Sandra Roers had always been a tireless advocate for health care. From her philanthropic support of Sanford Health in Fargo to her service on the Sanford Health Foundation Board of Directors, she’d always been passionate about helping to enhance and advance care for people in her community.
But sometimes life has a way of shifting perspectives.
After a breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Sandra found herself on the receiving end of care from a place she’d always championed. And through her cancer journey, that same place became a lifeline to hope and healing.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sandra is sharing her story — not only to celebrate her care, but to inspire others to care for themselves as well.
Care and kindness at every step
Sandra remembers the day when everything changed. Following a routine mammogram, she got a call from a nurse asking her to return for an ultrasound.
A breast cancer diagnosis followed and from there, things moved quickly, with the team at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center offering guidance every step of the way.
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“Through the whole screening process, the staff at Roger Maris was so kind. They made me feel like I was their best friend.”
Breast Cancer Survivor
As her treatment began, Sandra said she “felt so confident in the team. I had faith in them and knew they would make the best decisions for my care plan.”
“Everything was scheduled around me and my needs. I had such an excellent team — Dr. Gary Kubalak, Dr. Anu Gaba, Dr. Ethan Foster, the entire staff at Roger Maris— they were all so wonderful,” she said.
From lifesaving care to little things that made all the difference, Sandra said she felt loved and cared for throughout her journey.
“One day, in between appointments, the staff offered me the chance the lie down and rest. They gave me a blanket and a pillow and woke me in time to get to my next appointment. That meant so much,” she said. “And the surgery care team was so good to me — they actually sent me a handwritten card after I returned home.”
Beyond her medical care, Sandra said she felt surrounded by the kindness and generosity of others from the moment she stepped through the doors of the cancer center.
“I know first-hand what philanthropy can do, and I experienced that at Roger Maris,” she said.
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“My Nurse Navigator was magical — she answered every question and made herself available to me almost 24 hours a day. Everything — from the state-of-the-art equipment to the valet services — it all made an impact. I’d talked to so many people who said ‘the Roger Maris Cancer Center saved me.’ I knew going in that I was going to have a great experience, and I did.”
Breast Cancer Survivor
With her surgery and radiation behind her, today Sandra is feeling healthy and strong. As she continues to treat her breast cancer with medication, she’s also determined to help others. She hopes her story will motivate others to make time for their annual mammograms.
“Get your screenings done. Do them on time and don’t procrastinate. My doctors told me if I hadn’t of gotten my mammogram when I did, it might have been a different story,” Sandra said.
She’s also sharing her gratitude for a second chance at life.
“I think it’s so incredible that we have Sanford Health in our community. I see what Sanford does here — not only how it gives back, but how it cares for people. And now I’ve experienced it. People from all over this region rely on Sanford for care, and Sanford doesn’t disappoint.”
Give for Hope
As a generous donor to the Sanford Health Foundation, through which she has supported pediatric health, the Sanford Fargo Medical Center, breast health initiatives and, most recently, the Peltier Lodge, Sandra knows the impact donations can have on the patient experience.
You, too, can make an impact.
If you’re inspired by Sandra’s story and want to support Sanford Breast Health initiatives, consider making a gift today.
100% of your donation will make a difference by supporting services like Nurse Navigation, breast cancer research, direct patient assistance and lifesaving equipment so patients can receive the care they need, close to home.