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Spring 2016 : Survivors Say

Survivors Say

Stephanne Davenport, a breast cancer survivor, is the treasurer of Montgomery County, Texas. Davenport has served in many leadership roles, helping found the Montgomery County Association of Business Women and earning the Women of Distinction award in 2013 from the Montgomery County Women's Council of Organizations. Throughout her treatment, Davenport served as a voice for her community.

BY Stephanne Davenport

Photo courtesy of Stephanne Davenport.

I’ve known about MD Anderson ever since I can remember. But I first came to know the institution intimately when a family member became a patient there a few years ago.

In February 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Anderson was phenomenal. I was treated by Dr. Douglas Nelson, medical director at MD Anderson in The Woodlands. There wasn’t a question that Dr. Nelson couldn’t answer. There’s something extremely reassuring about that when you’re a patient.

I was approached by FAITH – Fighting Cancer in Montgomery County, an amazing nonprofit that not only helps cancer patients emotionally and financially, but also helps with educational and preventive care programs throughout the county. I was asked to be FAITH’s 2015 Champion to support fundraising for MD Anderson in The Woodlands. This was a true honor because I experienced firsthand the benefits of the incredible work being done at MD Anderson. Thanks to the supporters in Montgomery County, we were able to raise nearly $30,000 to support Montgomery County residents.

I still have a few surgeries to go, but I’m doing well. It’s nice to be on this side of it — I didn’t care for the other side too much. I want to continue to be a voice for survivors and show support to others going through treatment, because cancer can be very lonely. I want people to know that MD Anderson has the resources you need, if you ever feel alone and if you ever feel hopeless, and I’m honored to be a part of that.

Promise invites cancer survivors to share their reflections. Email promise@mdanderson.org.

"I want to continue to be a voice for survivors and show support to others going through treatment, because cancer can be very lonely."

Stephanne Davenport

survivor

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