FISHERSVILLE, Va. (WHSV) – Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers faced by Americans. Augusta Health works to both treat the disease and help cancer survivors feel safe in their post-treatment recovery.

Breast cancer stories are possible because women survive the disease. Survivors of the disease said that every step they take in their recovery is a step for every woman around the world. From women who may never receive a cancer diagnosis to those who die from the disease, survivors said hearing the stories of people who have experienced breast cancer instills hope among women.

“It’s kind of a shock at first to find out where you are at the beginning of your journey,” said Marlys Allison, a breast cancer survivor. “Many of the same people who help you get through it have been through it themselves.”

Allison and other survivors said that no matter how tough one is, breast cancer treatments are not something to do alone. They said the support they had – whether through the hospital or in their personal lives – made their survival possible.

“It’s hard at first to get this help, but you need it. If the support is there, please take advantage of it,” said Kendra Lewis, a breast cancer survivor. “The staff, the nurses, everything. Everyone is there for you – you’re supported all the way and that’s important.”

Lewis said women should keep fighting no matter what the battle. She had a band of supporters called “Kendra’s Army” who stood by her side during her breast cancer journey. Lewis said her experience was tough — especially at first — but the support of loved ones helped guide her through the darkness.

“Don’t sit in it. You don’t live in it. You have that difficult moment and then you say, “We’re still going to get through this.” Without the positivity, without that support, I think I could have had a very different outcome,” Lewis said. “I’m very, very grateful to have had all of this.”

Michelle Woods, another breast cancer survivor who received treatment at Augusta Health, said she felt lost during treatment. However, she found something to stabilize her through treatment. She described her family as her “rock” throughout the journey.

“Through this process, everything is new to you. There are so many things to consider. There are so many things that you don’t realize are behind the scenes (that) people don’t really talk about,” Woods said. “The support system from the hospital, my wonderful husband, my children, my family and my community is what kept me going. At the end of the day, it’s not something we can change. We just have to live with it.”

Lewis works as a radiologist assisting specialist at Augusta Health. In 2023, she was featured in WHSV’s breast cancer stories after he had just conquered the disease. She said it can be hard to accept help, but don’t be afraid to get it when you need it.

“If someone wants to bring you dinner, if someone wants to bring you a gift card — whatever they offer you, don’t be shy, take it,” Lewis said. “Don’t be proud. Take that help, receive it, and embrace it. You’ll get over it one day.”

At Augusta Health, breast cancer patients are offered support options from day one. When they are first diagnosed, they are connected to a nurse navigator to help them understand their diagnosis and have a friendly smile every step of the way.

“Seeing someone who looks like they’re doing really well and knowing that they’ve been through what you’re going through, I think that’s such an important piece, and that’s why I think a support group is so important,” Donna Berdeaux, a said a nurse navigator at Augusta Health.

Augusta Health said transportation and money are some of the biggest barriers they see patients face. Through the hospital’s social service programs, they work to help each patient be connected to the appropriate treatment and resources they need to overcome any cancer diagnosis.

“We’ve made it possible for people who would otherwise have declined treatment to come forward and have treatment, which is a good thing,” said Leigh Anderson, a clinical social worker at Augusta Health.

About one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. For the 13 percent of women who develop breast cancer and receive treatment at Augusta Health, the hospital offers a boutique to help empower women through their recovery. The boutique is home to many wigs, earrings and head coverings selected by members of the peer support group.

Through the uncertainty of breast cancer and its treatment, survivors said the store helps women feel connected to themselves and the other women in their lives while undergoing treatment.

“Of course, there is no 100% guarantee that anyone anywhere can give you. It’s one day’s journey at a time,” Allison said.

Ultimately, every cancer success story is different and there is no one way to treat the disease. However, survivors said one should never lose hope if diagnosed. They said the stories they heard from other survivors helped them get through and overcome the obstacles put in front of them. All hope that women in the United States will get the recommended screening to avoid any complications of the disease taking their lives too soon.

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