Lakes Woman Triumphs Over Cancer and Fights Back by Giving to Others

Tamara Bara, a two-time cancer survivor, has established a nonprofit organization called Cancer Called and started a support group in Maricopa. October also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause close to her heart.

Despite facing multiple challenges, Bara embraces a philosophy that everything occurs for a reason. “I never had control; God always had control,” she shared.

In early 2020, Bara was navigating personal struggles, including two divorces and infertility challenges that led her to IVF treatments. It was a time when she felt like giving up. However, life took a turn when she met her husband, Abdoulaye, unexpectedly through a dating app. “We still don’t know how that happened,” she recalled, emphasizing their belief that this was no coincidence. They married just months later, and Bara felt that God had sent Abdoulaye at just the right moment, foreshadowing her upcoming battle with cancer.

In October 2020, Bara was diagnosed with stage one invasive ductal breast cancer. Following an elective double mastectomy, she endured numerous treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, battling significant complications along the way. To maintain her spirits, she founded Cancer Called, initially as a Facebook group for updates on her treatment, inspired by her fondness for rotary phones and history.

“I started doing TikToks and dance videos with my husband after every chemo treatment,” she explained. This creative outlet, alongside merchandise like T-shirts and masks, helped her channel her energy and find support during treatment.

Unfortunately, in October 2021, just three years later, she faced another daunting diagnosis: stage four metastatic breast cancer. Bara described her journey, noting, “I’ve always called myself a unicorn,” due to her unexpected progression from stage one to stage four.

While undergoing further treatment, including the removal of her ovaries and ongoing oral chemotherapy, Bara has made significant strides. As of last month, scans showed no evidence of active disease. “It’s like how you got chicken pox and get shingles; it’ll always be in your body, but it’s gone to sleep,” she stated.

Despite being permanently disabled and forced to retire from her healthcare leadership role due to cancer, Bara has discovered a new purpose. She transformed Cancer Called into a nonprofit dedicated to creating prayer cloths and hope beads for others battling cancer, inspired by a family friend. “Mama Lucy has created over 700 cloths by herself,” Bara noted, recognizing the expanding support network.

Bara’s efforts have grown; she now mentors foster girls to connect with them and teach them how to create prayer cloths and hope beads. She is also forging connections with women in West Africa, aiming to provide job opportunities while addressing local poverty.

Recently, Bara partnered with the Joy Bus, a nonprofit delivering meals to cancer patients, to supply prayer cloths and beads. “We want to be inclusive of everyone,” she emphasized, looking to foster a supportive community. She also initiated a support group for cancer survivors in Maricopa, aiming to provide a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

Despite her first meeting attracting no participants, she remains determined. The next session is scheduled for December 14 at the Maricopa Library, with hopes to engage more members. “The mind is a powerful thing,” she advised. “If you can continue to fight, many of us can beat it.”

Those interested in contributing to Cancer Called or joining the support group can reach out to Bara through her social media channels. “I wake up every day to inspire people,” she concluded, capturing the essence of her journey.