Cynthia Weeks

Cyndi Weeks was working one of her usual nursing shifts in November of 1997 at Plaza Medical Center when she ran downstairs to squeeze in a visit with the radiologist for her yearly mammogram. Tests revealed some chest wall thickness that the doctor decided to look at further. Well aware of her body, Cyndi had noticed a slight bump in the upper part of her chest, but being active she believed it could have been an increase in muscle. Cyndi later had an ultrasound, and doctors told her that same day they believed she had breast cancer at the age of 45.

After a biopsy, doctors removed a cancerous lump about the size of a quarter from Cyndi’s upper right chest. They felt there was a possibility that her cancer could spread, so Cyndi elected to have a double mastectomy. Cyndi also went through chemotherapy and radiation treatments to prevent the disease from spreading. Later, after one of her reconstructive surgeries, Cyndi developed an infection of cellulitis, which created other long-term complications.

Throughout her fight, Cyndi knew being strong for her family was important to help her survive through such a difficult time in her life. The genuine support she received from her husband and two daughters helped carry her from the beginning of her battle. Cyndi describes the comforting words she received from other survivors as essential for her ability to make it through the experience. She often was reassured that people can and do live through cancer, and that a diagnosis is not a death sentence. Her youngest daughter, who was only 14-years-old at the time of Cyndi’s diagnosis, said she never will forget how difficult hearing the news was. But, after receiving help from support groups and finding some peace in journaling, both mother and daughter successfully made it through their difficult times. Today, Cyndi’s youngest daughter feels that while the experience was hard, it did have a positive effect on her and her mother’s lives by introducing them to the incredible people who helped them through the process.

In April of 1998, one month after Cyndi finished chemotherapy, she walked in her first Race for the Cure. Having participated in all but one Race since 1998, Cyndi found herself featured on the front of brochures for the Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure in 2007 and 2008. Cyndi describes every Komen event she has been to or hosted as an amazing experience helping to create connections among her family and friends. Cyndi still works as a registered nurse at Plaza Medical Center, and is actively involved with others in the community battling cancer. Through these experiences, she has seen first-hand the valuable influence Susan G. Komen for the Cure has in Tarrant County.