Ferris State Panel Brings Hope to Breast Cancer Talk

A breast cancer survivor, a medical tattoo artist, and a husband whose wife beat the disease are sitting down together to talk about what happens after diagnosis.

Ferris State University's Women's Network is hosting "Navigating a Change You Didn't Choose" on October 14 in Big Rapids, Michigan. The noon panel brings together four voices who understand breast cancer's ripple effect from different angles.

Dr. Elise Gramza survived breast cancer and now serves as executive assistant to the vice president for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives. She'll share her journey alongside Lisa Blacklaw, a lead mammography technologist who helps detect the disease early every day.

Stacie Becker brings a unique perspective as both a Humanities lecturer and medical tattoo artist. She helps women restore their sense of self after reconstruction surgery, addressing the stigma that survivors sometimes face.

Randy Cagle, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, rounds out the panel as a husband who supported his wife through treatment. His presence sends a powerful message about including men in these vital conversations.

Sara Higley, who leads the Women's Network, planned the panel to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "It's really important to have a male in the room," she said, recognizing that breast cancer affects entire families.

Why This Inspires

This panel does something remarkable. It transforms a disease that often gets whispered about into an open conversation that empowers rather than frightens.

The organizers hope students who've never faced cancer will leave with practical knowledge about self-exams and mammograms. They also want to break down the silence that can make survivors feel isolated during and after treatment.

The network carefully designed the event as a safe space, recognizing that someone recently diagnosed might be sitting in the audience. Light snacks and an accessible venue signal that this is a welcoming conversation, not a scary lecture.

The panel fits into the Women's Network's year-long focus on life transitions. September covered careers and retirement; October tackles a transition nobody chooses but many navigate.

By bringing together medical professionals, artists, survivors, and caregivers, Ferris State is showing students that hope and healing come in many forms.

The event is free and open to the entire Ferris State community, proving that the best medicine for fear is honest conversation.