In the realm of extraordinary life stories, Yasmeen Golden’s journey stands as remarkable and nothing short of a miracle. In the year 2021, her life took an unexpected and transformative turn when she was diagnosed with Diffuse B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (DBC NHL) blood cancer in her chest. What makes her story especially remarkable is that this diagnosis was an inadvertent consequence of a horrific vehicle vs. pedestrian accident at 45 mph that should have been the end of her story.
The dramatic turning point occurred during a serene hike in the breathtaking landscapes of Malibu and Topanga Canyon. High atop a mountain in a remote location, Yasmeen embarked on an adventure that would forever alter her life’s trajectory. “I was walking to my car in a small 4 car parking lot,” she recounts, “when out of nowhere, a car jumped off the main road and spead through the lot at 45 miles per hour, and hit me head-on. My head went through the windshield and my body flipped over the car four times before hitting the ground. The bystanders at the scene believed I was deceased on impact.”
Inexplicably, Yasmeen not only survived the devastating collision but exhibited extraordinary resilience amidst the chaos that followed. “I had shards of glass sticking out of the back of my head,” she recalls, “but knew this was not going to be the way I was going to let myself die, and I started directing the bystanders in how to save my life and instructing them to retrieve medical supplies from my car, just in case I lost consciousness or stopped breathing.” Yasmeen was then transported to the hospital to assess the injuries sustained in the accident but did not know she would be faced with shocking life-altering news– an MRI done at the hospital to assess head trauma revealed a softball-sized mass in her chest.
After being discharged from the hospital, she was left to seek out answers on her own, followed by oncologist visits at the ripe age of 22 years old. He was misdiagnosed by two different oncologists and underwent two inconclusive biopsies until three months later finally got a diagnosis. The diagnosis ended up being the word everyone fears hearing in their life…cancer. Yasmeen’s journey with cancer led her to consider any and all things that could have been the cause. What first came to mind was her rare genetic disorder and dietary issue – PKU, a condition that hinders her body’s ability to process protein, causing its accumulation in her bloodstream that could lead to extreme side effects such as brain damage. Though many causes were considered and none ever confirmed, Yasmeen acknowledges that cancer is an intricate diagnosis with multifaceted origins that seldom succumb to a single explanation.
Before her diagnosis, Yasmeen was charting a path in nursing. In 2019, she returned home from the University of Hawaii back to her home state of California with two years of experience working in clinical nursing, ready to undertake an accelerated nursing program. Little did she know that her life’s course would take an unforeseen twist. Her experience working in the hospital yielded invaluable clinical experience, only to be confronted with COVID-19, which made things more complicated for everyone working in the healthcare space. However, she did not anticipate that her background in nursing would soon be an invaluable asset that would aid in saving her life.
Yasmeen’s dual role as both healthcare worker and patient empowered her with the knowledge and experience to intervene decisively in her treatment plans. She challenged medical decisions for her treatment many times, ensuring her care aligned with her understanding and feelings for her body. Reflecting on this experience, she shares, “There were instances where I had to assertively challenge the decisions of my medical team based on my own knowledge and experiences. That is never a comfortable conversation, but these interventions and changes in treatment plans inherently saved my life and led me to recovery.”
Amid the tumultuous battle with cancer, Yasmeen discovered the profound impact of community and faith. While COVID-19 restrictions prevented her from physically attending support groups or meeting those around her in a hospital setting, she later connected with fellow survivors and found comfort in that support. Her faith emerged as an unwavering source of strength, guiding her through the darkest moments and instilling in her the belief that her journey possessed a higher purpose.
Emerging from the recovery of her diagnosis of DBC HNL, Yasmeen is undergoing a profound transformation. She imbibed the lessons of maintaining a positive outlook and reframing negativity. Yasmeen also recognized the significance of staying well-hydrated, personally consuming over a gallon of water daily, which she believes profoundly impacts overall well-being.
Mental health assumed a main role in Yasmeen’s life soon after her journey with treatment had finished. She engaged in “journal speak” writing, inner work, EMDR and talk therapy to help her move forward. These practices helped her embrace her traumatic experiences as newfound wisdom. Although harsh and unwavering, she remained grateful for the insights they bestowed upon her at such an early age.
Today, Yasmeen Golden embarks on a new chapter – a growing business owner. She works with clients in nutrition consulting, health coaching, and 1 to 1 advocacy coaching. Specializing in individuals with complex health issues. Her new podcast called “The Audacity Hour” will highlight her story in more detail and be a channel devoted to championing voices from all walks of life and creating a safe space for raw authenticity. Yasmeen is also planning workshops for cancer survivors and individuals with metabolic issues, aiming to give back to the community and create an easier space for those who are already struggling.
Yasmeen’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the unconquerable strength of the human spirit, the potency of knowledge, and the capacity to transmute adversity into a wellspring of empowerment. From a catastrophic accident and a cancer diagnosis to CEO and owner of a wellness coaching business, Yasmeen Golden is the embodiment of resilience and capability. She exemplifies that in the face of life’s most formidable trials, one can uncover purpose, resilience, and the power to effect profound change in the lives of others.
Website – https://www.yasmeengolden.com
Follow her on Instagram: @yazgolden and @wellnessbyyg
