NATCHEZ — One of Joyce Hargrave Wilson’s biggest challenges in life turned out to be a blessing, she said.

“At the end of the day, God saw fit to humble me enough to be able to reach back and help others,” Wilson said.

She gives God the glory for all of her life’s challenges, which have been many.

“Look where I’ve come from. I had a child at age 13 and was a high school dropout.”

While Wilson perhaps got a late start, she has struggled to overcome obstacles and at age 35, she began her first year in nursing school.

“That was when I was diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

Wilson noticed a lump and despite her young age, decided to have it checked out. It was cancer.

Nevertheless, Wilson persisted and completed nursing school while fighting her breast cancer battle. She considers her illness a blessing because it gave her knowledge of the cancer struggle and she has been able to help many others with their battles.

Today, Wilson owns two businesses and is a registered nurse who works at River Region Medical Center in Vicksburg.

For the 13th year, Wilson holds an event on Liberty Road at her businesses — Caring Angels Uniforms and Medical Supplies and God Sent Health Care Staffing — during which she celebrates cancer survivors and remembers those who are no longer here. This year’s event was Oct. 12.

“It is important because we are sharing awareness, and not only that, it is a give back from us to the community. We don’t take donations. We feed the public. We celebrate survivors. It started 13 years ago with breast cancer. Now we include all cancer survivors. Going forward, we will include all illnesses,” Wilson said.

A year ago, Wilson added breast forms and fitted bras for those who have had mastectomies to her line of medical supplies.

“Previously, you had to go to Jackson for mastectomy supplies — breast forms, bras, compression garments,” she said. “It’s a highly personal thing. If someone needs a bra and isn’t sure what they need or the size, they can make an appointment and come in and we will fit them privately.”

She said God continues to shower her with blessings.

“I am an R.N. and own my own businesses and provide jobs for people in our community to feed their families. We help staff local nursing homes in Natchez. Thirteen years ago, I have none of this,” she said.

Wilson also praised her husband, Timmy Wilson, and their six children, who she said have supported her in every way possible.

In addition to her businesses, Wilson is a medical surgical telemetry nurse at Merit Health River Region Hospital in Vicksburg.

“After working there for only six months, I won the Daisy Award. I came here just to keep my nursing license active. I have stayed because I love working for the supervisors here. When you feel you are making a difference, that’s such great motivation.”