Michelene Shannon is well-aware of MD Anderson’s vast resources and research – she’s been an employee here for 10 years. But in January 2014, Michelene’s connection to MD Anderson became a lot more personal.

“The pathologist at MD Anderson’s Undiagnosed Breast Clinic came in crying and told me it was breast cancer,” Michelene says. “She cried harder than I did. All I could think was, ‘Why me?’”

The surprise diagnosis came...