Shadie Copeland’s Inspiring Journey Through Breast Cancer
Charlotte, N.C. — A Story of Strength and Resilience
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, a brave woman named Shadie Copeland is capturing hearts with her remarkable journey through breast cancer. Diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene mutation, Shadie was aware that breast cancer could affect her life. Still, she never thought it would hit so close to home—especially at just 30 years old. The weight of this news pressed down on her when, in 2015, both her mother and aunt received breast cancer diagnoses.
“I’ve spent the last nine years going through scans, getting mammograms every six months, and MRIs every six months,” Shadie shared, her voice a mix of determination and vulnerability. Being a mother of two young boys, she felt the pressure of not only having her own health at stake but also the legacy of her family history.
Reflecting on her family’s background with the disease, Shadie noted, “The youngest person diagnosed in my family was 54. That gave me time, or so I thought. I was only 39 when I felt a lump.” This discovery came in September, pretty much right before her scheduled MRI, leading to an unexpected diagnosis.
After going through two surgeries, five months of chemotherapy, and over six weeks of daily radiation, Shadie’s path to recovery led her to Novant’s three-month wellness program. The road was grueling, but like a seasoned runner, she tackled each obstacle head-on, emerging with a newfound zest for life.
From Recovery to Running: Setting New Goals
By January, the runner in Shadie was eager to lace up her shoes and hit the ground running—quite literally! As she recovered from surgery, she found herself captivated by the New York City Marathon. “We watched it on TV, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t this be cool?'” Shadie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke.
Now, this resilient survivor has set her sights on raising over $14,500 for cancer research through her run in the marathon. The choices she made stem not just from a desire for personal achievement but from an unwavering commitment to her family. “One of the things that drives me the most is my family,” she explained, a hint of emotion softening her voice. “I want to show them that I’m still strong, still tough. It helps me feel like I’m alleviating some of their pain and worries.”
Early Detection: A Life-Saving Strategy
Shadie’s journey brings to light a crucial aspect of the fight against breast cancer: early detection. Dr. Kimberly Strickland, an oncologist at Novant, emphasized how critical knowing one’s family history is in accessing the right care. “That’s how Shadie found out about her mutation,” Dr. Strickland noted. “Without that knowledge, she wouldn’t have been screened as early, which could have led to a late-stage diagnosis.”
Indeed, Shadie’s vigilance and determination placed her on the frontline of prevention and treatment. By sharing her story and running for such an important cause, she hopes to inspire others to take their health seriously.
Join the Journey
As Shadie prepares for the marathon, her journey reflects the strength of the human spirit against life’s challenges. With each mile she runs, she embodies hope—not just for herself but for countless others battling cancer. Her determination to raise funds for research paints a hopeful picture for the future, showing that through community support and awareness, we can fight this disease together.
Let Shadie’s story inspire us all to hold our loved ones tightly and remind ourselves to cherish our health, making sure we stay proactive when it comes to screenings and understanding our family health history.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone just beginning to take on life’s hurdles, take a page from Shadie’s book—show up for yourself and for your family. After all, as Shadie beautifully put it, “Showing strength helps alleviate some of the pain.”
