Lead Advocate and 2023 Values in Action award recipient Jean Mwale shares her remarkable journey of battling cancer twice and surviving septic shock, which resulted in multiple amputations. Initially discovering a lump on her throat, she received a devastating cancer diagnosis. After enduring ten months of chemotherapy, she was informed that having children was unlikely. However, defying the odds, she joyously welcomed twins into the world.
Soon after she faced another bout of illness, this time with a more aggressive cancer. While undergoing treatment, she became septic, plunging her into a coma and resulting in the amputation of her toes, four fingers, and eventually her lower legs. Through unwavering resilience, Jean remained steadfast in her physical and mental journey towards recovery.
During her arduous path to healing, Jean found inspiration and solace with a lot of support. Recognizing the importance of connecting with others who shared similar experiences, she discovered the Amputee Coalition, igniting a passion within her to support fellow members of the limb loss and limb difference community. “I wanted an outlet to find people who were like me now because to me it wasn’t that my life had ended, it was that I had to build a new life,” she said. Jean emphasizes the significance of spreading strength and positivity in the face of adversity, urging individuals to share their unique stories and advocate for change. She highlights the transformative power of hope, emphasizing her advocacy efforts to provide prosthetics and other mobility aids to those in need.
Jean encourages listeners to become champions of their own lives and champions for others. With warmth and conviction, she reminds us that hope holds the key to endless miracles. Watch the video.
Read more about Jean’s advocacy work in Zambia and her experience sharing her story during the Amputee Coalition’s Advocacy Education and Hill Day.