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Stories of Inspiration

Stories of the fighters, believers, and survivors who've inspired us with their determination and hopeful spirit.

  • Sandra Overton

    Sandra Overton: Fighting Fear, Finding Positivity

    Sandra Overton learned the power of a positive mindset in her fight against lung cancer. Her personal mantra, “I won’t let cancer get me down,” helped Sandra navigate treatments and recovery.

    “I can’t say it enough, having a good outlook and a positive attitude makes all the difference.” (Sandra Overton pictured, fourth from left, with her co-workers)

    Sandra Overton
    Lung Cancer
  • Debra Campbell

    Debra Campbell: Nurse Gains New Insight into Caregiving

    As a nurse and faculty member at El Centro College, breast cancer patient Debra Campbell dedicated her life to helping patients and caregivers learn and thrive. But, she found her role as a patient equally as educational as her time as a nurse.

    “It’s a cliché, but there are no stupid questions. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you’re getting mammograms and screenings on time. It’s important not to be scared, just get it done.” (Also pictured Dr. Anand Shivnani.)

    Debra Campbell
    Breast Cancer
  • Earl Young

    Olympian Earl Young’s Journey Through Acute Myeloid Leukemia

    After a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in 2011, gold medalist Olympian Earl Young found that the greatest joy of his life was still ahead of him.

    “When people ask me why they should become a donor and if there’s any risk involved, all I can tell them is: ‘You risk never being able to save a life.’”

    Earl Young
    Acute Myeloid Leukemia AML
  • Deborah Hall

    Deborah Hall: Finding Support Among Colleagues

    Breast cancer patient Deborah Hall finds calm in coworkers who help her tackle the challenges of work and cancer.

    “Why am I worrying about work, while I’m fighting for my life?”

    Deborah Hall
    Breast Cancer
  • Brandy Villere

    Brandy Villere: A Mother’s Resilience

    At 33, Brandy Villere faced a breast cancer scare that nearly derailed her dreams of being a mother, until she started asking questions.

    “If I can get just one young woman to ask the right questions about her treatment and fertility options, my speaking out publicly will have been worth it.”

    Brandy Villere
    Breast Cancer
  • Christy MacDonald

    Christy MacDonald: An Advocate for Early Detection

    Christy MacDonald has seen multiple generations of her family experience cancer, and fought it ferociously when she encountered the disease herself.

    “Until you’ve gone through something like cancer, you don’t realize how precious life truly is.”

    Christy MacDonald
    Breast Cancer
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