‘Using My Platform Is Not Only an Opportunity, But Also a Responsibility’

By Chef Elle Simone Scott–

(Editor’s Note: In 2016, as a rising celebrity chef, Chef Elle Simone Scott was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has a recurrent form of the disease, but an immunotherapy clinical trial has slowed her cancer’s progression and she continues to work. Her new book, Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents, will be published on April 16. The San Francisco Bay Times thanks her for this piece, written as she received a treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston when she had to be seated for a while.)

There’s nothing more devastating or disruptive than receiving a cancer diagnosis, and when you couple that with being a leader in your industry, it can shake you to your core. Your life takes a multitude of unexpected twists and unknown turns. It’s akin to driving with no real destination and no GPS to guide you. I can’t really pinpoint any one particular thing that has helped me along this journey because it’s been many little jewels of experiences along the way. 

It’s been making the conscious decision to find support in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition community, working with my care team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and advocating for myself, always. Finally, it’s been finding that I have so much support in the culinary industry and my team at America’s Test Kitchen. Watching my peers, like Dominique Crenn, thrive throughout their respective journeys. 

All in all, I’m constantly learning new things about myself, listening to my body and coming to new understandings about my needs and listening to that. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought and that it’s okay to be vulnerable when I don’t feel as strong. I’m learning how to be a better advocate for myself and for those around me and that using my platform is not only an opportunity but also a responsibility. 

Elle Simone Scott is a chef, culinary producer, test cook, and food stylist. Featured on the PBS television series “America’s Test Kitchen” and “Cook’s Country,” she is the Founder and President of SheChef, Inc., an organization for women chefs of color. https://www.shechef.info/

Coming Out for Women’s Health
Published on March 21, 2024