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Tyneka Howard - H2G Leadership Group Lead(H)er – Faith, Fitness, Relationship, & Career 202-709-6447 - www.h2gleadher.net
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Make 2021 Your Best Year Yet! A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Well, we can finally put the year of 2020 to rest. I am grateful for what last year presented. Every test and each challenge served its purpose in my life. Editor As A it Letter statesfrom in thethe book of Psalms in the bible, chapter 119: it was good that I was afflicted. I will add to that message and share that my afflictions have made me appreciate being alive in 2021.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes
and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if to I would like to take this opportunity to encourage every listener that you decided togo put tomorrow never make everything this year your best one yet. Let ofoff theuntil baggage that you have been carrying around for would all too long. has the happened? There be noUnnecessary baggage reason to save for a rainy abilityday, to adversely futures. Whatthe is the use inofstarting and you affect couldour spare someone trouble makingfresh and new, if we continue share our lives with things that don’t add promises. What ifto your last opportunity seemingly expired value,today? things that depress us, and the things that want to remind of who What would you do? we used to be and who we are trying to move away from. This may involve people, material things, and even about ourselves I’ve been told that I often seemsome like Iparts do too much. that you instinctively know doesn’t belong. It is not a part of who we are Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm becoming. believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me
that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would In this new year, let’s do the unthinkable. If you have been setting on be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I a dream, why not give that dream some life and work towards making it have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity become more than just a dream. Bring it to life. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to up meyour is anmess. adventure. What one is the that can happen? Clean In my home, ofworst the ugliest sights for me If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn in is a sink full of dirty dishes. God expects for his children to operate something myself. Relinquish your pride itand excellence. If younew haveabout any unfinished business, try cleaning up. inFor me return acquire life. personally,, I am not going to attempt to try and clean my mess up all in one day. I know It will take some time. I also understand that it will never best advice ever given on to me happened when someone becomeThe complete without an effort my part.
told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so Finally, in this new year I have decided to forgive. starts I have pressed my way through doors with a Itkey thatwith only forgiving myself for all of my self inflicted problems. Instead of hope provided. I have also learned the difference between blaming others, have decided to hold my own what God Iblesses me with and what lifeself canaccountable. burden me with “Terry, I am sorry. I should haveand as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident known better. I promise to love myself when to be quiet, because unconditionally and without someone may get it reservations confused for the rest of my life.” I owe it to myself with being arrogant. to do so.
Make you tomorrow
I will also forgive others who have been happen today, but most a problem for me in my life. Allowing importantly make space it count. their infractions to occupy in my Life is but a whisper and life will only rob me of the opportunity to we must in a will live. Letting go ofput theourselves hurt and pain position to hear what it is there add years to your life. It’s 2021 and telling us.to conquer. Open your is a whole world heart to what God is doing in your life and have your best year yet! 4
Terry L.Terry Watson L. Watson Editor/Founder
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On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
CONTENTS
JAN./FEB. 2021
RALEIGH/DURHAM
Lechele Jackson 18 Photos by Lechele
On The Cover
Lead(H)er
Tyneka Howard
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Brick To Brick
Mary Dowdell
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Prestige Barber College
Gene Blackmon
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Kross Alexander Gattis
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Also Featured
Brian Flewellen He is changing how the tv mounting business is done. From Atlanta to DFW. Dallas, TX
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Tasha Johnson-King She continues to have hope while she waits for the perfect match. She is in need of a kidney donor. Rock Hill, SC
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Tyneka Howard Faith, Fitness, Relationships, & Career By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Nick F. Nelson Instagram @Brandpreneur
