HOUSTON — As Houstonians prepare to make the transition from summer to fall, families and individuals across the city and the nation often experience a variety of emotions and changes when returning to school and work. Depending on where you are in life, these events can seem major (from buying school supplies, to moving into the dorms, and getting back to work emails and phone calls) — or perhaps, very small in comparison to the plight of a cancer diagnosis, and even death.
For Houston-area mother Atinuke “Tinuke” Solanke, while both she and her loving husband of over 13 years, Gbeke Solanke, are excited to send their two young children (ages 10 and 3) back to the classrooms this fall, there’s a noticeable void at this time of the year that can never be replaced. In fall of 2022, Tinuke and her family said goodbye to their 7-year-old son and brother, Neil Solanke, who lost his long fought battle with cancer. In September 2020, Neil was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare form of pediatric cancer that affects small tissues in the body because of the growth of cancerous cells (small tissues often help connect other organs to various parts of the body).
In the weeks following Neil’s passing, Tinkue struggled to find her purpose for living. She felt the weight of her child’s absence towering over every moment of her day, and taking dominance over her physical, mental and emotional state.
“I was angry, lost, frustrated, and defeated.” Tinuke said “I couldn’t get over the shock and despair of losing my child. I was completely hopeless. I just could not shake off my bitterness and anxiety. My greatest fear drove me into complete isolation.”
The series of events made it difficult for Tinuke to be fully present for the rest of her family. Eventually, Tinuke decided that in order to honor the memory of her son, she would have to find the courage to get back up again. She sought the support of professional therapists, spiritual mentorship and certified life coaches who helped her discover the tools to start living again.
Inspired and transformed by the experience of professional therapy, prayer and life coaching, Tinuke was personally moved to pay it forward. Before the end of 2023, Tinuke became a certified life coach and launched a life coaching organization (NEIL Coaching) named in honor of her beloved son, and stands for “Navigate, Empower, Inspire, Liberate.” She would go on to also host the very first edition of the “Trauma to Triumph” Conference virtually with over 200 participants. Presently, Tinuke utilizes her platform to support both families and individuals facing and overcoming all levels of life’s challenges daily. She is certified in the areas of trauma informed care, emotional intelligence, and emotional healing.
This year, the conference will host their first-ever live experience that will accommodate both in person and virtual participation. NEIL Coaching has invited a series of professional presenters in the fields of mental health, wellness, spirituality and empowerment to equip attendees with valuable knowledge, exercises, goal setting strategies and healing approaches. Confirmed speakers and presenters include notable empower coach and speaker Jimi Tewe, femininity coach Ele Gold, licensed professional counselor Valerie Olvera, fitness coach Ololabi Odunewu, and professional speaker and educator Wilson Lota.
For Tinuke, the journey to the upcoming conference is a full circle experience that has turned her tears into a mission to help other individuals and families overcome the misfortunes that life sometimes presents to everyone. “Through it all, I learned that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to rise, once we are able to process the right way.”
The event will take place at LuxeSpace (2575 South Dairy Ashford) in west Houston on Saturday, Sept. 14. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the conference will begin promptly at 11 a.m. A link for the online live stream will be sent to all virtual registrants.
All participants are encouraged to register in advance. To learn more about NEIL Coaching and the 2024 Trauma to Triumph Conference, please visit the official website online at www.neilcoaching.com and follow on Instagram (@NeilCoaching and @Tinuke2.0).
By: Atinuke “Tinuke” Solanke
