More than a Survivor: One Nurse's Journey to OVERCOMING Breast Cancer

On April 16, 2015, a familiar phrase took on new meaning for one of UNC Health Wayne’s own: triple negative breast cancer. As a former oncology nurse, she understood exactly what those words meant—and the tough road that lay ahead.

“Knowing the clinical side didn’t make it easier,” she says. “It just made it more real.” Early into treatment, complications from chemotherapy led to a week-long hospitalization. Still, she pushed forward with a combination of prayer, faith, determination, and the unwavering love of her husband, family, and a strong network of breast cancer survivors.

In the midst of treatment, she found a way to bring light into each day—wigs. “I had fun with it,” she laughs. “Blonde, brunette, black—I matched them to my outfits. It helped me show up with confidence, even on the hardest days.”

Looking back, she credits cancer with reshaping her perspective. “It gave me gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the little joys—time with family, and the beauty in everyday life.”

Now, ten years after her diagnosis, she’s as committed as ever to raising awareness about the importance of early breast cancer screenings. “With early detection, survival rates are high. I share my story because I want others to know there’s hope.”

And when asked how she defines herself?

“I don’t call myself a survivor,” she says. “I’m a breast cancer overcomer.”