Cheryl Henderson holds a unique perspective professionally and personally on the impact of Aultman Cancer Center. As the executive director of creative services at Innis Maggiore, she has worked on several advertising campaigns for the center. She’s also experienced the center as a patient and is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received.

Cheryl’s cancer journey began unexpectedly. In 2012, after experiencing significant pain on the left side of her body, she underwent an ultrasound, but the results were inconclusive. She was referred to a gynecologic oncologist, who recommended surgery to remove what he suspected were ovarian cysts.

An avid Disney enthusiast, Cheryl requested to delay surgery until after a long-planned trip to Disney World. But while in the park, her pain worsened. “I survived that trip only by the magic of Disney and the grace of God,” she said.

Surgery at Aultman Hospital took place in April 2012. To her surgeon’s surprise, Cheryl’s ovary had ruptured, explaining the intense pain. But the greater shock came postsurgery: a diagnosis of Stage 2A ovarian cancer.

Within just three weeks, a follow-up total hysterectomy revealed that the cancer had aggressively progressed, now affecting her liver, lungs and uterus – upgrading her diagnosis to Stage 4. The prognosis was grim, but Cheryl was determined to fight.

“I knew I needed to stay positive,” she said. “A strong mindset is so important to the healing process.” Despite the physical toll – hair loss, weight loss and a heightened sense of smell that made everyday life difficult – Cheryl endured chemotherapy with resilience and optimism. Her treatment was effective, and by November, her cancer entered near-complete remission.

But her journey didn’t end there. In January 2013, Cheryl faced yet another challenge: a brain tumor. She underwent advanced gamma knife radiosurgery in Cleveland.

Now, more than a decade later, Cheryl is still cancer-free. She continues routine follow-ups at Aultman Cancer Center and is especially thankful for the ongoing care of Julie Miller, certified nurse practitioner with Aultman Gynecologic Oncology.

To those just beginning their own battle with cancer, Cheryl offers this advice: “Stay positive. Lean on your loved ones. And find light and joy – even in the hardest moments.”