Why Me?
My Fight for life from heartbreak to hope
A Memoir
TESTIMONIAL
Meet the author
Black British Author
SHARON-ANN PHILLIPS
Fighter. Writer. Survivor.
Sharon-Ann Phillips is a South-East London–born author, mother, and grandmother whose life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and an unyielding will to survive.
She studied accountancy at Bromley College of Technology after attending John Stainer Primary School, Catford County Secondary School for Girls, and colleges in Southeast London and Croydon. Her professional journey led her to senior finance roles in the City and West End, including Accounts Manager and Business Office Manager.
In 2011, Sharon-Ann co-owned a successful Caribbean restaurant on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton. When the restaurant closed due to redevelopment, it marked not the end, but the beginning of a broader catering venture.
A Life Transformed
Her life changed dramatically following a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, later complicated by amyloidosis, a rare heart condition. Sharon-Ann was told she had just six months to live. She went from being an active, working mother to someone who couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs. Yet she refused to give in.
During chemotherapy in 2021, for breast cancer, her then-husband left her, compounding the physical and emotional toll. These experiences, alongside the loss of her sister, both parents, and the devoted father of her children, formed the emotional ground from which her writing grew.
Author of Why Me
While recovering at home, Sharon-Ann began writing. Her first memoir, “Why Me? My Fight for Life, From Heartbreak to Hope,” was published in 2019. It tells the raw, honest story of her journey through heartbreak, illness, and survival. The book has had a profound impact on readers for its honesty, strength, and spiritual depth.
Sharon-Ann is currently writing her second book, which will reflect on more recent chapters of her life, including her breast cancer diagnosis, divorce, and personal rediscovery.
Advocate and Speaker
Sharon-Ann contributes regularly to her hospital’s Cancer Connect newsletter and speaks to primary care nurses about the realities of misdiagnosis and long-term illness. She has actively contributed as a Patient Insights Panelist for Pfizer and GSK, providing valuable insights based on her personal experiences with complex care journeys. Recently, she was offered a valuable platform to share her story with GSK's CEO, Dame Emma Walmsley, and the staff. This opportunity fostered greater understanding and engagement within the organisation.
She has helped raise over £800,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as over £10,000 for ACLT.
She is also a proud member of numerous charities and continues to volunteer within her church community.
More Than a Survivor
Sharon-Ann’s journey is not just about survival and about using her story to give strength to others. Through her books, public speaking, and advocacy work, she brings a message of hope, honesty, and inspiration to anyone navigating loss, illness, or change.
“Why Me?”
Fighter. Writer. Survivor.
Sharon-Ann Phillips is a South-East London–born author, mother, and grandmother whose life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and an unyielding will to survive.
She studied accountancy at Bromley College of Technology after attending John Stainer Primary School, Catford County Secondary School for Girls, and colleges in Southeast London and Croydon. Her professional journey led her to senior finance roles in the City and West End, including Accounts Manager and Business Office Manager.
In 2011, Sharon-Ann co-owned a successful Caribbean restaurant on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton. When the restaurant closed due to redevelopment, it marked not the end, but the beginning of a broader catering venture.
A Life Transformed
Her life changed dramatically following a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, later complicated by amyloidosis, a rare heart condition. Sharon-Ann was told she had just six months to live. She went from being an active, working mother to someone who couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs. Yet she refused to give in.
During chemotherapy in 2021, for breast cancer, her then-husband left her, compounding the physical and emotional toll. These experiences, alongside the loss of her sister, both parents, and the devoted father of her children, formed the emotional ground from which her writing grew.
Author of Why Me?
While recovering at home, Sharon-Ann began writing. Her first memoir, “Why Me? My Fight for Life, From Heartbreak to Hope,” was published in 2019. It tells the raw, honest story of her journey through heartbreak, illness, and survival. The book has had a profound impact on readers for its honesty, strength, and spiritual depth.
Sharon-Ann is currently writing her second book, which will reflect on more recent chapters of her life, including her breast cancer diagnosis, divorce, and personal rediscovery.
Advocate and Speaker
Sharon-Ann contributes regularly to her hospital’s Cancer Connect newsletter and speaks to primary care nurses about the realities of misdiagnosis and long-term illness. She has actively contributed as a Patient Insights Panelist for Pfizer and GSK, providing valuable insights based on her personal experiences with complex care journeys. Recently, she was offered a valuable platform to share her story with GSK's CEO, Dame Emma Walmsley, and the staff. This opportunity fostered greater understanding and engagement within the organisation.
She has helped raise over £800,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as over £10,000 for ACLT.
She is also a proud member of numerous charities and continues to volunteer within her church community.
More Than a Survivor
Sharon-Ann’s journey is not just about survival and about using her story to give strength to others. Through her books, public speaking, and advocacy work, she brings a message of hope, honesty, and inspiration to anyone navigating loss, illness, or change.
was published in 2019 and has made an enormous impact on the reader, hence the great reviews.
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News/help & support
Where can I find help?
Being told you have cancer, can often take you to a very dark place. Please do not suffer in silence. You are not alone.
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press
MacMillan Cancer’s PRESS RELEASE and Christmas campaign
Featured in the Croydon Advertiser – 3 January 2020
In December 2015, Sharon Gayle was discharged from hospital so she could spend "one last Christmas" with her family.
The mum-of-three, from South Croydon, had been diagnosed with myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, and amyloidosis, a rare and serious condition which can lead to organ failure. Mrs Gayle was told she had just months to live - she didn't expect to live past 2016. But the brave mum has defied the odds and is now looking forward to spending yet another Christmas with her family.
"It took over a year of going back and forth to my GP’s and to my local hospital before my cancer was finally diagnosed," said Mrs Gayle. "But in November 2015 it was confirmed I had myeloma as well as a heart condition caused by amyloidosis...............
....................Mrs Gayle believes her experiences can potentially inspire those who continue to battle cancer, so much so that she has written a book.
"I want to share my experience," she explained.
"The struggles to get diagnosed and the importance of treating people as individuals – one glove does not fit all. We’re all different. Patients need to be looked at as unique.
"Many people with myeloma don’t get the chance to voice their experiences, as they don’t survive, so that’s why I wrote a book, ‘Why Me?’, as I am so passionate about sharing my experiences and my story.
"My book is about the other side of cancer… the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Every 15 minutes someone in London is diagnosed with cancer. Macmillan relies almost entirely on public donations to funds its vital cancer services. To help us this Christmas, donate today at macmillan.org.uk/christmas2019.
‘Why Me?’ is available to buy from www.sagayle.com
