In the realm of inspiring tales of resilience and unwavering determination, Yasmeen Golden’s story stands out in the incredible capacity to overcome life’s most feared circumstances. Just a few years ago, in 2021, Yasmeen found herself confronted with a diagnosis that would forever alter the course of her life – Diffuse B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma blood cancer in her chest. What makes her journey even more unique is that this diagnosis was only found by chance due to a frightening vehicle vs. pedestrian car accident that was supposed to claim her life, as said by medical professionals.
One day, Yasmeen embarked on a hike in the picturesque landscapes of Malibu. Little did she know that this adventure was close to being the last one she would ever take. She recalls, “I was walking in a tiny three car space parking lot when suddenly, a car shot off of the main road and through the parking lot at 45 miles per hour, hitting me. My head went through the windshield, and my body flipped over the car four times. The bystanders thought I wouldn’t survive this high-impact collision until they saw my body on the floor start to move.”
Miraculously, Yasmeen was not only alive but during the chaotic aftermath, she was directing the bystanders on how to save her life as she was coming in and out of consciousness. “Glass shards were sticking out of the back of my head,” she recalls, “and I started instructing bystanders on how to perform CPR and directing them to retrieve medical supplies from my car in case the worst happened and I needed these strangers to save my life.” Yasmeen was promptly rushed to the hospital for the injuries sustained during the accident, but to her surprise, the doctor’s minimal injuries were sustained from the accident. A traumatic brain injury and fractures of the C5,6,7 and lacerations all over the body. The MRI done to access head trauma came to be the shocking revelation of the whole purpose of the accident. Upon the doctors beginning discharge paperwork, the doctor broke the news that there was a mass the size of a softball in her chest and compressing her heart and lungs; the doctors were astounded she didn’t feel it there and urged her to seek attention from an oncologist immediately. This marked the onset of Yasmeen’s journey to find a diagnosis while severely injured. Three oncologists, two inconclusive biopsies, and 3 months later, she had finally gotten a diagnosis.Â
Before her cancer diagnosis, Yasmeen was pursuing a career in nutrition, returning from college in Hawaii in 2019 to undertake an accelerated nursing program in California. However, she soon found herself on the receiving end of healthcare instead. This unique perspective as a healthcare worker and a patient proved valuable and life-saving throughout her health journey. She became a well-rounded advocate for her health, using her medical knowledge to question and redirect medical decisions made on her behalf when necessary.
Yasmeen’s dual role allowed her to bring together her medical team to change treatment plan interventions that she believes saved her life on many occasions. Reflecting on this experience, she says, “There were instances where I had to challenge medical decisions based on my understanding, experiences, and how I know my body. My speaking up in these interventions saved my life on many occasions.”
Yasmeen’s dual role allowed her to bring together her medical team to change treatment plan interventions that she believes saved her life on many occasions. Reflecting on this experience, she says, “There were instances where I had to challenge medical decisions based on my understanding, experiences, and how I know my body. My speaking up in these interventions saved my life on many occasions.”
Amid her battle with cancer, Yasmeen discovered the power of faith. While COVID-19 restrictions prevented her from physically attending support groups or meeting cancer patients while she was sick, her faith became her only source left to find the strength when she didn’t have it, guiding her through her darkest hours and instilling in her the belief that her journey had a higher purpose and a light at the end of the tunnel even if she wasn’t able to see it yet.
Yasmeen received the incredible news that she was in remission in April of 2021 from her battle with cancer. She recognized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and reframing negativity. Yasmeen emphasized the significance of staying well-hydrated, personally consuming over a gallon of water daily, and moving her body with cardio or yoga daily, which she believes has profoundly impacted her overall well-being.
As the fight was finally over, the battle with mental health came to the forefront for Yasmeen. Leading her to write, inner work, talk therapy and EMDR. These mechanisms of coping with the grief and loss have and continue to help her monumentally shift out of some dark places cancer had brought her to. She is now learning to come to an acceptance of all that has happened and embrace the lessons learned from her traumatic experiences; though harsh, she remains grateful for the wisdom gained at the young age of 23.
Today, Yasmeen Golden is on a journey of beautiful new beginnings – a CEO of “Wellness By YG,” a consulting and advocacy coaching business. She works with clients in nutrition, life coaching, and advocacy. Specializing in aiding individuals dealing with complex health issues. Her mission is to empower individuals to advocate independently for their health needs and goals. Yasmeen is soon hosting workshops for cancer survivors and individuals with metabolic issues, aiming to give back to the community of underserved individuals with complex medical issues. Yasmeen will soon release a new podcast called “The Audacity Hour,” where she’ll continue to bring a positive impact through her story and experiences.
Yasmeen’s story serves as a testament to the remarkable strength of the human spirit, the power of knowledge, and the capacity to turn life’s most fighting circumstances into a source of empowerment. From a traumatic vehicle vs pedestrian accident and a cancer battle to building a business dedicated to offering support to others, Yasmeen Golden is an inspiration. Proving that even in the face of everyone’s worst nightmare, one can find the will to live, strength, resilience, and the heart to want to make a profound impact in the lives of others.
Website: https://www.yasmeengolden.com
Follow her on Instagram: @yazgolden and @wellnessbyyg
