General News
As Cancer Survivors Day was recognized around the world, one North Carolina State Highway Patrol family shared a story of faith, resilience and gratitude.
Ginger Edwards, an Administrative Specialist with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, was devastated when she learned she had aggressive breast cancer. The diagnosis brought fear and uncertainty, but she says her faith and the support of her care team at Cape Fear Valley Health carried her through every step of treatment.
“My first thought was devastation,” Ginger said. “Hearing the words ‘aggressive’ and ‘chemo’ put me in a very sad place. Hearing the ‘C’ word is very scary, but I knew God was going to be with me on every step of this journey.”
One of the most visible symbols of support came from her husband, Jeff Edwards, a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper. The Highway Patrol has two specially marked vehicles dedicated to raising awareness and supporting cancer patients and survivors. With permission, Jeff brought one of the vehicles to Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center, where patients and families could take photos and see a reminder that they are not alone.
“The public will see that cancer affects people from all walks of life, even our families,” Jeff said. “We want people to know of our prayers and support and that we recognize their struggles.”
While Ginger is now cancer-free and has been cleared by her physicians, she continues immunotherapy treatments through December. She plans to wait until those treatments are complete before ringing the bell that marks the end of her cancer journey.
Throughout treatment, Ginger faced challenges from chemotherapy, including severe fatigue and ongoing magnesium and potassium deficiencies that still require infusions. She credits her care team at Cape Fear Valley Health with helping her navigate the difficult days.
“My care team has been phenomenal,” she said. “From my surgeons to my oncology team and nurses, they took the best care of me every visit. My journey was hard at times, but God put me in a place at Cape Fear Valley where I received the best care and met wonderful people I will always cherish.”
Married for 34 years, Ginger and Jeff hope their story encourages others facing cancer.
“Do not let cancer define you or get you down,” Ginger said. “Put God first and He will walk you through the valley and get you through. Stay positive every day and say, ‘Today we win.'"
