WS Chronicle

Uniquely Different’s CEO Rashidah Razzak recognizes the need for knowledge on ways to navigate through healthcare systems while fighting chronic illness. Uniquely Different, a non-profit 501(c) (3), is supporting Nykia Stinson in her healthcare journey with breast cancer by hosting a fundraiser. 

“Let’s Ride for the Cure” is a charity bike ride that will be held on Sunday, June 13, from 3-7 p.m. at 3535 N. Glenn Avenue. Registration will begin at 1 p.m. for all bike riders. The bike ride will be a 45-minute route through the countryside.  

Uniquely Different has collaborated with WIDEOPEN MC, Enough is Enough, and the McIlwain family to organize an online fundraiser, plate sale, and bike ride to raise $10,000. All proceeds will be donated to cancer warrior Nykia Stinson.  

“Let’s Ride for the Cure” campaign objective is to address concerns surrounding healthcare. Uniquely Different will stream a community discussion panel, “Healthcare and Wellness,” on Facebook Live on Thursday, June 10, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The discussion panel will consist of medical professionals, mental health professionals, healthcare advocates, human services consultants, financial specialists, and insurance agents. The discussion panel will be providing community resources, educational information, and referrals to income-based healthcare facilities in the Triad. 

Nykia’s story:

“I am Nykia Stinson Ingram, a 40-year-old veteran of Winston-Salem.  A mother of three lovely daughters, Nyhanna Covington, a 21-year-old junior at Johnson C. Smith University; Dionah Howell, a 14-year-old student at Paisley Middle School; and Koi Ingram, a five-year-old preschool student. Also, I am an alumna of Carver High School and Salem College with a BA in Teachers, Schools, and Society and a concentration in Advocacy. 

“On Oct. 30, 2020, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Estrogen Receptor (ER) Positive, Progesterone Receptor (PgR) Positive, and HER2 Positive. My vision is to keep each woman informed on what takes place when you are diagnosed with this mentally disruptive disease. So many emotions are vamped when the thought of having any sort of illness. I encountered financial hardship with the removal from payroll, as well as the cancellation of my health insurance from my current employer. The lack of information from a local physician has led me to continue my treatment plan outside of North Carolina. Since diagnosis, my body and health have taken an enormous trample: hair loss, weight loss, body aches, confined to a bed, whereas I was a lively spirit with so much aspiration on life. However, with my support team consisting of family, friends, and blessing angels, I sojourn this life that has been planted at my feet, with nothing but pure grace and dignity! I envision that this diagnosis is not the finale for myself nor others.

Who would have ever thought I, ‘KIA,’ would be a breast cancer warrior?

#LetzWERK and #LetzRide!