TBreaking the Silence
A SURVIVOR’S JOURNEY FROM INVISIBLE CHAINS TO HEALING
By: Dawn Paul a.k.a. The Dr. Dawn® News Provider
rigger Warning: This story discusses sexual violence, which may be distressing for some. Reader discretion is advised.
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to honor and amplify the voices of survivors in our communities. According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Sexual assault takes many forms, but one truth remains constant: it’s never the victim’s fault. Sexual violence is a broad term that includes crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse involves any sexual activity with a minor, and no child can consent to such acts. When a perpetrator commits this crime, they inflict harm that can leave wounds lasting a lifetime. A survivor once shared with me, “The abuser may do time, but the victim serves a life sentence.” Child sexual abuse doesn’t always require physical contact; it could include exposing oneself to a child, inappropriate touching, sexual intercourse, or even acts like sex trafficking.
Tonya Hutchinson, affectionately known as Lady T, knows this pain all too well as a survivor of sexual abuse. For years, she endured the torment of hidden scars inflicted by sexual abuse at the hands of close relatives. Tragically, statistics show that 93% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser.
Lady T’s powerful story unfolds in her book, Invisible Chains Release Me. Through this testimony, she shares her path to healing from the invisible chains of trauma. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and faith, offering hope to anyone seeking freedom from the pain of their past.
Q&A WITH LADY T
What were some of the invisible chains you carried before your healing journey? Invisible chains are the burdens we carry that others can’t see. Things like rejection, self-hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness weigh us down, even if we look fine to the world. I know this firsthand—I kept a smile on my face while carrying the heavy weight of unforgiveness, especially toward myself.
What were some of the emotional, physical, or mental challenges you faced as a result of the sexual abuse? After the abuse, I was overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and a deep sense of self-hatred. Anger took root in me, turning into bitterness, and I struggled to trust anyone—including God—to keep me safe. I felt so unclean after it first happened that I scrubbed my skin raw, leaving bruises as if I could wash away what had been done to me. Inside, I was a ticking time bomb, and my outbursts were so intense that people started calling me crazy.
It takes courage to share such personal trauma publicly. What motivated you to share your story openly? To be honest, I kept feeling this little nudge inside me. God will lead you as to how to share your testimony. Listen to Him for guidance and direction. For some, He leads them to speak to the youth; for others, it’s through a book or at a conference. For me, it all started when my friend, Tari Malveaux-Glivens from the Breaking the Silence Movement, opened up and shared her story. Hearing her truth gave me the courage to face my fears of judgment and take that first step. I realized that getting through tough times sometimes takes more than just prayer; it takes action, too. As it says in James 2:26, “Faith without works is dead.” I want to see more people break free from the invisible chains that hold them back, even when no one else can see them.
Talk to parents/guardians about the importance of not being too busy to listen to their children. As a survivor, I want parents to understand how crucial it is to really listen to their children. When I tried to speak up about the abuse I endured, I felt like no one was hearing me. Life gets busy, and distractions are everywhere, but there’s nothing more important than tuning in to your child. They’re a gift from God, and it’s our job to protect them. If a child opens up to someone they trust and feels ignored or dismissed, it can leave deep scars. Speaking from my own experience, that kind of dismissal can lead to trust issues, anxiety, and struggles with self-expression later on. Listen to your children. It matters more than you know.
Beyond prayer and faith in Christ, can you walk us through the practical steps or methods that also helped bring you closer to healing? Healing looks different for everyone. For me, it meant surrounding myself with people I could trust, especially since my abuse happened when I was young. I had to face my pain, give it to God, and learn how to forgive—not just others but myself, too. Healing is a stepby-step process, and I kept moving forward, even when it was hard. One thing I want everyone to know is that you don’t have to do it alone. There are therapists and counselors who are here to support you, and they’re a blessing. Like my good friend Frances Germany, LPC, says, “It’s okay to have Jesus and a therapist.”
Did your experience of trauma affect your relationship with God, leading to feelings of anger or bitterness toward Him? If so, how did you work through those emotions and restore your faith? I’ll be honest—I used to carry anger towards God for what happened to me. I felt abandoned, ashamed, and caught in a cycle of hurting myself just to cope. I thought, “Why would God love someone like me?” Forgiving the people who hurt me came easier than forgiving myself.
I had to ask God to show me how He saw me. And in that moment, it was like He spoke directly to my heart, saying, “It’s not your fault. Forgive yourself. I love you, daughter.” From there, I felt led to pray for others who were hurting, and I witnessed God heal people from deep physical and emotional wounds. That’s when it hit me—if God could heal them, He would heal me, too. Over time, I allowed Him to take my pain and shape it into my purpose.
SAAM is a time to remind those affected by sexual violence that they are not alone. One way we, as a community, can help is by learning about sexual abuse and its impact on survivors.
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. Visit RAINN.org for resources or support.
“To anyone suffering in silence, you can overcome the traumas you have been through by taking your power back through the forgiveness process. Remember, forgiveness is not for the other person; it is the formula to break chains of anger, bitterness, and self-hatred,” shares Lady T. “I’m living proof that when you walk with God and commit to your healing, He can turn even your darkest moments into something beautiful. Remember, you are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).”
To purchase your copy of Invisible Chains Release Me, visit Amazon.
Source: RAINN. Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press.
Tonya Hutchinson, a.k.a. Lady T, is the author of Invisible Chains Release Me.
Against the Odds: Empowerment, Education, and Action for Thriving in the Face of Disparities
By Frenetta Tate News Provider
Frenetta Tate is a five-time author, certified women’s empowerment coach, entrepreneur coach, business consultant and thought leader on
lead
ership
and personal development.
April marks National Minority Health Month – a time to recognize the health disparities that have plagued communities of color for far too long. But this month is more than an observance. It is a rallying cry. A declaration that despite the odds, despite the barriers, and despite a system that hasn’t always served us well – we still have power. We still have choices. We still have a say in how we live, how we heal, and how we thrive. But first, we must tell the truth.
THE WEIGHT OF THE DISPARITIES
The numbers are sobering. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnan cy-related causes. Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure disproportionately affect Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. Mental health concerns go untreated, while access to affordable, quality care remains an uphill battle.
These aren’t just statistics, they are lived experiences in our families, our neighbor hoods, and our own bodies.
But while the system may be flawed, we are not powerless. Health equity may be the goal, but self-advocacy is the starting point.
KNOW THE ODDS, BUT OWN YOUR POWER
We cannot wait for perfect conditions to start prioritizing our health. We cannot afford to ignore symptoms, delay appointments, or chalk up serious issues to “just stress” or “just getting old.”
This is your moment to choose differently.
HERE ARE FIVE PRACTICAL, POWERFUL WAYS TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH—STARTING TODAY:
1) Know Your Numbers
We pay either way. One bill comes at the register. The other comes in hospital visits, prescriptions, and often, regrets.
Get your annual checkups. Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Preventive care saves lives. As the saying goes, ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure.’ That’s not just a business principle—it’s a wellness truth. If you don’t know your blood pressure, your A1C, your cholesterol, how can you improve it? Awareness is not fear—it’s power. It’s the first step in reclaiming your health.
2) Be Your Own Advocate
Do not be afraid to ask questions, request second opinions, or speak up when something feels off. Bring someone with you to appointments if needed. You have every right to be heard and taken seriously. No one knows your body, your symptoms, or your story like you do. Don’t be afraid to demand better care. Your voice is not a disruption—it’s a necessity.
3) Move Your Body – Don’t Overthink it.
You don’t need a gym membership, designer leggings, or a 60-minute workout plan. You just need to move. That’s it. Walk around the block. Dance while you’re cooking. Stretch while watching TV. March in place while brushing your teeth. Movement doesn’t have to be complicated to be transformational. Don’t let shame, age, weight, or ability stop you. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can—and do it consistent ly. Motion is medicine. It energizes your mind, strengthens your heart, and uplifts your mood.
4) Eat to Live, Not to Fill
It’s time we shift our relationship with food—from one of survival or emotional comfort to one of intentional nourishment. Food is more than flavor. It’s fuel. It’s healing. It’s information for the body. Fuel your body with intention.
LET’S KEEP IT REAL: YES, HEALTHIER FOOD CAN BE MORE EXPENSIVE.
A BAG OF CHIPS COSTS LESS THAN A BAG OF APPLES. ORGANIC ANYTHING FEELS LIKE A LUXURY. AND FAST-FOOD DEALS HIT HARDER WHEN YOU’RE ON A TIGHT BUDGET. THAT’S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION, IT’S A REAL BARRIER, AND IT’S PART OF A LARGER SYSTEMIC ISSUE. BUT HERE’S WHAT’S ALSO REAL:
- The cost of medication for chronic illnesses
- Time lost from work due to preventable conditions
- ER visits that could’ve been avoided
5) Prioritize Mental and Emotional Well-being
Our minds carry heavy loads. Give yourself permission to rest, to heal, and to ask for help. Therapy, journaling, prayer, meditation, and community care are all part
CREATE A CULTURE OF WELLNESS AROUND YOU
This isn’t just about you. When you make health a priority, you give your children a new legacy. You change the dinner conversation. You normalize walking, wellness, and mental health check-ins in your circle. It becomes a culture. And culture is how we pass down healing. You may not have children but anytime you prioritize health, you are planting positive seeds that grow trees of wisdom and enlightenment for others.
