Cathleen Carter

Cathleen Carter is a native of Western New York who has survived cancer not once, not twice but three times. "I never really thought about cancer. I had and continue to have an active productive life in which cancer has played a role, but has not taken the lead."

Cathleen, a highly educated woman who earned a doctoral degree in psychology from University at Buffalo, was working in the health care field in 1998 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She was treated with two lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. A few months later she returned to work, confident that she had beaten the disease.

Two years later, cancer had returned. This time it was uterine cancer. "Even though the tests were negative, I knew I had cancer," said Cathleen. She made an appointment at Roswell Park for a second opinion. Further tests confirmed her suspicions and she underwent a complete hysterectomy. "I think I saved myself. Because I wasn’t satisfied with the answers and decided to seek a second opinion, I am alive today. My message to everyone is if you think something is wrong, ask another physician. You need to trust your instincts."

Cathleen again resumed her busy schedule, but in 2002, uterine cancer returned. "It seems just like clockwork - every two years, I am diagnosed with cancer." This time, Cathleen was treated with radiation therapy and so far, she remains cancer free.

"Don’t think it won’t be you because it will be you - someway, someday. You never want it to happen to you, but if you are diagnosed with this disease, I think you grow as a person. Cancer forces you to learn what is important in life. When you look into the eyes of the nurses who are caring for you and the friends and family who love you, the real meaning of why we are here becomes clear."

Today, Cathleen works as a research associate at Roswell Park where her efforts in cancer outreach and education are supported by a grant from the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Throughout her many cancer treatments, Cathleen found solace and hope through literature, especially John Donne’s Meditation 17 – "Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Cathleen’s message of hope for the holidays: "When cancer or other illness does come to you or your loved ones, never forget you are not alone. Other people are reaching out to you. And it is those people who matter most in life."