Tyneka Howard started her military career at 19, and last fall, retired after 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. During her tenure, she spent most of her time guiding, mentoring, directing, and leading airmen, both men and women. In the last few years of her military career, she would meet young female soldiers who looked at her as a mentor and someone they aspired to be – confident, assertive, and successful. The majority of women felt misplaced and unsure if they had made the right decision in joining the armed forces. Navigating within a maledominated organization was oftentimes quite challenging so Howard would ‘adopt’ several ladies and mentor them on how to effectively adapt to military life. “I knew exactly what they were going through because I started at the same place they did. I knew they felt displaced and were trying to find themselves. Many also struggled with how to carry themselves as a lady. Because, uniform aside, we’re ladies first,” Howard confirms. The veteran grew up a preacher’s kid, a lifestyle that presented her with a strong foundation and an environment that others may not always experience; Not better, but different. I’ve heard testaments that children of the clergy are usually raised at the hands of solid God-fearing parents and they must answer to everyone in the church. A few stray from the path, like anyone else, and others grow to be strong, faith-filled servants with direction and purpose. Howard proved to be the latter. And her peers apparently saw that leadership quality in her. As she approached the last five years of her military tenure she began mentoring high school students, mainly girls, who were facing real challenges that she was unaware of. Continued on the next page
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“I would just go in with a servant heart and want to work with people. It didn’t matter who it was, it was just where I was supposed to be.” A lightbulb went off in Howard’s head with the realization that there was a huge void in the community and help was needed to guide the younger generation. Howard looks youthful and she feels that contributed to young women seeking her out for advice. She attests that her youthful look is achieved by living a stress free life. Last year, the Martinsville , VA native sought to start her organization, Lead(H)er under her parent company H2G Leadership Group, which stands for Howard 2nd Generation. Lead(H) er focuses on Faith, Fitness, Relationships, and Career. This summer she plans to host more workshops and social media live events for her clients and those she hopes to attract. She’s also planning to increase her website and blog posts to grow her following and reach more people. “For ladies, the leadership will come after the knowledge and education. But I also like to focus on communication and how people are receiving your message. Are you just talking or are you communicating? There is a difference. You have to be able to articulate what you want and not be shy about it.” With Covid-19 affecting all of us in different ways, Howard crafted a previous workshop entitled “Covid is making me crazy”. The attendees log into a video conference platform with a code and simply talk and help each other work through their thoughts. They attempt to uncover their dilemmas and help fill each other’s voids. It’s no surprise that many are having a tough time with the lack of social interaction and physical touch. Howard aims to help them work through their feelings.
“There was a huge void in the community and help was needed to guide the younger generation.” 8
The ladies Howard mentors tend to be between 14 year to 25 years of age. “The biggest issue I’m seeing is the lack of direction and foundation in the home. And because homelife and it’s makeup looks a lot different, children are exposed to certain topics and conversations much sooner than they should be. This year Howard plans to also incorporate families into her organizations structure. Focusing on communication within the family unit can aid in building the foundation that the younger members need. Within her own family unit, her 13 year old son has taught her how much different boys and girls tend to communicate. “My son is quiet and calm. I can tell him something and he’s okay. He’s easy with lots of patience.” Studies show that girls tend to have more words in their vocabulary by a certain age and tend to react to news differently. Continued on page 10
“My five year plan is to create a camp-style Lead(H)er lock-in at different locations to serve my community in Raleigh, NC. Think 4-H camps.�
“My five year plan is to create a camp-style Lead(H)er lock-in at different locations to serve her community in Raleigh, NC. Think 4-H camps,” she says. The unfortunate introduction of our current pandemic forced Howard to tap into her ideas sooner than she expected and take a look at her business plans to see how she should operate. Instead of opening in June, H2G was introduced in April. “God works in such a way and I became restless enough to start working on and refining my idea. I was able to meditate and have such a clear headspace of where I wanted to see my business. She simultaneously started the corporate side of her business that handles communications and marketing for companies and how they can better communicate with their employees and clients. Continuing her quest to bridge the gap and network with other ladies to bring the second generation along and add value to their lives is at the forefront of Howards mind. At the rate she’s moving, it seems that she’ll accomplish that goal in no time. h
