proudly.
“Despite these challenges, I stand here before you as a 4-year cancer warrior, grateful to God and to everyone who supported me through this journey. I share my story not for sympathy, but to raise awareness.”
Her message to the public was clear and urgent. “Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Breast cancer does not discriminate; it can affect both women and men. Yes, men can get breast cancer too. With early detection, it is treatable – and survival is possible. I urge everyone, both women and men over the age of 35, to get screened regularly.”
She also encouraged maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress, reminding listeners that “stress can contribute to various health issues, cancer being the #1 illness.”
Closing her emotional testimony, Jackson-Martina drew strength from scripture: “Isaiah 40:31 says, ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles.’ To anyone battling breast cancer or any type of cancer right now – you are not alone. God is with you, and there is hope beyond the storm. If my story can inspire even one person to get checked, then sharing it today is worth every moment," she said thanking Parliament, for giving her the opportunity to share her journey and to stand as proof that faith, love and early detection save lives.
