The sound of a beautiful voice has the power to stir up emotions and uplift those who are listening. This is the kind of response, Jewel, the 37-year-old singer/songwriter hopes to receive from fellow women. The musician, mother, and breast cancer awareness advocate wants all women to take charge of their health.
From her soulful and profound songs to a heartwarming discussion about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Jewel spoke intimately about an all too familiar topic that has been plaguing women across the world at an alarming rate. Although Jewel does not have breast cancer, two of her close friends have had an upward battle with the disease, leading Jewel to turn up the volume about the topic of women’s health rights in general. Having been initiated into the new life of motherhood less than 2 months ago, Jewel discusses, in her own words, her thoughts and feelings about these topics in a recent interview with Parent & Child Magazine.
Parent & Child: Tell us about your two friends’ battles with breast cancer. What did you learn from those experiences? – Jewel: I saw both outcomes — one is a survivor and the other passed away. My friend who passed away was in her 50s and I had known her before I got into the music business. My other friend was diagnosed in 2001 when she was in her 30s and fought it for a year. She is still cancer free. Both women found it difficult to get information. One was living in a small town and I tried to help her research the options offered beyond what the local doctor could provide. I learned that you have to be your own health advocate and be tenacious to find the help you need.
P&C: Did those experiences fuel your drive to support women’s health? – Jewel: It made me aware of many women’s issues that don’t get talked about. For instance, I didn’t think about the ramifications involved in not allowing women to stay overnight in the hospital after a mastectomy. I wasn’t aware that women were being sent home right away. I thought that decision was up to the doctor.
P&C: Congratulations, by the way, to you and Ty on your newest little family member. – Jewel: Thanks. I love life as a new mom. I’ve got something new to learn every day. It’s funny, even though you carry your baby all those months, you’re still strangers when he arrives. I’m very sleep deprived, but my whole career prepared me well for life as a new mom.
P&C: Any big “aha!” moments? – Jewel: There’ve been a million. As simple as it is, the fact that I can comfort Kase was a big one.
