(This article was originally published in 2014)
There are many challenges in life we all must face. To battle Breast Cancer one must have strength, courage, faith and optimism...Maimah Karmo possesses them all in her continuing mission to educate, inspire, inform and support.
by Rodney Wayne Branche
Publisher/CEO - Copa Style Magazine
Publisher/CEO - Copa Style Magazine
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Maima: Monrovia, Liberia
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Maimah: George Mason School of Communications.
Maimah: George Mason School of Communications.
Copa: Have you always been such a fashionable woman?
Maima: Yes! Ever since I was a little girl. My parents always taught me that there was a certain way a lady should carry herself. They said that above else, be simple, elegant and walk with your head up and back straight. Most of all, my parents said that true style comes from grace. My parents also said that true style is not over done – you can stand out in a simple t-shirt and jeans, or with a simple dress, accessories and nude lipstick. I've always loved dressing up even for a simple occassion. Having your own personal style is so important. It’s also in how you wear your clothes. Last, but not least, confidence is the best accessory.
Maima: Yes! Ever since I was a little girl. My parents always taught me that there was a certain way a lady should carry herself. They said that above else, be simple, elegant and walk with your head up and back straight. Most of all, my parents said that true style comes from grace. My parents also said that true style is not over done – you can stand out in a simple t-shirt and jeans, or with a simple dress, accessories and nude lipstick. I've always loved dressing up even for a simple occassion. Having your own personal style is so important. It’s also in how you wear your clothes. Last, but not least, confidence is the best accessory.
Copa: What is your philosophy on your personal style?
Maimah: I’m a pretty classic girl. I enjoy tailored suits and dresses, but I like to have something designed for special occasions. I was born in West Africa, so I often wear African couture. I love LShandi, Studio D’Maxi and I recently discovered Kim Elleen. These are amazing local designers, who can get a sense of your personal style and whip up something just for you. As I said earlier, true confidence can make anything stylish. I’m not a big name brand person. I don’t spend hundreds or thousands on purses, shoes or clothes and never will. I came to America as a refugee at 15 years old, and there were times when we had just enough to eat and live; and looking at the poverty in other countries and in the United States, particularly in terms of the needs I see every day with young women living with breast cancer and the difference a little amount makes in someone’s life, I can’t rationalize spending thousands on fashion, when that same amount of money could feed someone or keep them in their home, or provide healthcare.
Maimah: I’m a pretty classic girl. I enjoy tailored suits and dresses, but I like to have something designed for special occasions. I was born in West Africa, so I often wear African couture. I love LShandi, Studio D’Maxi and I recently discovered Kim Elleen. These are amazing local designers, who can get a sense of your personal style and whip up something just for you. As I said earlier, true confidence can make anything stylish. I’m not a big name brand person. I don’t spend hundreds or thousands on purses, shoes or clothes and never will. I came to America as a refugee at 15 years old, and there were times when we had just enough to eat and live; and looking at the poverty in other countries and in the United States, particularly in terms of the needs I see every day with young women living with breast cancer and the difference a little amount makes in someone’s life, I can’t rationalize spending thousands on fashion, when that same amount of money could feed someone or keep them in their home, or provide healthcare.
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Copa: The Tigerlily Foundation, when did you establish it and why?
Maimah: I founded Tigerlily Foundation when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had to do something. I wanted to help young woman who faced the challenges I faced. While I was undergoing chemothrapy at the age of 32, I began the organization and it blossomed. I’m so thankful to watch it grow. It makes me happy to serve others. I wanted to educate and empower young women about breast cancer. I chose to name this foundation Tigerlily because like a flower loses its petals in the Fall and Winter, then blossoms and grows in the Spring and Summer, a woman undergoing treatment can also find her true beauty, strength and be transformed during and after breast cancer. Tigerlily Foundation provides education, financial assistance, HOPE Bags, meals and more to young women in treatment.
Maimah: I founded Tigerlily Foundation when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had to do something. I wanted to help young woman who faced the challenges I faced. While I was undergoing chemothrapy at the age of 32, I began the organization and it blossomed. I’m so thankful to watch it grow. It makes me happy to serve others. I wanted to educate and empower young women about breast cancer. I chose to name this foundation Tigerlily because like a flower loses its petals in the Fall and Winter, then blossoms and grows in the Spring and Summer, a woman undergoing treatment can also find her true beauty, strength and be transformed during and after breast cancer. Tigerlily Foundation provides education, financial assistance, HOPE Bags, meals and more to young women in treatment.
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Copa: Would you please share information on what fundraisers you have had lately and what’s coming up soon on the calendar?
Maimah: We just had the Pajama Glam DC and Pajama Glam NYC that were a success. We have the Pink Boa 5k Run happening on September 14 and encourage people to create teams or sign up as individual runners. We also have our 6th Annual EmPOWER Ball on November 8. People can register for both on our website, at www.tigerlilyfoundation.org. |
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Copa: What’s the most important facts that women need to know about Breast Cancer?
Maimah: Be educated about the facts. Ask questions. If you think you feel something abnormal, go to your doctor and get yourself checked out. The sooner, the better. Early detection is critical, so that you can treat it. It is also very important to educate young women and girls about health, wellness and prevention.
Maimah: Be educated about the facts. Ask questions. If you think you feel something abnormal, go to your doctor and get yourself checked out. The sooner, the better. Early detection is critical, so that you can treat it. It is also very important to educate young women and girls about health, wellness and prevention.
Copa: As a Breast Cancer Survivor, what sort of advice do you wish to give to women who have recently been diagnosed as positive?
Maimah: To know that they can survive breast cancer. I also tell them to focus on living. As ironic as it might seem, we tend to take our lives for granted, until we are faced with our mortality, so it’s important to really start living and focusing on not just their cancer treatment, but their dreams. It was during my treatment that I began truly giving to others – not just when it was convenient for me, but all the time, through my organization. Through the process of building something and helping others in need, I found myself healing and making a difference and that in itself helped to get me through treatment.
Maimah: To know that they can survive breast cancer. I also tell them to focus on living. As ironic as it might seem, we tend to take our lives for granted, until we are faced with our mortality, so it’s important to really start living and focusing on not just their cancer treatment, but their dreams. It was during my treatment that I began truly giving to others – not just when it was convenient for me, but all the time, through my organization. Through the process of building something and helping others in need, I found myself healing and making a difference and that in itself helped to get me through treatment.
Copa: What does the future hold for Maimah Karmo and the Tigerlily Foundation?
Maimah: To go national and then global. My goal is to continue to make an impact, and create vigilant advocates.
~Copa
Maimah: To go national and then global. My goal is to continue to make an impact, and create vigilant advocates.
~Copa
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