A WORD TO THE CAREGIVERS: THE SILENT WARRIORS
To every daughter advocating for a mother who won’t go to the doctor...
To every son trying to help a father manage diabetes but getting met with resistance...
To every spouse coordinating appointments, researching diagnoses, and carrying the invisible weight of someone else’s well-being— We see you.
Care giving is sacred. It’s a form of love that often goes unnoticed, under appreciated, and emotionally draining. Remember to set boundaries. Ask for help. Care for yourself, too. Because you matter just as much. Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is Salvation.
To those who are avoiding, resisting, or flat-out refusing to deal with their health.
You say, “I’m fine.”
You say, “I don’t like doctors.”
You say, “What I don’t know won’t hurt me.”
But here’s the truth: What you don’t address is already hurting you—and the people around you.
YOUR REFUSAL TO GET HELP PUTS YOUR FAMILY IN EMOTIONAL TURMOIL.
It turns loved ones into emergency planners. It causes avoidable pain and preventable suffering. And at some point, it forces others to make decisions for you—often in crisis, often in tears.
We don’t want to bury you early because you were too afraid, too prideful, or too stubborn to face the truth.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing.
• Willing to schedule the appointment
• Willing to take the medication
• Willing to let others support you
- The emotional toll on families when a loved one is constantly in and out of care
• Willing to choose life–over fear, over denial, over delay
There is no shame in needing help. The shame is in knowing better and still doing nothing.
You are loved. You are needed. And you are not invincible. Accept the help.
THIS MONTH–AND EVERY MONTH–CHOOSE LIFE
Let National Minority Health Month be more than an awareness transformational month. Whether you’re taking the first step for yourself or speaking up for someone who can’t–do it now. Do it boldly. Do it with love.
We may be up against the odds, but we are not without options. Your health is your responsibility. Your choices matter. You are worth the work it takes to be well and so are the people you love.
IMeasles Fears in the United States: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Frenetta Tate News Provider
f you are worried about recent reports of measles exposure in the state of Texas, you are not alone.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of the state. At this time, 422 cases have been identified in Texas since late January and 42 of the patients have been hospitalized. There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions.
Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate.
Here is what you should know about the virus as it makes its rounds, already reaching several different areas in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 confirmed measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
The CDC says there have been five outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of cases (447 of 483) are outbreak-associated. To compare, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES INCLUDE:
• High fever (as high as 105°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin
• Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body
According to DSHS, measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if a two-dose coverage of the vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community.
Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. DSHS says it is important to ensure people are up to date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them.
Review your immunization and medical records to check if you are protected against measles. Those who have not had measles or the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine may not be protected and should consult a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system, regardless of your vaccination history.
Monitor for symptoms such as fever or an unexplained rash from four to 21 days after exposure.
IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS, YOU ARE URGED TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
• Stay home
• Avoid school, work, and large gatherings
• Call a healthcare provider right away
• Do not enter a healthcare facility without first notifying them about your measles exposure and symptoms so you do not expose other patients.
• If you think you may have been exposed or are showing symptoms, you are urged to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services
Did You Know?
Former United States Representative MIA LOVE became the first Black Republican woman and Haitian American elected to Congress, having served in the U.S. Congress for Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019. She was also elected mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and served from 2010 to 2014. In early 2022, she was diagnosed with one of the deadliest cancers: glioblastoma. She recently passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at age 49. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore
An Annual Exam Can Help Older Adults Stay Healthy
One of
the best ways to
prioritize your vitality is with an annual health exam. That’s
especially true for older adults, who tend to have more health issues to manage, according to national medical executives with Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business.
By d-mars.com
Annual exams can vary and go by different names, depending on your coverage. Generally, they are offered at no cost to you through Medicare or Medicare Advantage (MA) and there are a host of reasons to get one, including the following:
Having a health care team leader. It’s important to have a trusted advisor leading your health care team. That is the purpose of a primary care physician (PCP). A PCP knows your family and treatment histories and concerns. They play an important role keeping a broad view of all your care needs and can help you navigate them. By visiting your PCP at least annually, you maintain a critical relationship that will serve you well when you need it.
