Meet Cryshaunda Rorie (Artistic Cancer Survivor)

Lavivian Renee: Good evening Minister Cryshaunda Rorie I pray that you got some rest from Minister Randa Hicks awesome conference this weekend!

What is the name of your ministry?

Mime 3 Ministry

Where were you born and raised?

High Point, NC

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in a single parent home and even though I lived in the projects, I always had a passion to dance. Even at a very early age, I enjoyed getting with other kids in the neighborhood and choreographing different routines.

Eventually, we became very competitive locally and as things progressed, I assumed a leadership role within the group.

What is your diagnosed illness?

I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October 2016, but I received my last chemotherapy treatment on February 16, 2017.

Would you mind elaborating some on the specifics of your illness? Technically, it was considered pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas produces digestive juices and hormones that regulate blood sugar. Fortunately, it was discovered in the early stages and my doctors believed it could be rectiied with only 4 chemo sessions. But as time went on, the cancer became more aggressive and began spreading to other parts of my body. Once this happened, I ended up having a total of 8 chemo sessions but I didnt need any radiation or major surgery.

When did you realize your artistic gift what God had called you to do? Honestly, it all began at a very young age. For us, dance was our way to deal with the negative situations in our lives. So as a leader, I took great pride in sharing my joy with others hopefully providing them with a more positive perspective on life.

Did your mime ministry help you deal with the effects of your illness? Even though I couldn't perform or practice with the same intensity, I still attended all of the practices and events and in doing so motivated me to work harder, come back stronger and be better than I was previously.

Did your ever feel like giving up and what motivated you to continue? Yes, there were many times I felt like giving up. Initially when I was diagnosed with cancer, it took some time to readjust my life and my mindset. Whenever negative thoughts would invade me, I would think of my 1 yr old daughter, Blair, or I would always receive a positive afirmation or words of encouragement from either other ministry members, friends, or loved ones.

Would you tell other mime artists how important it is to have regular physical checkups? It is very important, thats how I became aware about having cancer. I considered myself to be very healthy, but one normal trip to the doctor made my life abnormal very quickly. So now, I definitely stay on task and monitor everything I do in detail according to my doctors' orders. I realized in ministry, to do God's work effectively, you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and going to the doctor regularly helps facilitate your overall well being.

What was the greatest trial you endured that you later implemented in your choreography to help minister to others? Just months before I was diagnosed with cancer, my daughter, at just a month old, was having difilcuties breathing and eating because her trachea was too small and didn't function properly. So our ministry team came up with the idea to create a piece to Tasha Cobbs' "Put A Praise On It" and they chose me to do a solo part containing a sermon. As I'm performing this part, it speaks to God's ability and ministers on the power of faith. Ironically, my family's faith was tested as my daughter was scheduled to have major surgery. But when the doctor did a final pre-op check, she was completely healed. We rejoiced in praise because we knew through faithfulness God answered our prayers.

Why do you think society and even some people in the church have a negative perception of mime ministry? Honestly, I believe dance and mime ministry falter because many don't understand the complexity of it and won't allow their minds to embrace something different. There are too many traditionalists in this world that dont have the patience or desire to evolve when it comes to praising God or ministering to people.

If you could give advice to younger aspiring mimes about the industry, what would you want them to know about?

I would say if you're involved in a team or group ministry, your group should function as one entity with a unified purpose. Everything you do from prayer to practicing routines should be to edify the Kingdom of God. Because if everyone isnt spiritually connected, it allows the enemy to permeate your foundation and then your ministry will gradually collapse.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self? I would advise myself to not be such a "yes" person. I realized that my compliance compromised my overall well being and when I became ill, the ones I constantly did for didnt reciprocate my level of dedication and God had to show me I needed to operate differently with people.

Do you have a favorite personal quote that you either heard or made yourself? No, I don't have a favorite quote, but my favorite bible verse is, " I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."

What do you hope to accomplish by the time you retire from mime ministry? I would love to leave a legacy that inspires the next generation to continue the ministry. We currently have a group of younger dancers called Mini Mime 3. Hopefully, they will embrace their gifts and have the desire to ascend to a higher level than us.

What would you tell a mime artist that is currently experiencing suffering from an illness like cancer or has a child thats ill?

You have to remain prayerful and faithful. You need to surround yourself with positive people that generate positive energy. Regardless of whats going on, you must remain steadfast and dont let anything deter you from your purpose and all the great things God has specifically for you.