Portrait by Lebwait Girma taken in January 2012 for the Women of Strength issue
When we featured a cheerful portrait of Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize alongside his chic First Lady Kim Barrow in the Island Issue, I couldn’t wait to find out more. Introduced through Travel photographer Lebawit Girma, I was regrettably informed that she was diagnoised with Breast Cancer earlier that month. We exchanged emails and after expressing how much she loved Complexd I knew instantly that I wanted to make her the next Complexd Cover woman. Suitably, the issue was themed ‘Woman of Strength’. In the days and months that followed in preparation for the next issue, Mrs. Barrow displayed the type of strength I wished to express in the issue. When I deliberated about the cover, she sent me an email saying she wanted to show women the effects of cancer by not hiding behind a wig in her cover shot. I felt honoured when I found out she made that extra effort when all her strength was being drained by this life-threatening illness. Through Kim, I have seen first-hand how the power of love and support can fight off the deadliest disease. I am so happy to be publishing these portraits below because on her face is an ever-present glow and appreciation for life that she talks about in our latest interview. Enjoy reading.
Editor: Was recovery as hard as the diagnosis?
Kim: I took my recovery one day at a time. I did a total of six chemotherapy sessions and a mastectomy. I was scheduled for 30 fractions of radiations, but suffered heart failure after 15. I was in the intensive care unit for a week when the doctors finally agreed to terminate radiation. After resting for almost three months, I went for a second opinion on my heart condition at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, while also seeking the advice of a Radiologist. I completed 20 additional fractions of radiation on September 19th 2012. There really is no magic that can get you through the process – it’s about believing, having faith and always being positive.
Editor: How did you cope with being away from your family when you were undergoing treatment in Miami?
Kim: The hardest part of it was being away from my seven year old daughter, Salima. She was and continues to be my greatest source of strength. My husband Dean was very supportive and helped tremendously during that time. He spent a few days fighting the fight with me in Miami and I received so much support from family and friends. Some of them flew out to help me with daily task like cooking, cleaning and washing. I was never alone whether being accompanied on visits to the hospital or just somebody sitting quietly in the room with me. Not a day went by without my mum and siblings being there or giving me a call. I also met what I describe as ‘angels on earth’, who stood beside me as sentries along the way. They and all of my wonderful countrymen filled my heart with incredible joy and buoyed my spirit just when I needed it the most. I am changed forever. My appreciation for the true goodness of the human spirit knows no boundaries and my faith in God remains eternally true.
Editor: Did having heart failure set you back in your fight against Breast Cancer?
Kim: This whole experience is truly life changing; it has made me very aware of both the fragility and strength of the human being and the incredible flexibility and adaptability of the body, mind and soul. At first, I couldn’t believe this was happening to me – a young and healthy woman who worked hard, ate well and exercised daily. As a mother of a seven-year old child, it was especially hard. It forced me to recognise that cancer does not filter through its recipients and when it chooses you, you have to prepare for combat, lace up your boxing gloves and be ready for the fight. I have fought this enemy with everything I have!
Editor: You continued campaigning throughout your recovery, how did you manage it all?
Kim: I was happy that I was able to maintain my workload with the various charities that I administer in Belize. This was a wonderful distraction that took me away from my own troubles as I concentrated on helping others. Once again the incredibly positive power of giving upheld my spirit.
Editor: How does it feel to finally be home and what’s next?
Kim: I’m elated to be back home, especially for my daughter Salima. It’s been one year since my diagnosis and as difficult as it has been for me, can you imagine how difficult it has been for my little girl. I’m happy to be home with her and Dean and be more hands on with the various projects I’ve been spearheading. Right now I am focusing on two projects. The Inspiration Center, which will offer rehabilitative therapies to children with disabilities in Belize and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital where we hope to treat children with cancer.
Editor: After everything you have been through, what advice would you give to a woman who has just been diagnosed and to women in general relating to Breast Cancer Awareness?
Kim: For my cancer warriors, who remain in battle with this dastardly foe, I say, try to remain positive and calm. Stress and negativity are cancer’s best friends. Focus on yourself and make sure you eat well, continue to exercise and remember to say your prayers. Be thankful for every small step you take towards recovery and don’t let the clouds that cover your sun-filled sky put a downer on your recuperation. They will eventually shift as time goes on.
Cancer does not have a brain, a heart, or a spirit. It doesn’t have the ability to plan or be cunning. It’s up to us and our doctors to strategise its demise. We must fight with our brain and also our heart and soul. I have my own personal battle plan and every day I attack cancer. Keep fighting, keep the faith and always remain hopeful!
For those who have won the battle and are cancer free, I applaud you because I know that you have been through hell and lived to tell the tale. I have a new perspective on life; it should not and cannot be taken for granted!
We must always revel in the small moments that make life worth living and lend a helping hand to those who are still in the midst of their battle. To the loved ones of women who lost their fight, I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to watch your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt or daughter go through this terrible ordeal. Please take care of your health, learn from the experience, grasp the importance of regular breast exams, mammograms, check-ups and become an advocate for others to do the same. Living a fruitful and healthy life is the best way to honour the memory of those who have gone before you.
Kim and Salima photographed by Olivera Rusu in Belize
Kim My heart goes to you and I give you a huge and loud applaude. You are amazing; and the strength and love you show for your people, your family says the type of beautiful person you are. Keep fighting and I’ll always remember you in my prayer. Love to you and yours.
