Finding the Light: Athena’s Journey from Diagnosis to Determination
Finding the Light: Athena's Journey from Diagnosis to Determination
At just 29 years old, Athena of Ada, Ohio, faced a moment that would change her life forever. On August 22, 2023, she received a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma — ER, PR and HER2 positive.
During a quiet moment in the shower, a self-breast exam revealed a lump that quickly turned her life into a fight for survival. At first, Athena hoped it was nothing. But when the lump grew painful and did not go away, she knew she had to act. With a family history of breast cancer, she trusted her instincts and scheduled an appointment at the Women’s Health Center at the Lima Memorial Medical Park.
During her ultrasound, two nodules were identified, and a biopsy was scheduled. Fear of the unknown set in, including how she would afford what came next.
“The team at the Women’s Health Center was incredible,” Athena shared. “They reassured me, connected me with the right resources and helped me get started through the Breast & Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP). Everything just fell into place.”
At her biopsy, Athena met Dr. Weyer, whom she describes as “so calm and motherly, exactly what I needed.” Athena’s own mother was by her side through every appointment, every treatment and every moment of uncertainty.
Athena’s treatment required intensive chemotherapy, something she describes as “one of the hardest things I could ever imagine going through.” But she made a promise to herself early on: she would finish strong and, when she could, help others on the same path.
Navigators and social workers connected Athena with support resources, including LiveStrong and Worth the Wait, which helped her preserve her fertility before treatment began.
Like many undergoing chemotherapy, Athena hoped to retain her hair through cooling technology, but ultimately experienced hair loss. Refusing to let it define her, she found her own way to embrace the journey by collecting colorful wigs of all styles to match her mood and lift her spirits.
“I wanted to put positive energy out there, even on the hard days,” she said. “If I had to lose my hair, I was going to gain some confidence instead.”
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
Surgery came in January 2024, and the results were better than anyone hoped. The cancer had shrunk significantly; the surgeon was able to remove it all and her lymph nodes were clear.
“I will never forget the sounds of the IV pumps,” Athena reflected. “Every time I heard them, I just kept thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel, and I knew that light was for me. When I heard other patients ring the bell to mark the end of their treatment, sometimes it made me sad because I still had so far to go. But it also made me determined.”
Turning Strength into Service
With her treatment behind her, Athena began working as a dispatcher for Shawnee Township in Lima. Her new team quickly became an extension of her family. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Athena’s colleagues wanted to show their support and organized a fundraiser by selling pink-embroidered scrub tops and breast cancer awareness pins.
Athena chose to direct the funds to the Lima Memorial Foundation’s Hope Fund specifically supporting the Hope Garden, an annual event honoring survivors and remembering those who faced the fight with courage.
“The Hope Garden represents everything that helped me get through this: faith, family and community,” Athena said.
Words of Wisdom
Athena’s advice to others, especially young women, is simple but powerful: “Do your self-breast exams. Don’t brush something off as nothing. ‘See something, say something’ applies to our bodies too. As scary as it is to find cancer, it is even scarier not to. Knowledge is empowering, and help is out there.”
A Bright Tomorrow
Today, Athena is healthy, thriving and grateful. She loves her work, finds joy in creating cosplay costumes and enjoys life with her supportive boyfriend and family along with her dog Midna and bird Jojo.
“All I want to do is help people,” Athena said. “If my story inspires one person to check, to speak up or to get care sooner, then it is all worth it.”
Have a special story about how Lima Memorial has impacted you or a loved one? Send your story to marketing@limamemorial.org.