Tyneka Howard H2G Leadership Group
Lead(H)er – Faith, Fitness, Relationships, & Career 202-709-6447 www.h2gleadher.net Email: tyneka@h2gleadher.net Instagram/Facebook: @leadher10 LinkedIn: Tyneka Howard
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BF Configurations 12
By Laci Ollison Photos by Michael Duncan
Building and establishing a legacy is something that many strive to do. It is also something that Brian Flewellen is extremely familiar with. Not just in persevering his own legacy but being able to live out the legacy of his late grandmother as well. A native of Dallas, Texas, Brian is the founder and owner of BF Configurations. The company specializes in TV mounting, home theater setups, picture hanging, equipment relocation, and computer repair. “We’ve been in business a little over seven years,” said Brian. “We currently operate in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Houston, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and we’re branching out to San Antonio soon.” Although Brian is now a successful entrepreneur, he actually gained the inspiration to start the business from a manager at one of his previous job. “When I worked for another company as a corporate sales trainer, I was installing security systems for employees. One day my director at the time said, ‘man you should start your own business.’” Brian disagreed and felt that starting a business was not the right decision for him. “I said no. I will never start my own business. I’m making money as a corporate trainer. I’m not about to leave what I’m doing to go start a business.” But his manager gave him advice that stuck with him. “He told me to remember that I’m black and I’m always replaceable in corporate America.” Brian still wasn’t convinced that he had a need to start a business. “I said they’ll never let me go. I’m black and the only sales trainer in the building. However, one year later, Brian was let go from his job. His manager, who was also let go from the company, offered Brian a job at a new company and gave him the opportunity to work on his skillset and perfect his craft. “The second company that I worked for does the exact same thing that I do; they specialize in TV mounting and home theater setup. He put me in a position to really perfect my craft. And once I perfected my craft, he pretty much pushed me over the edge and said go swim.”
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That was when Brian took the leap into entrepreneurship. From there he jumped out and ran and never looked back. Now, BF Configurations has grown and Brian has been able to scale to multiple cities in multiple states. “While at the first company, I trained a guy that lived in Atlanta. About a year and a half after I got laid off, he got laid off. He reached out to me and asked if I had any work because he heard that I was starting a business. He asked did I have any work in Atlanta,” Brian says. At this time, Brian had not considered expanding to Atlanta. “I said I didn’t really have anything. But I always knew that my Grandmother, my Aunt, and my Dad had a connection in Atlanta. So, I had a good resource there so I kind of ran with that.” But the expansion into a new market was not an easy process. “In the midst of going to Atlanta, there were a few times where I considered closing the doors because it was hard. I was managing Dallas and then trying to manage Atlanta. But I had to let go and I had to trust and know that Rodney was going to run the location,” he shared. And now, BF Configurations is celebrating three years of operating in the Atlanta area. Brian says that most of his clientele come from social media. They pull about 60% of their clients from social media, and 30% are from referrals. His goal for 2021 is to improve the relationship he has with his current clients by checking in and performing customer satisfaction surveys. “In 2021, we’re really going to focus on putting the client first. We’re going to be making phone calls to our clients, to learn if there is anything that we could have done better, what can we improve on, so we can learn and grow tenfold,” he says. Brian shared that the hardest part of entrepreneurship has been the fear of failure. “The fear of failure involves not knowing if I’m going to get a phone call today, or if the lights are still going to be cut on tomorrow,” he says. In order to overcome his fears, Brian said there were some things that he had to sacrifice. “I motivate myself. But as a business owner, what you put in is what you’re going to get out of it. When I’m working, I’m working 110%. I’m giving it my all,” he shared. Those sacrifices, however, have paid off and are evident in the success of his business. It has also allowed him to reinvest back into his business. “My biggest accomplishment has been purchasing three trucks in one year,” Brian said. The business owner wants to encourage other entrepreneurs to not be afraid to fail. “Les Brown said something like when you fall, and it’s not a matter of if you fall because you will fall. But when you fall, fall on your back because you can look up. And when you look up, you can get up. And when you get up you can look around and see the mistakes you made and understand how to not make those same mistakes again,” Brian said. Continued on page 16
