\u201cI was one of those lost souls from a broken family,\u201d said Suzanne Clark, a Navy and Army Veteran and breast cancer survivor. \u201cThe military was a way for me to save myself without being a burden to society. It was about survival.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clark\u2019s journey began in the Navy, where she worked in aviation, maintenance control and on the flightline launching planes. Later, she served in the Army Reserve as a radioman. But her toughest battle came years later, not in uniform, but in a doctor\u2019s office.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2020, after a routine mammogram<\/a>, Clark performed a self-exam and discovered a lump.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI felt a small lump and assumed it was a cyst,\u201d Clark said. \u201cBy that Friday, I called VA and scheduled an appointment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Clark shared, \u201cAll this took place during COVID\u2014the ultrasound, biopsy and the call with the diagnosis. I was alone when I received the news.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite feeling isolated, Clark said that her care team immediately stepped up, \u201cFrom my primary care provider to oncology, nutrition and mental health, everyone was on my side within a month.\u201d<\/p>\n Clark was diagnosed with triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, stage three. After undergoing a double mastectomy and revision surgery, she is now four years cancer-free. \u201cI\u2019m not a quitter,\u201d she expressed. \u201cEvery day I wake up is a new day to be a better person.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Clark credits VA\u2019s Women Veterans Program\u00a0for helping her heal\u2014physically and emotionally. \u201cThe Women\u2019s Clinic has been phenomenal. They\u2019re proactive instead of reactive. They follow up when you think you\u2019re done, and they genuinely care,\u201d she added.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cClark\u2019s journey is a reflection of what happens when Veterans receive compassionate, specialized care,\u201d said Theresa Zephirin, Women Veterans Program Manager at the\u00a0Orlando VA Healthcare System. \u201cOur women Veterans deserve care that recognizes their unique needs. Suzanne\u2019s story highlights the strength and resilience within every Veteran and the importance of ensuring they feel supported at every stage of their care.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Clark now advocates for other female Veterans through the Vietnam and All Veterans of Central Florida organization, known as \u201cThe Bunker.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSome of our members do not receive their care at VA, mostly Vietnam-era Veterans,\u201d Clark said. \u201cBut when they saw the care I received, several decided to come. That\u2019s the impact we can have on each other.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cClark\u2019s courage and advocacy reflect the heart of our mission,\u201d Zephirin said. \u201cClark shows other women Veterans that VA is here to provide world-class care and lasting support.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Clark continues to volunteer, mentor and remind others that healing is a shared effort.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThrough VA, you find your people,\u201d Clark said with a\u00a0smile. \u201cIt\u2019s an unbiased, supportive community that\u2019s always there for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s never too late to apply for VA health care you\u2019ve earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to\u00a0get started<\/a>.<\/p>\nVA\u2019s Women Veterans Program and support<\/h2>\n
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