Faith, Fear, and Fighting the Monster: Mykee’s Story of Strength

Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of early detection, community support, and the extraordinary strength of those who face this disease head-on. Across our towns and communities are women whose courage and faith inspire everyone they meet — women like Mykee Golberg. We have had the privilege of getting to know Mykee since she and Kellie Ritter opened up Junqué in Downtown Walterboro a few months ago.

Mykee is more than a survivor. She’s a mother, a grandmother, a creator, and a believer that God can turn even life’s hardest moments into something beautiful. Her story is one of faith, perseverance, and love — and it reminds us all that hope can shine even in the darkest places.

“My life has not always been easy,” Mykee shared. “Sometimes by my choice, sometimes not. But all my life, one thing has stayed the same — I totally believe in the goodness of God.”

The Day Everything Changed

Mykee’s journey began in an unexpected way. After breaking her ribs, she discovered small knots in her left breast. Her first tests came back as “nothing to worry about.” But as months passed, the swelling grew, and so did her exhaustion.

When she finally saw a specialist in Augusta, Georgia, her world stopped.

“He told me it was breast cancer — the nastiest, most aggressive kind,” she recalled. “I was at work when he called. I had a complete and total emotional breakdown. I was petrified. In that moment, I knew what it meant to be really terrified.”

The Hardest Part

Chemotherapy was grueling, but for Mykee, the hardest part wasn’t physical.

“It was the fear of never being able to accomplish my dreams or do good things for God,” she said. “But the absolute hardest part was seeing the fear in the faces of the people I love when I told them. There’s a horrible loneliness that lives in your heart that people can’t see — even when they try.”

Faith, Friendship, and Community

Through it all, Mykee leaned on her unshakable faith — and on the people God placed in her path.

“God has gotten me through, just like everything in my life,” she said. “My amazing daughter Ashley, and my strong, beautiful friend Lori Duncan, who never left me — not even for a minute. And the biggest surprise of all — God gave me a whole community of people I didn’t even really know who showed me love and support.”

A New Outlook on Life

Today, Mykee sees the world through a new lens — one shaped by gratitude and grace.

“Every minute is amazing. Life is not promised,” she reflected. “All the pieces — good and bad — can still create the most beautiful quilt that is your life.”

What She Wishes People Knew

When asked what she wants others to understand about breast cancer, Mykee didn’t hesitate.

“It’s a monster,” she said. “Sometimes it will never go away. You think you’ve scared the monster off, and then it comes back for the win. It’s created by the food we eat, the phones in our hands — and there needs to be more help and research for women going through this. The monster has taken too many beautiful women from us.”

Her Message to Others

Even as Mykee faces the monster once again, her message to others radiates hope, faith, and joy:

“It is ok to be afraid — because afraid means you are still alive. I myself am fighting this monster one more time, but fear can become a strength. Do not lose hope. Love every day of your life, good or bad. Have faith in God and be thankful for the life you have. Live your best life, and always take the time to love yourself on hard days.

Be willing to help people and show love everywhere you go. Laugh till you pee your pants. Scream when you need to. And do the one thing the monster can’t take from you — live every minute to the fullest.

I hope that my story, even when I’m gone, will help some woman who is afraid — so she will know that she is not alone.”

A Final Thought

Mykee’s story reminds us that breast cancer is more than a diagnosis — it’s a fight of faith, fear, and fierce love. It’s a reminder to check yourself, trust your instincts, and never ignore what your body is telling you.

And above all, it’s a reminder — every day is a gift.

From the Colleton County Chamber of Commerce

The Colleton County Chamber of Commerce honors and celebrates survivors like Mykee, whose courage and faith inspire our entire community. Her story reminds us that strength can be found in connection — in the friends who stand beside us, the communities that lift us up, and the shared hope that one day we’ll live in a world free from this disease.

This October, and every month, we encourage everyone to schedule their screenings, support local awareness events, and reach out to those who may be walking this journey. Together, we can make a difference — one story, one act of love, and one life at a time.