The Mia Camara Story

Competition Results

2009 Grappling X - 2nd Place
2009 Grapplers Quest - 2nd place
2009 Grapplers Quest - 2nd place (July 11)
2009 N.A.G.A. CHAMPION (Sept. 26)
2009 Grapplers Quest 3rd Place (Dec. 12)

My Life and How UGA fits in it.

My name is Qualema Hayes/Camara. I am 33 and I've been living with
breast cancer for 1 year now. Possiby living with it for a few years
and not knowing. I was diagnosed with breast cancer April 22nd of
2008. From that moment my life began to change. As a young
mother/wife, it was not simple to believe or allow it be apart of who I
am. I kept it all in as long as I could from family. I was the
caretaker of my families as well as their backbones. I wasn't suppose
to ever get sick nor have a life threatening illness.

The discovery the of the cancer started January 24th 2008. I was in a
tragic car accident with 3 of my kids. This was 2 1/2 months before I
was told about the cancer. My car slid on Black ice and I over cranked
my steering wheel causing me to spin out of control. My car then rolled
3 times off an embankment. Injuries were severe enough to traumatize
us all. Fractured ribs and a busted eye lid. My oldest son with a
closed skull fracture. My oldest daughter had a very bad fractured
wrist at growth plate. My youngest son Omar was untouched. Praise
God!

A week later an Appointment was scheduled with primary physician for a
follow up on my fractured ribs. One afternoon I was massaging
surrounded area of the fractured. I then noticed a huge lump in breast
and under-arm. My Doc. arranged mammograms, MRI and ultrasounds to be
done.

Tests came back with findings of possible cancer, I was asked to come
back and redo it. I was never one to do breast self-exams or
mammograms. I felt as though I was too young to began any of those
tests. I only went to the doctor when I was very, very ill, and
couldn't perform daily routine. I was raising 4 children and 3 foster
daughters. I also had started my own Daycare. I didn't have time to be
ill.

Not too long after tests were back, I received a call from my surgeon,
I noticed he was uncomfortable with delivering the bad news to me. They
began to schedule an out patient surgery for me to have the mass and
lymph nodes removed. A biopsy was done and I then realized, wow it has
happened to me "I have breast cancer". Stage III

My children noticed the change in my up beat attitude. I was on my way
downstairs, because I have a tendency to go to my kitchen and cook when
I get upset. Well, they were constantly on my heel asking me what was
wrong. I kept saying "Nothing" Mommy will be alright. When I got in
the kitchen I turned around and there they were. All 7 of them and I
just fell on the floor and started crying.

For the first time in my life, I had to stop and tell my family that
something was wrong with me, and I wasn't used to doing that. Before
the cancer, I took care of everything I could. I was the rock of my
family. They hardly knew when I had problems. They barely knew when
things weren't going right with me, because I took care of it.

This time I realize I couldn't do this by myself, this was too big. I
did not know what to do. So, I began to pray and reach out for support.

After reaching out, I realized that for the first time I didn't have to
do everything on my own if I didn't want to. My Husband, family and
friends were there for me. I didnt realize or take attention to how
much I was loved, until the cancer. I never realized that people
appreciated me until my cancer. I am very spiritual and I draw all my
strength from God. My church family also overwhelmed me with so much
love.

It was scary to hear the words I have "Breast Cancer" especially after
watching my Nanny (my grandmother) fight it for so long and taken away
from me. Im still struggling with the loss of my Grandmother everyday,
because I never came to grips with her leaving so soon. She was a total
"Super Woman" What she did to fight back I had a difficult time trying
to do the same (chemo therapy) Something I refuse to do, after trying
it for two months.

Which brings me to where I am now. Ready to fight and stand tall. To
claim victory over all that stands in my way. I'm now training with
Tyson Johnson at UGA (Universal Grappling Academy) Where I will regain
my strength and health. To also learn to Grapple, submit kick, punch,
and choke the existence of Cancer and Chemo. I want to Live and I
will. Here at UGA lies my window to the world of the "Hopeless". My
friend, My trainer and a person I can call my Newly Found older brother
Tyson Johnson who welcomes all and those who wants a chance to FIGHT for
the treasures that life has hidden. No matter what you may be faced
with, you must go Hard and Go Strong or Go Home. Im 33 and here to
carry out the legacy of only the strong can survive. We were blessed
with an unwavering strength from our creator. I was told that I
couldn't do much like lifting and hard work that I had to limit myself.
Due to the possibilities of developing lymphademia. (a swelling of the
arm) Which can occur after having lymph nodes removed. Im feeling better
and stronger than ever after adding The UGA Family in my life. You Guys
Totally Rock. You are truly a blessing. Thanks Guys and Gals!

God opened a door where I found an extended family, Universal Grappling
Academy. With my new additional family helping to keep me healthy,
strong and physically fit.

I really believe that God always provides you with what you need. He
will place you into people lives and people into your life. He will
open up doors for you that you didn't know could open.

At this point in my life, I have been through a lot of changes. Ready
to take on any challenges that steps my way. I realized how blessed I
am to have so much love and support that UGA brings. When I first came
here I didn't realize if it was possible, I know now. I hope to
inspire people that feel that they can't make it in this world/Life. Or
if they find it difficult to cope with unwanted challenges. I want to
give back the same love and support that was given to me.

We Are Not Alone...I would like every person that is dealing with any
type of cancer or life threatening disease to know that you can FIGHT
and come out Victorious! Have faith and Believe.
I really am blessed and honored to stand before you and say that I
claimed a victory.

I Am And Always Will Be Cancer Free!

Momma Mia
B.K.A Qualema Hayes/Camara