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Mission Statement
Our Mission is to service customers with such a focus and desire that our services will make the home improvement and installation process enjoyable, exciting, and most importantly successful for everyone
Core Values
C- Continuous Improvement P- Professionalism R- Reliable C- Customer Focus S- Safety I- Integrity
Yet, Brian also pushes business owners to go after what they want. His biggest jewel that he shares with anyone is to follow your dream, and to not stop until it is fulfilled. As he has pursued his own dreams, Brian owes much of his success to his late grandmother, Mary Flewellen. “My grandmother opened a beauty salon 51 years ago, Flewellen’s Hair Salon. It was the first black beauty salon south of Dallas. She told me coming up as a kid, if I don’t go to college, go get a trade,” he says. His grandmother’s dream was for him to be a barber, just like his father was. But Brian refused. He told her there was no way he would be a barber but promised her to figure things out. Brian shares how he learned from his father the importance of preserving legacy. “My dad told me when I was a kid to protect my last name, because my last name has value. But me being a kid, I didn’t really understand the name Flewellen and the value of Flewellen. But after I started my business, I realized how much weight the name held. I have encountered people who trust me because of my last name, and because they knew my Grandmother and knew that she did good business. My business is now flourishing because of the relationships that my grandmother and father created,” he says. If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and in need of tv mounting services, please contact Brian Flewellen and BF Configurations, and allow his team to serve you. h
325 N. Saint Paul St. - Ste 3100 Dallas, TX 75201 (866) 573-5753 www.bfconfigurations.com 17
Jackson 18
By Terry L. Watson Photos by Lechele Jackson Lechele Jackson aka “Kamragurl” describes herself as an average woman living an extraordinary life. She is a lifestyle photographer that’s based out of Richmond, VA. She specializes in family, business, and event photography. The name of her company is Photography by Lechele LLC. Most importantly, Lechele loves God. She also loves her family and her community. When she doesn’t have a camera in her hand, she can be found traveling or soaking the rays from the sun on the beach, listening to the ocean, or enjoying the quiet splendor of the mountains. Lechele’s story began in 2008. “By the Grace of God, my creative gift and love for photography turned into a business. My pastor and Bishop had preached on a sermon entitled “Your Gift Will Make Room For You” and with my faith and the support of family and friends, as well as my clients, I am here today, doing what I am passionate about,” she says. For Lechele, photography is more than just providing a service to capture images to go into a magazine, a photo album, or to be put in a frame and hung on a wall. She shares that photography is about creating moments and capturing memories that will last a lifetime. “Photography is not a business for me, it’s a ministry. I would like to think that after having a session with me, you come away with a memorable experience!” Photography has afforded her to build long lasting friendships and partnerships. As a woman of God, and a believer in the love of God, Lechele shares why it’s always important for her to have faith, and to be faithful. “It all begins with my trust in God. We must walk in your calling, follow our hearts, and live your dreams. When we trust God, He will open doors and pour out blessings you won’t have room enough to receive. God has definitely been the giver and source of this business and He is still opening doors and opportunities for me. For the last couple of years, I have been praying and speaking about having a larger studio space. Currently I am partnering with someone to do just that. We must be reminded that your words have power. Speak positive affirmations into every aspect of your life and watch the fruit of your labor coincide with the words of your tongue. The creator of every good and perfect gift has already worked it out in your favor,” she says. While enjoying a natural talent of her own, Lechele is inspired by other photographers. “My peers in the photography industry are so creative and talented, and it is an honor to be among so many awesome souls. I love and appreciate each one of them,” she says. Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to go for it. “Don’t give up. Take your time and listen to your spirit. Do not compare yourself or your work to others because everyone is different and has a unique style of their own. Find it and never stop evolving. We can be our own worst critic,” she shares.
“Photography is not a business for me, it’s a ministry. I would like to think that after having a session with me, you come away with a memorable experience.”
