Ep. 145 - Stage 4 Cancer Tried to Take Her - Motherhood Kept Her Here with Kecia

<p>In this deeply moving episode of Autism for Badass Moms, Rashidah welcomes Kecia Johnson, a 42-year-old mother, 5-year colorectal cancer survivor, autism advocate, and an eight-time author from Denver, Colorado. She shares a journey that is almost impossible to imagine. Kecia shares the unimaginable journey that began in early 2020 when severe rectal pain was repeatedly dismissed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—until an emergency biopsy revealed colorectal cancer.</p><p><br></p><p>What followed was months of chemotherapy, radiation, severe treatment complications, second-degree burns, isolation, and a fight to survive.</p><p><br></p><p>But surviving cancer was only the beginning.</p><p>Kecia opens up about the lasting effects of treatment, including radiation toxicity, nerve damage, brittle bones, early menopause, chronic pain, and mobility challenges. As she struggled to rebuild her own health, she also began recognizing developmental and sensory differences in her daughter, Journei. Kecia pursued evaluations that ultimately led to an autism diagnosis. </p><p><br></p><p>About Our Guest</p><p><br></p><p>Kecia Johnson is the creator of the Cancer Could NEVA healing movement. Her journey is rooted in resilience, faith, and transformation. She uses her voice to break stigmas around trauma, chronic illness, and neurodiversity; creating safe spaces where women can heal, be seen, and rise boldly in their truth.</p><p>Kecia also founded Kolourful MUVA to empower mothers of children with autism and special needs. Providing emotional support, resources, and income tools, she helps women move from survival to purpose. Through international speaking, podcasting, and community work, Kecia demonstrates how to rebuild and thrive with impact, even in the hardest seasons.</p><p>Kecia resides in Colorado with her family.</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Kecia:</p><p><br></p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamkeciaj</p><p><br></p><p>Facebook: iamkeciaj</p><p><br></p><p>Tik Tok: iamkeciaj</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode we discuss:</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Badass Moms Welcome</p><p>00:57 Global Community Thanks</p><p>01:57 Meet Keisha Johnson</p><p>05:49 Early Symptoms Dismissed</p><p>08:29 Cancer Diagnosis Shock</p><p>11:14 Chemo and Radiation </p><p>15:50 Isolation </p><p>20:48 Natural Remedies Turning Point</p><p>30:11 New Setbacks</p><p>35:24 Advocacy and Sensory Clues</p><p>40:06 Back To California</p><p>41:51 Autism Diagnosis </p><p>44:45 Moving to Colorado</p><p>45:58 Mom Support System</p><p>48:27 Cancer Recovery Reality</p><p>49:45 Advocacy Awakening</p><p>53:00 Judgment and Stigma</p><p>01:01:07 School Readiness Plan</p><p>01:02:38 Ignorance</p><p>01:06:39 Kolourful MUVA Mission</p><p>01:08:59 Launching and Resources</p><p>01:13:54 Badass Advice</p><p><br></p><p>If this episode resonated with you:</p><p><br></p><p>-Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast</p><p>-Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community</p><p>-Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstood</p><p><br></p><p>Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcast</p><p>Facebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast</p><p><br></p><p>Join us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.</p>