WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

In 2018, during his routine yearly physical, Chris Carter received some life shattering news: He was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I didn’t have any symptoms, Busta. The only thing I take is Claritin and vitamin D. Normally, my physicals are quick and simple, but this time the doctor asked me to raise my arms and he came down my arms and felt a little bump on the side of my breast. Even when I take showers, I’ve never felt it. He did an x-ray and he noticed a spot, and then he did a biopsy. It was stage 1 cancer, yet I didn’t feel sick or any symptoms,” said Chris. 

Chris thought: “I’m going to die. The second thought was to find someone who can pray for me, so I immediately called The Boss Lady while she was live on the radio. She invited to me to the station and prayed for me. After I left the station, I was still in tears, so I called every minister I knew to pray for me. That night I was scared to death. I couldn’t sleep. I went to work the next day trying to hide my fear, so I would turn my back to wipe away my tears, hoping no one would see me. But I smile all the time, so everyone knew something was wrong. I couldn’t hide it,” said Chris. 

He cried Friday into Sunday morning, yet the Winston-Salem native found enough strength to go to church. At church, he’s known for his big bright smile and joyful spirit, but this Sunday the pastor could tell something was different. “I couldn’t hold in my tears and started crying. Pastor Chad Armstrong and the entire congregation prayed over me. First, I asked God ‘Why me?’ Before He could answer, I said, ‘Why not me?’ Because I knew God was using me to get to someone else,” he said. 

Chris Cater represents true humility. He doesn’t think less of himself, but he thinks of himself less. His focus became less about having breast cancer and more about how to get the word out about early detection and how it saves lives. “Early detection saved my life, and I’m here to tell every man to go get a physical. If you haven’t, make an appointment today. Know what’s going on with your body and health, because men can get breast cancer as well, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you have faith and trust in God, you’ll be fine,” he said with the confidence of a true man of God. 

Research shows that when breast cancer is detected early, it can be treated more successfully, increasing the chances for survival. So, make sure you know the signs and symptoms of what could potentially be breast cancer. The best way to do so is to visit your personal physician so that you’re well informed. I asked Chris if he knew that men can have breast cancer. “I heard about Richard Roundtree (the actor who played Shaft) having it, and that’s it. Now that I been through this storm and came out of it, I’m here to educate other men. What keeps me strong is my faith in God, so when I was told that this is a test of my faith, I didn’t doubt it and I trusted God. I did 18 chemo treatments and those treatments take everything out of your body. You want to go clam up under something and just lay there. But prayer gave me the courage, confidence and strength to keep fighting and pushing forward, and I was able to go to work every day and continue doing all of my daily routines. I went to work, I went to church, and drove the church bus every Sunday.”

Chris also credited Cancer Services for their support. “They helped with supplies, financially, and also gave me a grocery card. They’re remarkable! So, whatever you can donate, whether it’s $5 or $100, every little bit will help,” he said. 

He gave a shout out to his church, Philips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, for their support as well. “My church was very supportive. One Sunday, a member gave me an envelope, I opened it up, and there was $500. Busta, there are some good people in the world, so you’re never alone in this fight against cancer or anything else. It’s all about gratitude. I’ve volunteered at the soup kitchen for years, and those people are more grateful for that one meal than people who have everything.” 

Chris refusing to be defeated by breast cancer is extremely inspiring, and it gave him the kind of peace that money can never buy. Chris Carter is a true conqueror! 

“If you know something is wrong, don’t be afraid to go to the doctor, because if you don’t fight it, it’s going to defeat you. The longer you wait, the less chance you’ll have to beat it. And you can beat it.”

My phenomenal Person of the Week is Chris Carter.