Florida Teacher Calls Cancer 'One of My Greatest Gifts

When Dr. Phillips High teacher Suzanne Scherfer says "cancer was one of my greatest gifts," she means every word.

Diagnosed with Stage 1 triple negative breast cancer in September 2021, Scherfer never imagined the disease would give her a new purpose. Today, she mentors newly diagnosed patients through their reconstruction surgery fears, offering the listening ear she wished she'd had.

Her cancer journey started with an unusual twist. The day before school began, a student with autism jumped into her lap and hurt her hip. The injury led to an X-ray that revealed something suspicious, eventually catching her cancer at Stage 1.

What started as a simple lumpectomy turned complicated when genetic testing revealed markers for aggressive triple negative cancer. Scherfer faced a double mastectomy, ovary removal, and intense chemotherapy. By Thanksgiving, her hair fell out. By week eight, crushing fatigue set in.

But Scherfer kept teaching and kept laughing. When a student complained about wanting longer hair, she quipped, "I know, me too." Her humor became her survival tool.

Sunny's Take

After her successful reconstruction surgery in January 2023, Scherfer left her phone number at the plastic surgeon's office. Now she regularly calls and meets with scared patients facing the same procedure, bringing her signature comedic relief to their darkest moments.

"I'm a comedy show," she says. "I want to help people because it's scary."

Her calling to help others started long before cancer. Scherfer discovered she had dyslexia and learning disabilities while earning her master's degree at Florida International University. Suddenly, years of being called "stupid" and "lazy" by high school teachers made sense.

Now teaching Exceptional Student Education, she understands exactly what her struggling students face. She holds them to high standards because she knows they can succeed, just like she did.

On March 26, the Dr. Phillips softball team honored Scherfer at their Strike Out Cancer Night game. She threw the first pitch wearing a custom pink jersey signed by all the players. Old friends who heard about her diagnosis reconnected. Her community rallied around her.

Cancer didn't dim Scherfer's light. It helped her shine brighter, reaching people who need hope when fear feels overwhelming.