When Cheryl Perry received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2019, she was navigating more than her own health challenges. Her mother was living with dementia, leaving Cheryl without one of the people she most wanted by her side.
What began as a routine mammogram quickly became something more serious. After additional follow-up and a biopsy, Cheryl learned she had stage 2A breast cancer. Springing into action, her OB-GYN, Dr. Laura Pickford, coordinated next steps, and soon Cheryl met with Dr. Kirsten Edmiston, a breast oncology surgeon at Inova.
That first appointment changed everything.
From her nurse navigator, Ruth, to her medical oncologist, Dr. Angela Pennisi, and the many clinicians who guided her through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Cheryl felt surrounded by expertise and compassion.
“Dr. Edmiston looked at me and said, ‘You’re going to live,’” Cheryl recalls. “That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.”
Just as important was the circle of family and friends who rallied around her. Former colleagues that Cheryl had befriended during her years as a teacher, members of her congregation, her two brothers, Eugene and Anthony, and many others stepped up to offer their service throughout her treatment journey – and still to this day.
At the time, Cheryl was living in Waynesboro, Virginia, more than two hours from Inova. Yet distance never became a barrier. Friends and family coordinated rides to and from radiation, chemotherapy appointments and, during treatments, her Fairfax-based “best buds” and former congregation members gathered alongside her, filling the infusion room with laughter and encouragement. Before long, the care team affectionately began referring to it as “the party room.”
“Treatment for cancer is a lot to manage even without the logistics of getting to and from appointments,” said Cheryl. “My friends and family just pitched in and made it happen, and I’m truly grateful.”
While Cheryl experienced challenges along the way, including post-surgical complications and lymphedema, she never felt alone. “I felt like I was the only patient they had,” she says “Ruth even gave me her direct number in case I needed anything. I can’t even begin to tell you how good my team was. They were so incredibly attentive.”
What stood out most to Cheryl was the way Inova cared for her fully. “Inova was in my corner the entire way from start to finish and beyond,” Cheryl says. “They cared about my whole self, not just my breast cancer.” Following treatment, Cheryl was referred to Inova Schar Cancer’s Survivorship Care program – helping her navigate the unique challenges survivors face
Today, Cheryl describes her cancer journey as a “spiritual journey”, one marked by faith, friendship and extraordinary care, and counts herself incredibly blessed to have had so many wonderful people who supported her along the way.
Grateful also for the physicians, nurses, navigators and support programs that carried her through some of life’s most difficult moments, she has chosen to include Inova in her estate plans.
By naming Inova as a beneficiary in her will, Cheryl is helping ensure that future patients and families receive the same compassionate, comprehensive care that changed her life.
“My experience showed me what’s possible when people truly care,” she says. “Supporting Inova through my legacy feels like the right way to give back and help others receive that same support in the future.”