Arkansas Cancer Center Celebrates Survivors Across State

Sonya Ingram never expected breast cancer to change her for the better, but that's exactly what happened.

"I think that I'm more empathetic now that I've walked in someone else's shoes," said Ingram, who completed treatment at CARTI, a cancer care provider serving 18 locations across Arkansas. "I feel like I want to be a better person. I want to do more."

Her transformation reflects a growing understanding among oncologists about what cancer survivorship really means. Dr. Diane Wilder, a medical oncologist at CARTI, sees it differently than most people expect.

"Survivorship doesn't start when cancer ends. It actually starts the moment someone's diagnosed with cancer," Dr. Wilder explained. "It's really a commitment to live every day, to make the choice to participate in whatever is brought before you."

That perspective helped Ingram navigate one of the scariest experiences of her life. She credits the CARTI team with making an overwhelming journey manageable through compassionate care at every step.

"Dr. Wilder just calmed me with her confidence, her knowledge and her ability to make me feel like I'm going to get there," Ingram said. "It blessed me in a way I can't even tell you."

The center offers support that extends far beyond medical treatment. The Bridge at CARTI provides counseling, support groups, yoga classes, financial advocacy, and an appearance center for patients rebuilding their confidence. Services are available both in person and virtually across the state.

Why This Inspires

Ingram's advice to newly diagnosed patients reflects the resilience that defines cancer survivors everywhere. She tells people to acknowledge the pain at first, then make a choice about moving forward.

"You need to get up, dust yourself off and make up your mind what kind of patient you're going to be," she said. "Decide if you're going to be positive or negative because I am a firm believer that your attitude toward anything makes all the difference in the world."

Dr. Wilder emphasized that no patient faces the journey alone. From the first diagnosis through years of follow-up care, survivors walk alongside newly diagnosed patients at every stage.

June marks National Cancer Survivors Month, celebrating the thousands of Arkansans who have faced cancer and chosen to live fully through it. Thanks to continued advances in screening and treatment, more people join their ranks every year.

For Ingram, the message is simple: "Put your gloves on, and get ready to kick cancer."