In the future, Lechele plans to continue to grow, learn, and develop her skills. “I have dreams of possibly creating an agency to bridge the gap in the industry by working with various talents and creatives who need their dots connected,” she says. To learn more about Lechele Jackson, please visit her website or contact her directly. h
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Life Success by Dowdell By Laci Ollison Photos by Still Shots Photography A lover of God, people, and history, Mary McLean Dowdell has dedicated her life to making sure that the untold stories of her family are now being made available for the world to read. Mary, a resident of Greensboro, is the author of Brick to Brick: Building a Black Family in America. The inspiration behind the book came from her own family history and experiences. “I wrote the book to give the history of my family,” said Mary. “My father and mother graduated from Hampton in 1935. They went to New York, got married, and were then hired by the American Missionary Association.” After her parents, Neil and Iva McLean, were married, they returned to a small town in Eastern North Carolina called Brick. “The AMA had already established life centers where black people or freed slaves could learn how to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. My parents were sent to gather people and assume leadership of the center that was in Brick,” Mary said. Once her parents took over the center, they worked to teach black people basic skills to improve their everyday lives. “One of the things they taught them was farming,” Mary said. “Although they knew how to take care of a farm, they didn’t know about the decisions when it came to selling produce. My parents taught them about leadership and the economics of the farm. They also taught them about owning property, home management, and home economics.” The life center also had a school where both adults and children received their education. Although Mary’s parents contributed much to the black community in the area, no one has taken the time to write their history or even include it in currently published history books.
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“They were there 19 years,” Mary recounted. “There have been three publications on the history of that area, but my parents were not included, their history has not been told. Once the school was sold to a church, the church organization had someone do the history of the school and its past leadership. However, the writer of the history book chose not to include my father. Although they spoke with people who worked closely with my him, he was not contacted to tell his history and the work that he contributed to the community,” she shares. This situation is why Mary thought it was necessary to tell the history of her parents. “There were pieces of their story told, but not the totality of it. I believe black people should tell their history. There are all kinds of books about what other people do but not a lot about what we do or have done,” Mary said. Mary also made sure to include artifacts and other important information in the back of the book. “I told the story not as a daughter but as a researcher who could tell the history. I also put artifacts in the back of the book. I wanted to make sure that I could back up anything that I said.” The book also recounts how the duo maintained a personal life while assisting the community. “It transitions from historical point to how they built a family while working in the community,” said Mary. “My father eventually left the center and went into public education. He was a principle at the elementary and high schools. He also sat on the local community college board and started the first credit union in the area. Her mother was the first postmaster. They did all of that while raising six children.” The second part of the book tells the story of Mary herself as well as her siblings, as a product of her parents. “I wanted to include what happened to my parent’s children. So, I have my oldest brother write something and I gave all my siblings the opportunity to write something. I even have something in the book about my siblings who have died. I wanted to be sure to put their history in the book as h well,” she said.
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“One of the major things is to be aware of your attitude....If you are hopeful and positive and one of the people who believes in the possibility of life and the potentials that are in you then nothing will be impossible with you.” Mary is also an Evangelist Missionary and serves at Evangel Fellowship Church of God in Christ. She is a recent PhD graduate at the age of 73, and the mother of three adult children and the grandmother of five children. She enjoys writing, evangelism, and motivational speaking. The evangelist says that one thing fellow entrepreneurs should be aware of is their outlook on life and their situation. “One of the major things is to be aware of your attitude,” Mary said. “If you are hopeful and positive and one of the people who believes in the possibility of life and the potentials that are in you then nothing will be impossible with you.” Mary says that it is important to keep a positive outlook on life. “If you allow people and life to rob you of that positive viewpoint then you won’t go very far. I want people to know that anything is possible if they work hard. Make sure you are not allowing circumstances and situations to shape you into a person who doesn’t believe who you are. No matter what you want, the skies the limit. I don’t believe there’s anything you can be kept from doing.” Mary believes that despite who you are or what you look like, the possibilities are endless. She also does not believe in limitations of age. “Look at who you are. Look at what your world view is and what your self-view is. You see testimonies every day of people doing great things. We are all born empty slates and have the same potential to achieve something amazing,” she states.
