Acworth woman finds strength, faith and hope through cancer journey

Cartersville, Ga. (June 8, 2026) - At 75, Elaine Stanton has faced her share of life’s challenges—but nothing quite like a cancer diagnosis.

A retired educator living in Acworth, Stanton built a full and joyful life centered on family. Married to her husband, Mike, for nearly 29 years, she spends her days surrounded by children, grandchildren and the simple moments that matter most.

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” Stanton said. “My family means everything to me.”

That life shifted when she discovered a painful lump one night despite faithfully keeping up with annual mammograms. The subsequent tests revealed cancer in her breast and lymph nodes—news that left her frightened and uncertain.

“I was very scared,” she said. “Cancer is such an awful word.”

A Journey Marked by Strength and Support

Stanton began treatment immediately, starting with chemotherapy. Her first round was difficult, leaving her weak and bedridden. Adjustments to her care plan helped improve subsequent treatments, allowing her to continue moving forward.

Throughout it all, her husband and son remained by her side at every appointment, reflecting the strength of family and the importance of support during difficult times.

“My husband went to every treatment,” Stanton said. “My family made everything easier.”

Friends and her church community also rallied around her with meals, cards and prayers—an outpouring of compassion that helped lift her spirits.

“I think I have a Hallmark store full of cards,” she said with a smile.

Faith and Resilience

For Stanton, faith has become a cornerstone of her journey. While she previously considered herself a Christian, she says this experience deepened her understanding of both faith and personal strength.

“I didn’t realize how strong I was, and I didn’t realize how much faith would play in this,” she said.

That resilience, combined with the love of her family, continues to guide her through the toughest days.

“I just keep telling myself I’m going to see my grandchildren grow up and get married,” she said.

Compassionate Care at Every Step

Stanton credits her care team, including Dr. Cathy Graham and her staff, with providing not only expert care but also a deeply personal experience rooted in compassion and teamwork.

“They cared about me. They really did,” Stanton said. “They answered all of my questions and treated my family with such kindness.”

By combining clinical excellence with genuine empathy, her care team helped ease fears and build trust at every step of her treatment journey.

That experience reinforced an important lesson Stanton now shares with others: trust your care team.

“Depend on your doctors and their knowledge and skill,” she said.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

Today, Stanton is preparing to begin radiation therapy while remaining focused on the present. A good day now is simple—sitting outside in the sunshine, enjoying a meal, and appreciating life’s small but meaningful moments.

“Every day I wake up is a blessing,” she said.

Despite additional health challenges throughout her life—including a kidney transplant and multiple surgeries—Stanton remains grounded in hope and gratitude.

“There’s hope and a brighter future,” she said. “This is only one part of your life.”

A Message of Hope

If she could summarize her journey in one word, it would be simple: hope.

That hope—supported by faith, family and a compassionate care team—continues to guide her forward each day.

“It’s a tough journey,” Stanton said. “But you have to stay positive, have faith and keep fighting.”

Through every step of her journey, Stanton’s experience reflects Piedmont Cartersville’s commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home.

By combining clinical excellence with a deeply personal approach, Piedmont providers and staff work to ensure patients receive not only the treatment they need, but the support and dignity they deserve.

For Stanton, that commitment has made all the difference—a powerful reminder of Piedmont’s mission to improve the health and well-being of every patient and community it serves.