Every October, we’re surrounded by a wave of pink — a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a call to remember the importance of screenings, education, and support. But every pink ribbon represents more than awareness; it represents a story. Some are stories of survival, others of loss — but all belong to people and families in our communities. For Blue Springs attorney Vanessa Starke, that story became personal earlier this year when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
What began as some swollen lymph nodes quickly became a whirlwind of appointments, specialists, and treatment plans. Like many who hear the words “you have cancer,” the moment felt surreal and overwhelming. “I remember just sitting in my office when I got the call. I went completely numb,” Vanessa recalls. “My husband was out of town, and I called him right away. We both had the same reaction — is this real?”
Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Vanessa has faced each stage with courage and determination. Having completed chemotherapy, she is now recovering from surgery and preparing to begin radiation. “When I first met with my oncologist, one of the very first things she said was, ‘The goal here is to cure,’” Vanessa shares. “Hearing those words gave me so much hope.”
Throughout her journey, she has leaned on the encouragement of her family, friends, colleagues, community members, and medical team. Small gestures — a handwritten note, a thoughtful conversation, or someone simply showing up — have meant the world. “My aunt has written me a card every single week, just sharing little pieces of her life. It seems like a small thing, but those cards have been so meaningful,” she says.
Balancing her role as a business owner and attorney at Starke Law Offices has also given Vanessa a sense of normalcy — and, in many ways, a sense of control. “I’m used to being in control of my schedule. When I started my treatments, I had to let go of that because it became a priority to make sure I was being taken care of and getting to my appointments. Other than treatment days, I’ve only missed one day of work,” she explains. “I didn’t want to sit around and feel sorry for myself, especially because I was lucky to physically feel okay. Staying busy has actually helped me feel strong.”
Her journey has also been a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to your body and seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right. “It’s better to have something checked out and find out it’s nothing than to wait and discover it’s something serious,” she shares. Early detection can make all the difference in treatment and recovery, which is why awareness is so critical.
For those navigating a cancer diagnosis, emotional support can be just as vital as medical treatment. Organizations like Gilda’s Club offer no-cost programs, support groups, and education for individuals and families impacted by all types of cancer. Vanessa says groups like these are invaluable: “When you’re first diagnosed, it can feel isolating. But talking to others who have gone through it helps you realize you’re not alone, and you can get through it too.”
Beyond emotional support, practical resources also play a vital role. Programs like Show Me Healthy Women provide free and low-cost breast cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery connects newly diagnosed patients with survivors who can share guidance and encouragement, and the Road to Recovery Program offers free rides to treatment appointments. Together, these services remind us that no one has to face cancer alone.
As Vanessa continues forward with her treatment and recovery, she remains hopeful and optimistic about the future. “I never thought I’d be done with chemo, and here I am. I did it,” she reflects. “I’m excited for my hair to grow back, to get back to normal, and maybe even travel next summer.”
Vanessa’s story is one of perseverance and community — a reminder that behind every pink ribbon is a person with strength, courage, and a journey worth honoring. By sharing her experience, we not only recognize her resilience but also shine a light on the importance of early detection, continued research, and the networks of care that lift patients through their recovery.
This October, let her journey inspire you to take action: schedule your screenings, support organizations making a difference, and stand alongside those facing cancer. Together, through awareness, compassion, and hope, we can make this path a little less overwhelming for those walking it today — and for those who may face it in the future.
“Talking to others who have gone through it helps you realize you’re not alone, and you can get through it too.”
“I never thought I’d be done with chemo, and here I am. I did it.”