In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Atlanta Public Schools is proud to highlight the stories of survivors who continue to serve students and their school communities.
Alisa Boyd is the school administrator at The Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron New Beginnings Academy, and this is her story: I am Alisa Boyd, and my medical journey began with a stage 3 Breast Cancer diagnosis in 2018. Unfortunately, in April 2024, I received the devastating news that my cancer had recurred and metastasized to the lymph nodes in my throat and chest, progressing to stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). My journey took a hopeful turn when I met Dr. Elizabeth Sakach and her team for a case study, even though I didn’t meet the criteria. Notably, research indicates that patients with TNBC have limited treatment options due to the ineffectiveness of hormonal and anti-HER2 therapies.
Regrettably, at the end of May 2024, the cancer caused significant complications, including fluid accumulation in my heart, and resulted in the collapse of the right side and one chamber. Fortunately, I underwent successful surgery to remove the fluid and redirect its flow. It took a lot of encouragement and support for me to push forward and undergo a life-changing surgery to alleviate the issue. With Dr. Sakach’s guidance, I promptly began chemo treatments, seizing control of my recovery. I acknowledge that while chemotherapy remains my primary treatment option, the risk of cancer resistance over time necessitates urgent innovation in metastatic TNBC treatment options. Having chemotherapy as my current treatment path, I’m encouraged by the growing focus on developing new, resilient treatments for metastatic TNBC, offering renewed promise for better patient outcomes.
My faith in God gives me the strength and power to keep pushing. I feel truly fortunate to have the love, prayers, encouragement, and support from family, relatives, coworkers, colleagues, friends, my church, and social media. Also, having Dr. Sakach and her team by my side offering top-notch care that illuminates a brighter future and delivers exceptional care has reignited my hope for survival. Everyone’s unwavering support, prayers, and advocacy have not only enhanced my quality of life but also inspired me to champion patient empowerment and collaborative research. Everyone’s selfless dedication has also profoundly impacted my life, fueling my desire to make a difference through patient advocacy and meaningful partnerships with the scientific and research community.
Q: What support did you receive from your APS community?
A: On October 4, 2024, Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron New Beginnings Academy, my school, supported me with 100% participation in ordering T-shirts with the school’s name and a logo that read “Just Cure It.” Our science teacher, Sakia Franklin-Jones, utilized this as a teaching moment to incorporate the students with making breast cancer awareness buttons. I have received flowers and kind words from the students’ parents. Other APS members have walked in with great words of encouragement. The support I get from my coworkers, who I see as my family, is what motivates me to come to work daily.
The APS Department of Health and Physical Education invites everyone to wear pink on the remaining Wednesdays in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. By participating, we honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and support the ongoing fight against this disease. Don’t forget to engage with us online using the hashtag #APSGoesPink! Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for progress in breast cancer prevention and care.
