Taking Our Lives Back of Michigan

Taking Our Lives Back of Michigan non-profit organization (TOLB) was founded in February 2019. Throughout the Metro Detroit area, we will provide financial support for living expenses that include; utility bills, rent, mortgage, food, and gift cards. We also offer chemo tote bags, gift boxes, and baskets, which include the essentials needed during chemotherapy. The holidays can be challenging for families impacted by cancer; so every year our team will adopt a family with children during the Christmas Holiday.

The Founder Neicy Johnson

In March of 2004, Neicy had been diagnosed with stage 3B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and it changed the trajectory of her life. It was stage 3B and although she had a higher rate of survival the Cancer had spread to her neck, underarms, chest, and lungs. She immediately opted for the option of chemotherapy. At the time of her diagnosis, her children were 13 and 5 years old. She had the help and support of family and friends, but she couldn’t help but think about women fighting the same battle without her support system. In September 2004, Neicy was declared cancer- free and completed her last chemo treatment in October 2004! In 2006 she revisited her vision of wanting to help women who were fighting the same battle that she defeated. She started participating in Cancer walks, donating to organizations, and purchasing items where the proceeds are donated to people battling the disease. Deep down inside she knew that wasn’t enough and she began researching ways to help more. Stumbling across a breast cancer survivor calendar she was fascinated with the idea to allow women currently battling and survivors, to tell their stories and allow the world to see them beautifully. After much planning and research, in 2013 she produced her first Taking Our Lives Back calendar and have since created six calendars. The mission of the calendar is to allow women to enjoy a pamper day that includes makeup, a photoshoot, and an opportunity to share their cancer journey. The calendar encourages other women who are battling cancer to keep fighting and not give up on life despite the ongoing bouts with chemotherapy, hair loss, surgeries, radiation, tears, pain, and the emotional impact.