Shonda McIntosh and her Husband, Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh.
At 39, Shobha McIntosh, of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients across the country. Having faced cancer head-on and surviving three relapses, she attributes her strength and survival to her unwavering faith and the steadfast support of her family. Despite doctors giving up on her multiple times, McIntosh continues to defy the odds.
Her battle began in 2014 when, after multiple doctor visits due to feeling unwell, she was diagnosed with cancer. Today, McIntosh bravely shares her story, hoping to inspire others during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After participating in a recent breast cancer awareness walk in Region Six, she reflected on the importance of the event, saying,
“It is always an honour to see the amount of support given to persons living with cancer. You might not have it financially, you might not be there physically, but prayers are heard. I always say prayers move mountains, and with prayer and belief, you can succeed in anything.”
For McIntosh, every day is a blessing, a gift that she treasures deeply after surviving three relapses. After her first surgery, she thought the worst was over, but just 18 months later, she found herself back in the hospital. This time, cancer had metastasized to her liver. “All these times the doctors gave me up,” she shared, “but you know what? My faith and the support from my family, especially my amazing husband, kept me going. It’s the love from our closest people that gives us strength.”
Reflecting on her journey, McIntosh highlighted a painful truth that many cancer patients face—a lack of support. “Many have passed on because they didn’t have that support. Some families are afraid to even face their loved ones who are battling cancer. The pain is indescribable, and even with the strongest painkillers, it doesn’t always help. But you have to stay positive.”
One of the most harrowing moments of McIntosh’s battle was when she slipped into a coma at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital. It was then that the love of her children fueled her will to live. “I remember hearing their voices—‘Mommy, we love you, fight this fight.’ Those words were my strength when I needed it most.”
Despite facing immense challenges, including financial struggles while seeking treatment in the U.S., Trinidad, and Guyana, McIntosh never wavered in her determination. “No doctor can beat the power of prayer and belief. Watching myself deteriorate in front of my kids, losing my hair, my taste—it was a heart-wrenching journey. But I kept fighting.”
Region Six Chairman, David Armogan.
At the breast cancer awareness walk, Region Six Chairman David Armogan stressed the importance of early detection and regular screenings. “There are no excuses,” he said. “Our medical institutions, both public and private, are equipped to conduct breast examinations and other screenings. Early treatment is key, and it’s available to everyone.”
This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed under the theme “No-one Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” highlights the global fight against breast cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with 2.3 million new cases annually. In resource-constrained settings, like parts of Guyana, the barriers to early detection and treatment often lead to poorer outcomes.
For survivors like Shobha McIntosh, the battle is far from over, but her journey of faith and resilience serves as a powerful reminder that with support, prayer, and hope, even the toughest battles can be won.
