Patty Carmola has always been a woman in motion. A lifelong educator, she retired from teaching middle school knowing that her passion for learning and mentorship was far from finished. She went on to work with a local university, guiding student teachers through their early classroom experiences.

Outside of education, she built a successful floral business, sang and acted in numerous musical productions at the Players Guild Theatre, and continued to sing with her sister for family and friends. Creativity, connection and purpose have always defined Patty’s life.

Cancer, however, has been an unexpected and recurring companion along the way.

Patty was just 29 years old when she discovered a lump in her left breast and received her first cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, she underwent a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Determined to protect her health, Patty remained vigilant about regular mammograms – knowing early detection could save her life.

That vigilance proved critical. Twenty-four years later, in 2003, a routine screening revealed a mass in her right breast. Although she again underwent a lumpectomy, unclear margins required a more comprehensive treatment plan. Patty had a mastectomy with reconstruction, followed by another round of chemotherapy.

Then, in 2007, her annual mammogram detected yet another lump – this time in her left breast. Once again, Patty faced surgery and reconstruction. Through it all, she continued to live fully, refusing to let cancer define who she was.

In 2018, Patty began experiencing unexplained left-side pain. After following up with her physician, she was diagnosed with Stage II ovarian cancer. She underwent a complete hysterectomy, followed by chemotherapy treatments.

Though the diagnosis was daunting, Patty approached this chapter the same way she had faced every challenge – with resolve, faith and support from those around her.

In August 2023, Patty was involved in a traffic accident that caused pain in the right side of her body. She felt this accident saved her life because subsequent follow-up imaging revealed a small lesion in her right upper lung.

A needle biopsy confirmed metastasis, though it was unclear whether it originated from her breast or ovarian cancer. Patty completed chemotherapy in October 2024 and now takes immunotherapy daily, along with ongoing CT scans and blood work. She is thrilled to share that her most recent scan showed no evidence of metastasis.

Throughout her five cancer diagnoses spanning more than three decades, one constant has remained: Aultman.

Patty is quick to share that all her cancer care has been at Aultman Health System, across many different locations. “The Cancer Center is wonderful,” she said. “The team is kind and caring, and the facility is beautiful – but more importantly, the caregivers are compassionate. They rejoice with me. They are like family.”

She speaks with deep appreciation for her physicians, Dr. Alton Hallum and Dr. Sunitha Vemulapalli, praising their coordination of care and seamless collaboration. “They work together to make sure my treatment plan is the best possible. I always feel confident that everyone is on the same page,” she said.

Patty also expresses heartfelt gratitude for the many members of the Aultman Cancer Center team who have walked beside her throughout her journey. They include Infusion Center team members Francesca Indorf, RN, Kalliope Boyd, RN, Susan Dinardo, RN, Gretchen Gravo, RN, Patty Begue, RN, (now retired) and Brian Johnson, patient care technician, as well as Tammy Elfaye, office manager for Aultman Gynecologic Oncology and Breast Surgery. Their kindness, compassion and consistency have made even the most difficult moments more bearable.

When asked what she would say to others facing a cancer diagnosis, Patty doesn’t hesitate.

“Keep a positive attitude,” she said. “Surround yourself with family and friends. Stay busy. And find your advocate.” Patty shared how vitally important it can be to have another person listening during medical appointments, especially when treatment plans feel overwhelming. “I’m not shy about asking people to come to my appointments or treatments,” she said.

Her sister, Mary, a retired Aultman nurse, helped her navigate complex information. Patty also offered this advice: “Stay off the internet – learn to understand your diagnosis but seek answers and reassurance from your trusted healthcare partners.”

Today, Patty continues to live with intention – teaching, creating, singing and celebrating each day. Her journey is a testament to the power of early detection, expert care and the profound difference compassionate caregivers can make. Through every chapter, Patty’s story is one of gratitude, resilience and hope.