A New Perspective

Jonna’s Story

I acquire a new perspective of life every single day.

With that being said, my new reality gives me blessings that I am so very thankful for. Six years ago, my life changed in a way that I never thought would happen. At 35 years old, my husband, Joe Duke, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a very rare diagnosis for his age. He was told that he had to receive a very aggressive treatment due to the spread of the cancer into his lymph nodes and lung. Our road prior to this diagnosis had been a little bumpy, with lots of ups and downs, and twists and turns, but this diagnosis put the brakes on hard.

Lots of challenges came our way during that time, including having a sixteen-year-old daughter. We all learned so much from each other and grew together in a positive way. Who would have thought that the big C word would help a family grow in a positive direction? Joe’s positive attitude through it all was the key point that saw us all through. He never quit, he always stayed positive, and he continued to work to support his family as he fought cancer. During his treatment, there was a time his doctor looked at him and said, “you will beat this just with that attitude, son!”

Unbelievably, Joe’s cancer journey is what brought me to serve at the Cancer Center; a career change that was much needed in my life. Five years ago, I took a job with Cancer Navigators as an office assistant, I never knew what a blessing it would be to work with cancer patients. Cancer Navigators is a nonprofit organization, whose funding is raised by the community, and helps cancer patients during their treatment by providing different resources and counseling services. I knew when the job opening came available that I wanted an “office job” per se, what I did not know is how much this job would help me grow into the person I am today. This role also allowed my childhood dream career of serving people to come true.

When Joe started his treatment journey, he had what we called a “lucky parking space”. We used this spot, right out in front of the Cancer Center, every single time he came for treatment or scans. This parking place was always open. When I got the call for the interview with Cancer Navigators five years ago, I parked in his lucky spot.

That lucky spot has blessed us both tremendously.

Joe has now been cancer free for five years and I have been with Cancer Navigators for five and a half years and hope to be here another 20!

Throughout Joe’s Cancer treatment we were not aware of Cancer Navigator’s services, and I came to the interview unaware of what this job would entail. In these five years, I have not only earned the job titles “office assistant” and “office coordinator” but have also earned the nickname “mission control”. I am so proud to be a part of this organization, not only for what their mission is, but who I have become to keep their mission alive. Some days are harder than others, and I have lost some wonderful souls, but I have also made some wonderful friends throughout the years working for Cancer Navigators. My husband’s positive attitude throughout his cancer journey inspired and taught me how to serve so many others going through their own cancer journey with that same attitude. I never thought this “office job” would turn into the best thing that has ever happened to me and a dream come true.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9