Think
ave you ever thought, “I’m too young to get colon cancer”?
The truth is that colorectal cancer (CRC) is affecting more younger adults than ever before. Despite this alarming trend, many people remain unaware of their risk. Since colon cancer isn’t exactly a topic for dinner table conversation, important discussions about family history often get overlooked. But understanding your risk and getting screened early could make all the difference.
That’s why health experts have taken action. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age to 45 to help detect CRC sooner. Still, many younger adults put off getting tested, either because they don’t know their risk, lack insurance coverage, or simply want to avoid the hassle of a colonoscopy.
So, if you’re worried about your digestive health or you are experiencing symptoms, what are your options? Even if you have health insurance, a colonoscopy is not always covered unless you meet specific criteria. Plus, the preparation and recovery can be time-consuming.
Putting a plan together. Your annual exam is the time to discuss which health screenings and immunizations could be important for you based on your age, gender, and medical and family history. These include such things as a flu shot, a mammogram, or a colorectal screening. Talk to your doctor about what preventive care activities are right for you and put together a plan to get them. Most are covered at no extra cost through Medicare or MA.
Addressing conditions before they worsen. Aging increases the risk of certain chronic illnesses such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Ignoring these conditions won’t make them go away. Always tell your health care provider about any recent changes you are experiencing. Working with your provider to proactively manage a chronic condition before it worsens helps you to maintain your independence and vitality.
Reviewing medications. If you take one or more medications, an annual exam is a good time to review them with your PCP. You may even want to take your prescriptions to your appointment. Are these medications effective? Are you taking them as prescribed? Are there any undesirable side effects? Are there potential harmful interactions, including with overthe-counter drugs? You also can secure your refills and maybe even shift to home delivery for convenience or to save money.
Making lifestyle adjustments. Even small changes can help you live longer and better. Talk honestly with your health care provider about your lifestyle. They may recommend changes, such as exercising, stopping smoking, or eating healthy.
Checking on your mental health. Your emotional health impacts your physical health. Depression doesn’t have to be a part of aging. Let your health care provider know if you are feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. They may recommend increasing your social interaction. Additionally, treatments, such as talk therapy, medication or both, may be covered by Medicare or MA.
For more tips on how to make the most of your annual exam, visit https://www.cigna.com/ medicare/member-resources/#media-resources
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
You’re Too Young to Get Colon Cancer?
Think Again.
BLOOD TESTS
With Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, now is a great time to learn about your screening options, and the benefits and drawbacks of each, to help stay ahead of the disease.
COLONOSCOPY
Colonoscopy has long been considered the ‘gold standard’ in CRC screening. It is recommended every ten years for adults 45 and older (or more frequently if you’re at high risk). Insurance is unlikely to cover a colonoscopy unless you’re eligible due to age or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps and conditions including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, Lynch Syndrome and others. Because a colonoscopy is a costly - and time-consuming - procedure involving days of unpleasant preparation, sedation and recovery, many people put it off.
STOOL DNA TEST
If you’re at average risk for CRC and 45 or over, you’ll need a prescription for an at-home stool DNA test kit. You then send the sample to a lab for results in a couple of weeks. This kind of test uses a combination of stool-based DNA and hemoglobin testing to detect abnormal cells that can indicate the presence of cancer. Most insurers cover the cost only if you’re 45 or older, but you should check your health insurance plan for specifics.
Recently approved blood-based screening tests can detect colorectal cancer by analyzing specific biomarkers in your blood. On the plus side, they can be combined with other routine blood work, but they do require going to the lab, getting stuck with a needle, and waiting for results. Since these tests are still relatively new and insurance coverage may vary, it’s a good idea to check with your provider.
FIT TEST
Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) look for the presence of hidden blood in stool, offering a simple, non-invasive alternative for those hesitant about colonoscopies or interested in more frequent testing. With just one stool sample and no prep or dietary restrictions, you can self-test at home as often as you like - without the hassle of lab processing.
Researchers found that people who had FIT testing done every year had a 33% lower chance of dying from colorectal cancer.
The bottom line? Screening for colorectal cancer has never been easier - or more important. Whether you choose a colonoscopy, a stool-based test or a simple FIT test, the key is to get screened. Early detection saves lives, and with new, more convenient options available, there’s no reason to put it off.
Source: Brandpoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
The good news? There are easier, less invasive options you can use.