Ashley Dedmon grew up in a household where discussions about health were a regular occurrence. Her parents emphasized the importance of knowing their family medical history, which gave Dedmon the confidence to advocate for herself in medical settings where Black individuals may have historically had their pain underestimated. This upbringing led Dedmon to undergo genetic testing at the age of 21, where she tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, increasing her risk for breast, ovarian, and other types of cancers. This set Dedmon on a lifelong health journey, where she now stresses the importance of monitoring their bodies to her daughters and empowering them to advocate for themselves in medical settings.
In 2003, Dedmon’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, the same disease that had affected Dedmon’s grandmother and great-great grandmother. Dedmon’s mother underwent treatment but sadly passed away in 2007. Shortly after, Dedmon’s father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, prompting Dedmon to take proactive steps in managing her own health. She credits her role as a caregiver for her parents and participating in their medical appointments for instilling in her the importance of self-advocacy and monitoring her health.
Dedmon’s experiences with her family’s health history led her to write a book titled “The Big Family Trip: Helping Families To Share Their Family Health History.” The book encourages open discussions about family health history and empowers families to make informed decisions about their health. By sharing this information with healthcare providers, individuals can identify lifestyle changes, treatment options, and reduce their risk of disease. Dedmon’s goal is to normalize conversations about health within families so that children can advocate for themselves as they grow older.
Dedmon chose to feature a Black family in her book to address healthcare disparities that disproportionately impact Black individuals and limit their access to high-quality care. She highlights the systemic racism, social determinants of health, and medical drivers that contribute to these disparities. Despite the challenges Black individuals face in accessing equitable care, Dedmon believes that conversations about family medical history are essential for empowering and engaging the community in their health.
Carolyn Roberts, a medical historian and professor, explains that Black individuals may be hesitant to discuss family medical history due to past experiences of mistreatment, shame, discomfort, and pain in the healthcare system. However, she emphasizes the importance of these conversations and notes that they are becoming more common. Roberts encourages individuals who have difficulty accessing family medical history to utilize resources like community centers and libraries, which offer information about Black medical history. Even if one does not have a traditional family unit, community support can be valuable in understanding and advocating for one’s health.
Overall, Ashley Dedmon’s story highlights the significance of knowing and sharing one’s family health history to make informed decisions about their health. By encouraging open conversations and advocating for oneself in medical settings, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health and reduce their risk of disease. Dedmon’s book serves as a resource for families to start these discussions early on and empower future generations to prioritize their health.
