New Jersey by way of Trinidad & Tobago
Surviving Cancer:
As a first generation college graduate and immigrant, Mila was intent on breaking the cycle of poverty in her family, but never planned for a cancer diagnosis throwing a huge wrench in her plans. With no prior symptoms, no breast cancer history in her family, and not having the BRCA gene mutation herself, Mila was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with lymph node involvement at a relatively young age. Losing her closest Aunt to pancreatic cancer 5 months earlier, and having a toddler at the time, didn’t make it any easier.
Luckily, through doing her own breast self-exam, she found a lump and vocalized her concern to her doctors. Mila credits these actions to giving her a fighting chance, finding the lump early enough and bravely advocating for herself. In the fight for her life, she he underwent intravenous chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, pill chemo, opted for reconstruction, and is now under hormone therapy treatment.
The battle was long and hard, and many do not understand that surviving comes with its own challenges and quality of life issues, which is rarely ever talked about and doctors don’t prepare you for the mental, emotional and physical scars and trauma. But Mila is grateful to be given another chance at life and continues to fight.
Music:
Part of this fight includes Mila’s use of music as a coping mechanism. She has always managed to find solace through her profound love of music, which led to using music as therapy during her cancer battle. Mila then turned her pain and passion for music into charity. While going through chemo, she held a fundraising concert, with all funds raised being donated to breast cancer awareness and accessibility programs for women of color and immigrants. The true embodiment of a patient advocate, continuing on her path to merge music and service to others.
The heart of Mila's music lies in its transformative power. In 2016, driven by the profound experience of becoming a mother, she found newfound purpose in her artistry. However, it was the subsequent diagnosis of breast cancer in 2019 that transformed her music into a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to channel pain into power, passion, and purpose. Now, in 2024, Mila is poised to unveil her debut single—a poignant soundtrack of hope in the midst of adversity, and living each day intentionally. Her music, characterized by down-to-earth lyrics and a genuine connection to her audience, becomes not just a melody but a companion through life's highs and lows.
Mila’s music resonates with the shared human experience, offering solace, bravery, and self-love. In her own words, "Music is my therapy," and as you immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Mila Knight, you'll find that her music is not just heard; it's felt—a testament to the healing power of authentic storytelling.
Life:
In her own words “I’m more than cancer” but cancer sure did make me realize how fleeting life is and you need to follow your dreams and live with purpose. Mila deferred her dream of music to fit the traditional career mold to be the shining success story and support for her family. A second chance at life reignited that desire within her to pursue her music dream and she’s now on a serious path singing and songwriting, which brings her such joy.
Mila enjoys being of service to others as evidenced by her breast cancer fundraising concerts, using music to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, assistance, and accessibility programs for women of color and immigrants. She also loves mentoring and educating girls to give them a leg up, a way out, a fighting chance to break negative generational cycles.
She loves spending time with her family and tells her daughter how much she loves her every day. Mila enjoys a good belly laugh and is focused now more than ever on prioritizing joy, living each day intentionally and pursuing her dreams.
Follow:
IG: @milaknightsings
www.milaknight.com
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