Is it possible that developing breast in Northeast Florida could bestow super powers? Three high profile women in our area from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra have revealed their diagnosis, two just last week, and will inspire us all. This is a perfect topic as we celebrate Women’s History Month.
Donna Deegan is Mayor of Jacksonville. I met Donna when I first arrived here 18 years ago. She developed metastatic breast cancer and is a three time survivor. She started the nation’s first breast cancer marathon “The Donna” which draws many thousands every February. It raises funds with researchers at Mayo clinic here. Donna was a news anchor, but her new title is Mayor of the largest land city in the US. The beach run lifts everyone, family, friends and patients from across the US. The joy and exuberance is infectious.
Last week another famous news anchor and Health watch reporter with twelve Emmys, a Peabody and two Edward R. Murrow Awards, Jeannie Blaylock revealed her own diagnosis. Jeannie started “Buddy Check” over 30 years ago to increase awareness for women to do self exams. We raised money for screening at our cancer center over the years. She started the program when a friend was diagnosed in her 20’s. Still going strong decades later, Jeannie will tackle her own diagnosis head on and with tremendous grace.
Susie Wiles, from Ponte Vedra, and now one of the most powerful women in the US as Chief of Staff, revealed her diagnosis last week, reminding us that no one is immune as one in eight women will face this demon and can do it with determination and grit.
All shapes, sizes, ages, genetics, careers and responsibilities. Women don’t allow these perky appendages to hinder them. Instead they are fierce in the face of drama as if they strap into those comical conical breast plates from sci fi movies. They put hands on hips like wonder woman and inspire. The thousands of women I have cared for (I prefer to “treated”) bear witness to the strength and power of adversity. As if to say, ” Breast Cancer?, oh please, I’ve got this!…… “.
Think even the nasty forms can intimidate us? Triple negative breast cancer is taking center stage recently due to many new therapies, battling the most aggressive form. BRCA positive patients ( 15%) may respond to PARP inhibitors, Keytruda (immunotherapy) helps us to increase immune system instead of just killing the cancers. Antibody drug conjugates deliver therapy right to the tumor.* All new in the past decade…. Donna was right its all about the research.
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to lead the charge. You will inspire, guide, grow, aid and comfort many women in your own family and circle by your courage if you are confronted with this insulting disease. You are not alone. In 2025 there were 4.3 million breast cancer survivors- and what a fiesty bunch they are! Didn’t this disease get the memo? Don’t mess with a woman! Good news is, 5 years survival for early stage is 95-99%, 86% for regional spread ( nodes), 77% for triple negative, but 30% for distant spread. (source Moffitt).
You or someone you know will, has or is in the process of the tackle. There is super power in numbers. There is a massive collective voice for improvements. There is resilience and recovery. There is joy and comfort knowing that a band of sisters (and a few good men each year) will be undeterred in their life missions. Go Girls! Make more History!
- Find more at BCRF.org