MACON, Miss. (WTVA) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and one local survivor is sharing her story to encourage other women to prioritize their health.

For Gloria Jamison, hearing the word “cancer” changed everything. Now, she’s using her experience to encourage other women to take their health seriously.

Jamison said when she first received the call with her diagnosis, she immediately went to the bathroom to pray. She said the diagnosis was difficult to process, and she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next.

“They called me and I immediately went to the bathroom after hearing it. And I started praying, but it took me, almost took the life out of me because I’m wondering CANCER, what am I going to do,” Jamison said.

Jamison’s diagnosis didn’t just affect her. It also changed the way her daughter experienced and understood breast cancer.

“Whew… mixed emotions, mixed feelings. And I think a lot of the mixed emotions and mixed feelings had to do with it hit home,” said Lucretia Jefferson, Jamison’s daughter.

Today, Jamison is using her experience to help other women understand the importance of being aware of their health. She hopes her story encourages women to know their bodies, pay attention to changes and talk with their doctors about their concerns.