10/23/2025
Alyssa is a kindergarten teacher, wife, and foster mom, who loves karaoke nights, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones. Just after her 29th birthday, her life took an unexpected turn.
While reading in bed, Alyssa felt a lump. Doctors initially believed it was a benign tumor. However, a sonogram revealed two infected lymph nodes and a biopsy confirmed she has triple negative breast cancer, a fast-growing, aggressive form more common in younger women. Alyssa felt overwhelmed by emotions after her diagnosis –“fear, anger, distraught”– and first questioning, “Am I going to survive this?”
After finishing her school year, Alyssa began treatment at Covenant Health’s Joe Arrington Cancer Center under the care of Dr. Ibrahim Shalaby. She’s completed 14 of 16 rounds of chemotherapy and is preparing for surgery soon.
Alyssa is grateful for her care team at JACC who have supported her every step of the way. “Everyone from the valet, greeters, office workers, nurses, and doctors have been so kind and helpful.”
Through the hardest season of her life, she’s leaned on her faith, family, friends, and the support of her community. “The moments I remember most are the ones where such overwhelming support has been shown to me and my family.”
Still, the journey hasn’t been easy. “Losing my hair was something I never wanted but unfortunately unavoidable. It’s hard to look in the mirror and see sometimes because I no longer recognize who is staring back at me.”
“I used to joke about how I am the weakest person I know. Man did cancer change that.” One quote that’s stuck with her: “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” — Bob Marley
Alyssa’s message to other women is: “Check yourself. Self-discovery saves lives.” And to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer: It’s really hard, but you can do it. Some days are going to be great and others are going to be tough, but you are strong. Not because you want to be but because you have to be to live.”
