As chief engineer for aeronautics at NASA Glenn Research Center, Adabelle Narvaez-Bostwick dealt with complicated issues for a living. Your support helped her deal with the most complicated one — cancer.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer just one week after dropping my son off for his first year of college and while my daughter was still at home in high school,” Adabelle says. “Like many women, I suddenly found myself navigating fear, uncertainty and treatment. All while still trying to be a mother and keep life moving forward.”

That was in 2017. Adabelle underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation and hormone therapy. Those treatments saved her life but also left lasting effects. In 2023, cancer entered her life again. Her husband Cameron was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Despite his strength and determination, we lost him a year later,” she says.

With her recent retirement, Adabelle has been reflecting on the impact cancer has had on her life and the toll it has taken.

“Cancer changes you,” she says. “Even after treatment ends, the journey is not over. Survivorship brings its own challenges.”

It also brings community and fellowship with other survivors. Later this year, Adabelle plans to volunteer at Dr. Mita Patel’s “Celebrate Survivor ship” retreat, a program you support with your gift. Your generosity provides support services and hope for women and families facing one of life’s hardest battles.

“Donations like yours make a life-changing difference,” she says. “Your support gives something incredibly powerful: the chance to fight — and the chance to survive.”