Lee’s Summit Mom Celebrates Over a Decade Cancer-Free After Early Diagnosis
For Kelly McDaniel-Morales of Lee’s Summit, a breast cancer diagnosis arrived unexpectedly during a pregnancy over 13 years ago. Now 43, she’s celebrating more than a decade of being cancer-free, and sharing her story as a powerful advocate for early detection.
Kelly received her diagnosis when she was 30 years old, shortly after discovering a lump during her first pregnancy. Dr. Sarah Meierotto, a physician at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute, confirmed the diagnosis and guided her through treatment, which included a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. Remarkably, Kelly was able to continue her pregnancy and deliver her daughter, Brooklyn, healthy.
“you’re your own best advocate,” Kelly urges others. “Know your family history. Get into the doctor, do your monthly checks, get your mammograms, and just take care of yourself. I know for me, the difference between early detection really saved my life. If I woudl have waited,they said things could have looked a lot different for me.”
Dr. Meierotto reinforces the importance of proactive breast health. She recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk, and earlier for those considered high-risk. “Women who notice any breast changes, like a lump or bloody nipple discharge, skin or nipple changes, they need to promptly report those to their doctors, irrespective of their age,” she said.
The cancer journey profoundly impacted Kelly’s relationship wiht her daughter, now 14. “You don’t take anything for granted when you’ve faced your mortality,” Kelly reflected. “Time with your loved ones is a lot more precious.” Brooklyn, who grew up knowing her mother’s story, finds it “very captivating to learn about what she went through when I was a baby.” Kelly’s experience has also instilled in Brooklyn a greater awareness of the importance of health monitoring and regular screenings.
kelly’s message during Breast Cancer awareness month is one of hope and empowerment. “Know that there’s hope,” she said.”I think for me it felt very much like I didn’t know if I was going to make it out of it and was going to be here to see my child grow up and be a part of her life. So seeing other survivors and knowing that there is hope really helped keep me going.” She also stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health during treatment, describing it as “a grief process” and emphasizing the value of seeking support.
Today, Kelly continues annual follow-up appointments at Saint Luke’s, where staff affectionately refer to Brooklyn as “the breast center baby.” Her story stands as a testament to the life-saving power of early detection and self-advocacy.
“I could’ve ignored signs and symptoms, but I am so glad I didn’t,” Kelly concluded.”Complete your monthly checks and maintain your screening schedule. If you see or feel anything abnormal, don’t shrug it off.”
Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute offers a extensive breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary team focused on individualized patient care.