02/04/2026
We would like to introduce our 2026 Memorial Fund Recipient, Stephanie Boyd. We asked Stephanie to tell us about herself and her journey thus far so that our followers would know who we are all going to be supporting throughout the year. We think it's best to share with you her own words:
"I am 44 yrs old. Derrick and I have been married 23 years and have two amazing daughters, Lexi (20), and Natalie (16), and one very impulsive decision from a day we were tricked into visiting the Humane Society- our dog Pepper. Pepper believes she is a lap dog, which she is very much not, but she does rule the roost.
I am a Senior HR Generalist for the Town of Blacksburg Human Resources department. I love people, spending time with my family and friends, collecting books, reading, photography, nature, fishing, camping, and hiking. I love all things health and wellness and am an avid runner. My faith, though not always perfect, is my passion. I love finding evidence of God’s fingerprints in this life- in the people around me, both strangers and family, in the nature, diversity, and wonder of the world He created, in the beauty of words and the power they can bring to move mountains in hearts and minds. I am so grateful I somehow, in some way, was written into this story, this life, and able to experience it all, twists and turns, bumps and bruises, mountains and valleys…most of all love.
Last year, through a self exam I found a lump on my breast and deep in my armpit. I had a clear mammogram exactly one year prior so I wasn’t expecting to hear the news that I did in fact have cancer and that it had metastasized to my lymph nodes. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, low ER positive, PR negative, HER2 positive- grade 3. Starting in August, I began 4 months of chemo and immunotherapy. I had a double mastectomy on January 7th, and will restart my immunotherapy treatment February 12th. I am awaiting to hear the treatment plan for radiation and hormone therapy as well.
It has been a fast education of medical terminology, treatment plans, testing, results, medications, insurance, and lest we not forget the ever evolving side effects. These lessons come at you fast and leave little time for urgent life-changing decisions. But, the blessing is that they are there when they weren’t decades ago. Going through ‘Cancer School’ was definitely not on my radar for 2025/2026 but here I am, joining my classmates with an unfortunate growing number. Through the grace of God and because of the prayers and support of family, friends and my community, I am standing in the middle of it, with complete response to chemotherapy and clear margins. At this time, as far as we know, I have no cancer remaining in my body. I still have quite a bit more to go which still feels daunting and heavy, but I know I am held and am going to be a part of a bigger story than my own. I strongly urge both men and women to know your body and to speak up when something feels off. Be your own advocate, ask all the questions. Please do your self-exams even if you have clear mammograms. Although it sounds cliche- this could very well save your life. I am convinced it did mine." 🥰
