I recently had the privilege of joining Jaco Booyens on The Bottom Line podcast, a platform that dives deep into critical social and political issues impacting our world today. It was such an honor to be able to sit down with Jaco and share my story as a breast cancer survivor, a women’s health advocate, former Mrs. American and a military wife, and to discuss the importance of elevating women’s healthcare as a priority in the political landscape.

For me, women’s healthcare isn’t just a talking point—it’s deeply personal. My journey through breast cancer, the highs and lows of treatment, and the long road to recovery gave me firsthand experience of the gaps in our healthcare system, especially as they relate to women’s specific health needs. When I finally overcame that battle, I made a commitment to use my experience to raise awareness and advocate for change. This particular podcast was a chance to bring light to issues that impact so many women across our country and to showcase real women’s healthcare issues and stop the focus being solely on abortion.

During our conversation, I shared some of the ways women’s healthcare often goes overlooked, whether in the lack of funding for certain types of research, the challenges women face in accessing early screenings and preventive care, or even the misconceptions about what comprehensive healthcare for women truly entails. Women’s health goes far beyond reproductive care—it includes cancer screenings, mental health resources, wellness programs, and support systems that help us live full, healthy lives as well as the importance of coverage for women to focus not just on health but also quality of life.

One of the key messages I wanted to convey is that women’s healthcare needs to be a priority in the political realm, not only because it affects half of our population but because women play such a pivotal role in our families, communities, and workplaces. When we empower women with the healthcare they need, we empower families and strengthen society as a whole. It’s crucial for policymakers to recognize this and to invest in programs that address women’s health needs holistically.

Talking with Jaco was both inspiring and energizing. He is passionate about creating a platform for voices that don’t always get heard and for shining a light on issues that demand attention. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak openly and to share why women’s healthcare should be at the forefront of our national dialogue.

To everyone who tuned in, thank you for listening, and to those walking their own journeys, remember: your health matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. Let’s continue advocating, connecting, and working toward a future where women’s healthcare is treated with the respect and attention it deserves.

Thank you, Jaco, for having me on the podcast and for allowing me to share this message. Together, we can make a difference.