Written By: Maggie Brown (maggiethe_journalist)
visit: www.drniaimanibailey.com
Dr. Nia Imani Bailey is a multi-talented Black woman, who has dedicated her life’s mission to fight for reform in the healthcare system, and educating the community about breast cancer awareness plus resources.
Dr. Bailey is a Radiation Therapist, Filmmaker, Director, Author, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Advocate, and Woman of God who created, wrote, and directed “A Letter to My Sisters: A Breast Cancer Documentary for Young Women.”
The purpose of the documentary is to give some insight into the journey of young women dealing with their breast cancer diagnosis and life itself.
The West Philadelphia native has an extensive educational background and multiple degrees from several Universities that include …
- Immaculata University – Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Health Services/Allied Health/ Health Sciences
- Jefferson Health – Bachelor of Science (B. S) in Medical Radiologic Technology/ Science – Radiation Therapist
- La Salle University – Master of Arts (M.A) in Bilingual and Bicultural Studies
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania – Doctor of Public Administration
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Dr. Bailey’s documentary features one Jamaican/Asian/Puerto Rican Woman, Janique Rivera, who was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in her 20s , one Mexican Woman, Brenda Dorantes, who was diagnosed in her 30s, and one Caucasian Woman, Lynne Mitchell, who was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in her 40s.
Last week, I had the chance to speak with Brenda Dorantes about her diagnosis and her participation in the documentary with Dr. Bailey.
” It was important for me [to participate in this documentary] because, I want to make other women and men aware of breast cancer, and how it can affect anyone at any age,” Dorantes said.
Dorantes goes on to explain how the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic affected the way she received treatment, and the hardships she faced as a result of, “being alone,” at doctor appointments and chemotherapy treatments due to the worldwide stay-at-home order.
Dr. Bailey faced a few setbacks of her own during the pandemic as well, explaining, ” It made it hard for me to start the documentary and surely equally as hard for people to view the documentary, in-person.”
“The most difficult thing about getting start was self doubt and actually getting started,” Dr. Bailey said. “I came up with a million one excuses why I could not start or should not start. Finally, God made me start— I had no other choice. Once I began, I was on the path to finish!”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Dr. Bailey has always made it clear that her purposes in life include advocating for the, “voiceless,” helping/caring for the less fortunate, and caring for the sick.
In addition to directing her very own documentary, Dr. Bailey is also an author of an interactive children’s book titled, “Love Thy Neighbor,” which highlights a little girl’s mission to feed, clothe and fellowship with homeless people.
She is also the founder and president of a nonprofit organization named Agape–Finding Your Purpose, Incorporating Your Faith.
Agape’s mission is to feed, clothe and fellowship with the homeless men and women of the Logan Square section of Philadelphia, and have an ultimate goal of eradicating homelessness—everywhere!
In the future, Dr. Bailey hopes to see her documentary on multiple streaming services like, Netflix and Hulu; as well as going on tour to share with and educate the community about breast cancer & breast health.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV