Connecticut State Lead Ambassador

Donna Rogers 

Surviving and Thriving After Cancer 

My cancer journey hasn’t been particularly dramatic or in the least difficult; hence my reluctance to share my story before now. However, through my advocacy work, I now feel that it is important to show the positive things that can happen when someone has access to preventative screenings and care that I had. I feel everyone deserves these same benefits.

I was fortunate that, even though I worked at a small company, our boss provided health insurance for employees. As a result, I was able to go for annual mammograms. In June, 2008, I reported for my mammogram as usual. The technician spotted something; and I was sent for an ultrasound. Sure enough, after she got a second opinion (because the spot was so small), I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I’ll never forget the first words my doctor said to me when she walked through the door—“you’re not going to die from this; this is not going to kill you.” I know that she could be confident in that because of how early my cancer had been detected. Unfortunately, many thousands of women still don’t have access to these life-saving screenings. That’s just not fair; and I am determined to do what I can to help change this.

One of our major asks of our lawmakers at ACS CAN is for the highest possible amount of funding for cancer research and prevention programs. While I have been long aware that I am here today because of early detection, I have recently realized how much I have benefited from the research that had been done up to the time of my diagnosis. Nuclear medicine was used to do a sentinel lymph node biopsy; I benefited from new options for reconstructive surgery which was now done at the time of the mastectomy; I benefited from the fact that we had learned that one chemotherapy treatment does not fit all patients; I was given a pill I could take before my chemo so I wouldn’t be nauseous afterwards; I was given Neulasta to build up the white blood count.

I was also fortunate that the hospital where I was treated was starting to realize the need to treat the whole patient, which is something that is endorsed by ACS CAN. I was able to participate in a gentle yoga class for a very reasonable fee; and many other classes and support groups were offered, including nutrition counselling.

Another thing ACS CAN endorses is clinical trials. My doctor enrolled me in one that would follow patients for 10 years and measure survival rate based on risk factors and whether or not they had received chemotherapy. This would help them to arrive at best practices for treatment in the years to come.

I can’t begin to say how grateful I am for my life today. Besides ACS CAN, I’m a deacon at my church and Missions Chair of another organization. I go to the gym regularly in addition to attending work parties and keeping up a house and sizeable yard with several gardens. I knit for charity and volunteer at a local soup kitchen. I am an avid reader; and I love to cook. I am thriving; and it’s because of early detection and all the research that has been done. The main reason I do what I do is because I believe everyone deserves the same benefits I have had. I am proof that an excellent quality of life is possible in spite of cancer.

We have worked really hard on tobacco control in our state; and that will be an ongoing fight. A victory this year was passing a biomarker testing bill for Medicaid. Going forward, we will work to pass this for private insurers.

On the federal level, we are very fortunate to have the support of our Connecticut lawmakers on our issues. I am really excited at all the bipartisan support for the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Act. I feel like this could be a game changer for thousands.

I am proud to be working with an organization that is so respected, and also with a great team of passionate volunteers. I also appreciate how hard ACSCAN staff works to prepare us for every activity they ask us to do. Even with over 700 volunteers at Leadership Summit & Lobby Day, I feel like we are one big family, passionate and united in a common cause.

Want to join me in the fight against cancer? Fill out this form to sign up to be an ACS CAN volunteer in Connecticut.