Meet Bonnie Schmitz, JRMC’s Gift Shoppe Coordinator and a three-time cancer survivor! As we celebrate all things pink, there is no better opportunity to celebrate Bonnie’s cancer journey – and her five years in remission. Bonnie’s story is one of resilience and courage. It is also a story of love and giving back.
In 2010, a routine mammogram resulted in Bonnie being diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), a cancer in the milk ducts. This was the beginning of her cancer journey.
“I can still remember that day, hearing the big ‘C’ word.”
At the four and a half year mark – following a lumpectomy and years of oral medication – Bonnie was next diagnosed with endometrial cancer, leading to a total hysterectomy in 2014. Bonnie chose to complete genetic testing, where she learned that she has a mutation of her CHEK2 gene that makes her susceptible to various cancers. She lost her sister to glioblastoma in 2018 and learned that her niece carries the same mutation.
Cancer struck for the third time in 2019. Bonnie’s mammogram showed Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which is exceptionally aggressive. The diagnosis led to a total mastectomy and more intensive treatment. She later discovered that the cancer had also spread to her other breast, hiding in the scar tissue from her initial surgery.
Bonnie says, “During that time, I was filled with fear and uncertainty. I was so scared.”
Since 2019, she has received infusions at the JRMC Cancer Center every six months. She appreciates the ability to receive exceptional care close to home. On October 1, 2024, Bonnie celebrated five years in remission. Bonnie credits this milestone to the early detection of her regular mammograms.
Before the opening of JRMC’s Cancer Center, Bonnie received chemotherapy at Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo. The Jamestown Cancer Support Groupe (JCSG) sought her out and provided support such as has cards. After completing treatment, Bonnie wanted to give back. She has since joined the JCSG board and is vital to their fundraising success. This includes their annual Quarter Craze event, which raised $17,000 last year. This money purchases the items that meant so much to her during her journey.
When Bonnie accepted the position of Gift Shoppe Coordinator at JRMC, she asked herself, “Where does God want me to go next?” She describes the entire experience as “perfectly laid out” for her. She continues to see it as her opportunity to pay it forward.
“You just don’t know what people are going through when they come through our doors. If we can provide them with a bit of joy, I’ve done my job.”
Bonnie credits her support system for maintaining her hope. “You can’t do this without hope,” says Bonnie. “My family, friends, neighbors, church and community kept that hope alive.”
Hope, community and early detection – through her journey, she overcame adversity and found a calling to support others facing similar battles. “Working at JRMC I have met so many people who have their own cancer journey,” remarks Bonnie. “I would have never met them. You never know where you can make a difference.”
As seen in the Fall 2024 AppleSeeds.