Mary McLean Dowdell, MPA, PhD www.lifesuccessbydowdell.com 336-987-6642
For Mary, it appears that life will always be a forever developing story. She is always seeking the next opportunity to serve and to express her ideas and gifts. Although she quite often kept busy with writing, marketing of her current book, and evangelism, she is already thinking about getting started on her second publication. So be on the lookout for what is coming next. To purchase a copy of Brick To Brick, Building A Black Family In America, please contact Mary directly or visit her website. h Raleigh/Durham - Jan./Feb. 2021
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Gene
Blackmon Prestige Barber College By Terry L. Watson Photos by Still Shots Photography
He has made it a priority of keeping his business in the same neighborhood that he grew up in near the Phillips Avenue area. Gene Blackmon is the owner and director of Prestige Barber College in Greensboro, NC. Founded in 2011, Prestige provides an opportunity to aspiring professional barbers. Gene brings several decades of knowledge and experience to Prestige. Upon graduating from barber school, himself, he spent some time as an apprentice and eventually progressed to opening his own barbershop in Greensboro. He did not stop there. Soon he would be the owner of several shops, and the co-owner of others. Being a business owner isn’t the only thing that matters to Gene. As a son, father, coach, and community activist, he is actively involved in the affairs that matter in his community. He has spear headed several campaigns that have addressed the needs of others, including transforming Prestige Barber College into a drop off location for supplies and resources for those who were affected by a tornado that ravished the eastern part of Greensboro in April 2018. Prestige Barber College often provides free haircuts for citizens, as well as partnering with other organizations for back-to-school events and more. They have also provided Covid-19 testing on site. Giving back and being involved is especially important to Gene. “I offer hope and opportunity. With Prestige I am giving our students an opportunity to become entrepreneurs through the industry of barbering. We funnel many of our student to the barbershops that we own in Greensboro,” he says. Now with an enrollment of 30 students, Gene has obtained ownership of the building and remolded it as well. Many of the goals for Prestige is to increase enrollment and grow their scholarship fund to assist others. They also offer in house financing, which enables them to meet the needs of almost who is interested in attending. “Prestige is for the community. We are a resource that offers hope. We offer haircuts and mentorship, but also work vigorously to meet the needs of our community,” Gene says.
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Gene shares that he wanted to ensure that he would bring something positive to his community. “I am a firm believer that in order to increase the value in our community, we must keep our businesses in our community. It was an honor to open a school in the neighborhood that I grew up in,” he says. Gene also wanted to emphasize the importance of what a trade program, such as barbering is. “A trade can instantly make someone an entrepreneur. Trades have been just as, or even more valuable as a four-year degree. Trade programs have a minimum cost as compared to a four-year degree program,” he shares. As things move forward, Gene plans to empower everyone he encounters knowledge, encouragement, and education. He also plans to increase enrollment at Prestige Barber College. “Our opportunities are available to everyone who is serious about making barbering a career choice,” he says. To learn more about Prestige Barber College, please visit their location, or contact the school directly. h
Prestige Barber College 2006 Phillips Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405 336-398-7537 www.prestigebarbercollege.org
Kross Alexander Gattis MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
The son of Aliyza Aa’Veonne Cotton and Christopher Tyrick Gattis
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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Tasha Hope Continues To Carry Her For Tasha Johnson-King, giving up has no place in her life. Currently residing in Saint Stephens, S.C., the 44-year-old wife and mother of three is great need of a kidney donation and transplant. She has been on dialysis since March 23,2005 and has been waitlisted for a kidney donor at three hospitals and is currently waiting to be waitlisted at four others in the state of South Carolina. For anyone who knows Tasha, they would say that despite of every challenge that she is facing, her outlook on life remains loving and optimistic. “I’m a very kind person and love to donate to others, especially to children,” she says. Her journey began in 1995 after she found out that she