Yasmeen Golden’s journey is remarkable, filled with adversity and resilience. In 2021, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Diffuse B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer in her mediastinum. This diagnosis came to light following a life-saving vehicle vs. pedestrian car accident.
Three months before being diagnosed, Yasmeen was hiking in Malibu. She vividly recalls the incident: “I was on a hike in Malibu Topanga Canyon, really high up in the mountains, in a remote area. The next thing I knew, a car came speeding through a tiny parking lot at 45 miles an hour and struck me. My head went through the windshield, I was knocked unconscious, and my body flipped over the car four times. I wasn’t supposed to survive such a high-impact collision.”
Miraculously, Yasmeen survived and displayed a remarkable presence of mind during the chaotic aftermath. “As the glass was sticking out of the back of my head, I knew I had to instruct the bystanders on how to perform CPR and fetch medical supplies from my car to help aid them in saving my life if the worst happened,” she recounts. The paramedics arrived, and Yasmeen was rushed to the hospital.
The hospital visit was to assess the level of severity of the injuries that had resulted from the accident, but what the full body MRI taken had revealed was far more than unexpected. Yasmeen had a softball-sized mass in her chest. For the next three months, she fought to find a diagnosis and was misdiagnosed by two different oncologists before finally getting a correct diagnosis.
Yasmeen had also informed us that she had a rare genetic disorder and a dietary issue called PKU, a condition where her body cannot process complex amino acids (protein) and in untreated cases, this could lead to a buildup of amino acids in her bloodstream turning into irreversible issues as serious as brain damage which is why she pursued an education in nutrition at the University of Hawaii.
Before her cancer diagnosis, Yasmeen had been pursuing a second career in nursing. She returned to California from Hawaii in 2019 to undertake an accelerated nursing program. However, her plans took a detour as she found herself on the other side of healthcare. During this time, she discovered the invaluable nature of her medical background. She advocated for her health, using her knowledge to pursue the right questions regarding her care and ensure the best possible options.
Yasmeen’s unique perspective, as a healthcare worker and a patient, allowed her to challenge medical decisions that didn’t align with her insights. “There were times when I had to assertively intervene and redirect medical decisions being made on my behalf based on my knowledge and experiences,” she recalls. These interventions, she believes, saved her life on multiple occasions.
Throughout her cancer journey, Yasmeen also learned the power of faith. Although she couldn’t physically attend support groups due to COVID-19 restrictions, her faith became a pillar of strength, guiding her through her darkest moments of treatment and giving her hope for a light at the end of the tunnel she couldn’t see yet.
After a long journey of chemotherapy and radiation, Yasmeen was deemed in remission in April of 2022. She recognized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and doing her best not to dwell on negativity. She emphasizes the significance of staying hydrated, which she believes can alleviate many issues. She consumes a gallon of water daily and attests to its positive impact on her well-being.
Mental health became a priority for Yasmeen as the journey to recovery started, leading her to turn to writing as an outlet as well as inner work like meditation. She stated that from these traumatic experiences, she is grateful for what she has learned about herself and life at such a young age.
Today, Yasmeen Golden has reverted to new beginnings as she rebuilds her life from ground zero—a thriving coaching and advocacy business. She works with clients in nutrition, health coaching, and advocacy for those dealing with complex health issues. Her mission is to empower and teach individuals to advocate for their health needs and reach goals effectively. She is also planning workshops for cancer survivors and individuals with metabolic issues, aiming to give back to the community that is so highly underserved. In addition, she has a new podcast in the works, which will continue to build this message called “The Audacity Hour.”
Yasmeen’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of knowledge, and the resilience to overcome life’s most fearful obstacles, from a traumatic accident and a cancer diagnosis to a flourishing business. Yasmeen Golden is an inspiration to us all, demonstrating that even when it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, one can find purpose, the strength to keep going, and the ability to positively impact others’ lives.
Website: https://www.yasmeengolden.com
Follow her on Instagram: @yazgolden and @wellnessbyyg