Thanks for sharing. I surely enjoyed reading this article. First Lady you are a very strong lady and must be admired. I joined hands in praying.
Kim is the real thing…so to speak…I truly admire and respect her for her courage and transparency and a compassionate heart to use her adversity to help and encourage others…this was a well presented article…
My mother turned 86 in August of 2012…at 40 she survived a mastectomy and all that went with it…however, she was one of the lucky ones who dd not have any hair fallout…nor did she at age 84 when she was treated for uterine cancer…amazing…
My brother at age 62 did loose his battle as a result of lung cancer/rather a complication of…he also survived radiation and chemo without loosing his hair…
My father lost his fight with lung cancer at age 87 but that was when not much was known about radiation…
I refuse to accept any generational ‘curse’ of cancer or any other genetically known infirmities…I have learnt from all this that I can and did break these off my life and that of my children…through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross broke every curse and by His stripes we are healed…if we get attack with an infirmity, we use it to strengthen our faith knowing that this too shall pass and that it won’t destroy us…weapons will form but they won’t prosper…I believe Kim has also done this…she will live to be a ripe age…notice I did not say ‘old’ LOL…she still has so much more to do before leaving this earth…may God continue to bless and keep you in all your ways, Kim…
Dear Kim this is a truely beautiful story of a very strong Lady. My sister is recovering from breast cancer, she like yourself has faith, we also lost a sister to it that was many years ago. Give my love to Salima Miss Shona x.
I’m in awe of your inner srenght & self -our dearest first lady! True inspiration to all of us!
VERY INSPIRING AND TOUCHING STORY……
Kim’s strength and positive outlook has been an inspiration. I can only think of the words of Mother Teresa ” Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people”. She has certainly let the quality of her deeds speak on her behalf. Kim will continue to be in my prayers.
My admiration and love for Kim is endless. She portrays for all of us how to be proactive and determined to never give up. Kim has fanned into flame the spirit of sincere faith, that she has inherited from her ancesters.
In St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy chapter 1 verses 5-7 he states that God did not give us a spirit timidity, but a spirit of power,of love and of self discipline.
Fighting a foe such as cancer requires all the tenacity and support that Kim, a team of prayer warriors and others in the battle field against cancer have displayed. The personal testimony is a powerful tool used to encourage others to remain battle ready. Live life to its fullest, love ferociously as cancer crumbles under the strength of hope, faith and love.
Onward Christian Woman Sister Kim, more power to you, peace and love.
Hi Kim my heart reaches out for you,I can imagine what you have and still going through,you have the battle already won by your faith,may God blessings continues to be with all your endevour,stay strong good luck,Lol
Terry(T.Joe)
Kim.you have the best winning attitude. you are doing all the right things needed.Please continue to focus on your daughter tell everything you would like her to know. I know intimately your daily struggles both as a nurse and personal experience from my brother Dr Michael Deshield . regards to the family Miss Joyce would have loved you .
My best friend is a breast cancer survivor and I could remember her saying that she went through all alone but her determination to fight kept her going. Mrs. Barrow your story is a very inspiring one and it shows the importance of our inner strength and belief in our Supreme Being. God Bless your good heart, this really shows your beauty both inside and out.
Bravo Kim! Gyal, mee krai anaal wen mee mi-di reed dis! Yoo da wahn ‘inspiration’ tu aal a wi! I absolutely devoured every word of dis article, your thoughts and comments as shared in di article, and di wonderful pictures. Oh, hope all went well with Salima’s Limeade…how blest to have your lee gyal’s love and support.
Silvaana
Kim..thanks for sharing,..beautiful Firt Lady of Belize by your faith and strength God healed your..more blessings to you and your family!!!
First Lady your such an inspiration to all women who are fighting to survive cancer. Continue to fight not only for yourself but also for Salima and my Prime minister. Your a strong, beautiful woman, continue living your dreams, may God continue to bless you and your family. Surrender all to God and he will continue to heal you.
A friend just sent this to me and I thank you Bart for that. I recently had the honor of being involved with the Rotary District 4250 Conference’s 1st Lady’s Luncheon held at Hode’s Place in San Ignacio. It was in honor of Kim Barrow and the net proceeds went to her charity. I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect of Mrs. Barrow. I was pleasantly surprised to find her a very impressive young woman. She was warm and very approachable. She briefly spoke of her battle with cancer but mostly spoke of her dream of a state of the art therapy center for those with special needs in Belize. She also expressed her dream of satellite centers across the country. This hits home for me since I am the mother of a special needs child. My son has had the luxury of having the best medical care available in the US. Knowing how blessed we have been and knowing that most families (especially in Belize) never have this opportunity, I was very impressed at her true passion for this subject. As someone in my position, I can see through someone just “playing the game” and I’m here to say that Kim is the REAL THING! I have also offered any help I might be to her and her committee. It may not be much but I will be more that glad to do my part. For anyone who may wonder if Kim is the Real Deal, she is and more. Thank you Kim for your passion. Belize is truly Blessed!
Mrs. Barrow, you are a true inspiration…this touches my core.. and I applaud you for your strength. Keep the faith. By His stripe you are healed.
will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Dear Kim
I thank God for your healing. You are an inspiration to all women. May God continue to bless you and shine His light and favor on you.