was born with only one kidney. “The whole time I was pregnant I didn’t have any complications or negative symptoms of only having one kidney. That changed when I went for my six weeks checkup after giving birth. My protein levels were through the roof. From there I had extensive tests done. Soon the news arrived that I only had one kidney,” she says. From that point on, life began to change for Tasha. “I was only 20 years old at that time and in 1998, I found out my kidneys were failing. I was given medicines to help slow the failing process. The medicines did work for a long time, but as years passed my medicines didn’t work as well as they once did. I was getting sicker and sicker. I was only 28 years old and wasn’t ready to start dialysis. I already knew what the treatment would be like and I was scared to start. I also knew that it would make me feel better,” she says. As time passed, Tasha shares that couldn’t take the misery of being sick and made the decision to start. “I was so sick and tired until I just couldn’t do anything, and I knew that it was passed by time for me to begin. Continued on the next page Raleigh/Durham - Jan./Feb. 2021
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Life has happened for Tasha in even more ways. While on dialysis treatment, she gave birth to a son. Understandably, the pregnancy was challenging but her baby was born healthy and breathing on his own. “God is awesome. I was my doctors first patient who got pregnant while on dialysis. Not only that, but my tubes were also cut, tied, and burned for seven years and I still got pregnant. Only God can perform these kinds of miracles,” she shares. Today, Tasha is full of life. “I love the fact that I’m still alive and able to raise my 22-year-old daughter who is intellectually disable, and my nine-year-old son. My life inspires me the most because I’m still living and know that others have lost their battles,” she says. She’s had to have a Thigh Graft, which is her last lifeline. Often, she is drained after dialysis sessions and unable to play with her nine-year-old son. She also suffers from low blood pressure. After that happens the only thing she can do is go straight to bed. That is not a good position to be in because after treatments, it’s required that she run so that she can flush the toxins and fluid out of her body. Not doing so can make her sicker and swell up with fluid. “All I can do is pray that I feel better,” she says. Even though her journey has been challenging, Tasha says there isn’t much she would change. “I would have like to have more kids closer together in age. I always wanted a big family but what I have is what God wanted me to have. This journey has made me a stronger person and made my faith even stronger,” she says.
“It was very rough for me from the beginning. I was in and out of the hospitals. I had access infections and access clotting. I also had to endure surgeries to repair or replace my accesses. I kept reminding myself that life does get better.” On MARCH 23, 2005 Tasha’s journey began. “It was very rough for me from the beginning. I was in and out of the hospitals. I had access infections and access clotting. I also had to endure surgeries to repair or replace my accesses. I kept reminding myself that life does get better,” Tasha says. After all that she has experienced and been through, Tasha professes that she is still healthy. She doesn’t have heart damage from all the perm catheters that have been placed in her neck and chest. Even more, the rest of her organs are in good shape and working well. “This is a blessing, especially after almost 16 years of being on dialysis,” she says.
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Today, Tasha needs a kidney transplant. For this to happen she will have to be connected with someone who is a match for her. “Donating gives us a better chance to live longer and be healthy. No more machines to keep us alive, no more being drained and sick. Donating a kidney or any other organs would be the best gift you could ever give to someone to live. Donating is never a little gift it’s always a big gift and a huge blessing to do for anyone,” she says. For others who are in a similar situation as she is, Tasha advises them to stay strong and to not give up. In the future, she plans to continue to help others who need guidance before, and while on dialysis. Obtaining information about dialysis from someone who has gone through the experience can help someone deal with the process a lot better. Her plans are to be off dialysis and have a new kidney soon. She also plans to and live a healthier life with her family. Additionally, she has plans to travel more, especially out of the country. h
To learn more about how to assist Tasha Johnson-King with her search of finding a mathing kidney donor, please contact at:
Raleigh/Durham - Jan./Feb. 2021
tashajohnsonking@gmail.com
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