More than 18 million people in the United States today have faced cancer and have emerged as survivors. National Cancer Survivor Month recognizes their journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Throughout the month of June, we are featuring stories from Aultman Cancer Center patients in honor of cancer survivors everywhere.

Breana Hurtt knows that life can change in the blink of an eye. In 2023, Breana and her husband were enjoying life with their three children in the small, close-knit community of Dalton, Ohio. Her days were spent in real estate; she was recognized as one of the top realtors in northeast Ohio. Nights were full of extracurricular activities, including cheering on their sons who played football for Dalton High School.

That summer, Breana had a routine mammogram and was notified that the results of her screening were concerning. She was scheduled for a follow-up ultrasound. While on a beach vacation with her family, Breana received a call that the ultrasound was highly suggestive of a malignancy. When she returned home, Breana had a biopsy at the Aultman Breast Care Center. She was diagnosed with triple-negative, grade 3, stage 3B breast cancer, with metastasis to at least three lymph nodes.

Triple-negative breast cancer requires rigorous treatment, and Breana recalled how she felt at her initial diagnosis. “The beginning is the hardest part,” she said. “Once your treatment is scheduled, you have a plan.”

Breana received treatment at Aultman’s Timken Family Cancer Center, led by oncologist Sunitha Vemulapalli, M.D. Breana said that her care providers at Aultman made a difficult time a little easier. “There is not a nurse there that I don’t know because I’m there so much,” Breana said. “They all treat me like family. It is a beautiful place.”

The intensity of chemotherapy led Breana to take a break from her successful career in real estate. It was hard to step away from the financial stability it brought her family. Around the same time, changes to her husband’s job made money even tighter.

Thankfully, Aultman’s cancer team includes experts who provide free, specialized support services to all Aultman cancer patients. Erin Meek, BSN, RN, OCN, CN-BN, breast health navigator, counseled Breana and her family through the financial challenges, connecting them to grants that covered their mortgage for several months and provided monetary assistance for medical bills.

But the support didn’t stop there; the care team offered emotional support too. Erin Meek and Rachel Elek, MSW, LISW, oncology social worker, comforted Breana when she received tough news, like learning that radiation was needed after her mastectomy. “Erin and Rachel’s jobs are so important,” Breana said. “They helped me more than they will ever know.”

After six months of chemotherapy, Breana had one month off before her double mastectomy in February 2024. Joseph Saadey, M.D., performed the procedure, and Stephen Lopez, M.D., did the reconstructive work. “Both of them were so important in everything I’ve been through,” Breana said. “Since day one of my diagnosis, Dr. Saadey has called me on random Thursdays to see how I’m doing. What other physician does that?”

The outcomes of Breana’s surgery were positive: Her lymph nodes were clear, and a pathology report confirmed that no cancer was in her tissue and that her body had a complete response to chemotherapy. Now, Breana is receiving immunotherapy and radiation.

As she reflects on her cancer journey to date, Breana is grateful for the support she’s received. Her community in Dalton rallied around her family, providing meals and hosting fundraisers to offset medical expenses. The Dalton High School football team dedicated a game in October to Breana in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition, she has connected with several other breast cancer survivors who provide invaluable support.

When asked what she would share with others, Breana mentioned that exceptional cancer care is available right here, in our community at the Aultman Cancer Center. “When people are starting a cancer journey, go to Aultman,” Breana said. “There’s not one person there who is not caring.”

To support cancer patients in their treatment journey, consider a gift to Aultman’s CancerCare Fund. This fund assists patients with expenses such as transportation, groceries, prescription assistance and medical supplies. One hundred percent of donations to the CancerCare Fund go directly to cancer patients, to alleviate the burden of other costs often incurred during treatment.