Resilience and courage: Tara Jane’s story
By Cynthia Reeves / Photo by Kate Treick
Imerman AngelsInfo: imermanangels.org;
866-463-7626
Tara Jane Davison is no stranger to challenges, but she did not expect breast cancer to be one of her life’s biggest tests and trials.
In 2021, Davison got a call to come into the doctor’s office following a routine mammogram. She had just returned from competing in a grueling three-day mountain-trail running event in Huntsville, Alabama, so the 44-year-old single mom was feeling fit and healthy.
The Grand Viduta race took her through roughly 43 miles of rugged trails, complicated by mud and severe weather. At one point she got lost on the trail in the rain, but she pushed on and completed the race.
Her first thought at the doctor’s office was that there had been a mix-up, but soon she was informed she had Stage 1A breast cancer — a small lump that she had never felt in her right breast.
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have what?’” Davison recalled.
When she was assigned a nurse navigator, reality hit.
“They go in there, and they tell you, ‘You have cancer.’ And then after that, all you hear is — all I heard was literally, ‘wah-wah, wah-wah-wah’ — muffled voices.”
During genetic testing, she also learned she had Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic condition that greatly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, often at a young age. It is caused by changes in genes that repair DNA. The most common cancers linked to this syndrome are colorectal and endometrial cancers, so her treatment included a lumpectomy, radiation and a full hysterectomy as well.
“The hysterectomy was the hardest part of my journey and led to some very scary complications and emergency surgery.”
Still, Davison is grateful she had the genetic testing done.
“Everybody has a chance of getting cancer, but it just makes me, my chance of getting certain cancers more elevated than others. So that was a gut punch, but it’s good now because it’s good to have the information.”
Her recovery from surgeries and radiation took more than a year. Five years later, Davison has screenings every six months. She is back to running and CrossFit; she eats healthy and stays active.
“I really try to focus on exercise because it makes you feel good overall and it really reduces your risk. I don’t want to put any false information out there, but way above and beyond any pill that they can give you, exercise reduces your risk of recurrence.”
As difficult as that season in her life was, Davison feels incredibly fortunate.
“It reminded me how resilient I am. It introduced me to some amazing people and completely changed the way I look at life. I stopped waiting for the ‘right time’ to do the things I loved.”
Photography was always something she wanted to pursue, so she started a photography business as a second career shooting beach photos, weddings and special occasions.
“I just love to do things and live life. I remember when I was diagnosed with cancer. I was just so worried that there was not going to be a life on the other side, or it was going to make me bitter or make me not want to be around people. And I was scared.”
She remembers scouring the internet looking for people who had gone through cancer and were happy.
“I remember seeing somebody out on her paddleboard. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. She got through it, and she’s out on her paddleboard doing things that she can enjoy.’ And that was like my first glimmer of hope that things would be OK.”
One of her greatest fears was that cancer would change her and rob her of that sense of adventure that led her out on that onerous three-day run before cancer.
“I was scared it was going to change me for whatever reason. Into somebody I didn’t want to be.”
It didn’t. Cancer actually helped Davison discover new things about herself and gave her a renewed zest for life.
“I try to live life as fully as I can. I also volunteer as a mentor with Imerman Angels, supporting people who are newly diagnosed with cancer. Being able to walk alongside someone during such a difficult time has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.”
Through Imerman Angels, Davison has found a support system, new friendships and a profound sense of positivity.
“Just stay positive. I know that sounds cheesy, but it really makes a difference.”
WANT TO REACH OUT?
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Website: tarajanephoto.pixieset.com
Imerman AngelsInfo: imermanangels.org;
866-463-7626
