In a remarkable show of resilience and dedication, two colleagues at a cancer centre in Florida have continued to support patients throughout their own battles with breast cancer. Karen Grant, a 67-year-old social worker, and Rosa Somsky, a 62-year-old breast care navigator, were both diagnosed with the disease in January. Their friendship and professional experiences have helped them navigate their challenging journeys together, offering mutual support in an environment where they fully understand what each other is experiencing.
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Both women have worked at AdventHealth Palm Coast’s Freytag Cancer Center for four years. Bonding over their shared commitment to helping cancer patients, their friendship deepened when they faced similar health challenges. Notably, Grant and Somsky were diagnosed with breast cancer only a few months apart, which served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of health and the intimacy of shared struggles.
“We could talk about fear, frustration and the things we sometimes didn’t want to share with the people we love because we didn’t want them to worry,” Somsky explained. This level of understanding and camaraderie allowed both women to connect in ways that were often beyond the reach of their friends and family. Their conversations were filled with empathy and the unique insights of individuals who had experienced the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis firsthand.
Navigating the dual roles of caregiver and patient proved challenging. Grant mentioned that while it was essential to maintain professional boundaries with cancer patients, her relationship with Somsky provided a safe space where they could openly discuss their feelings without holding back. “We shared experiences that no one else would be able to understand,” she said, highlighting the therapeutic aspect of their friendship.
Grant’s journey began after a seemingly routine mammogram in May 2025 revealed dense breast tissue. While there was no immediate evidence of cancer, a follow-up MRI and biopsy confirmed the presence of invasive ductal carcinoma, prompting her to undergo a lumpectomy and subsequent treatments. For Somsky, her diagnosis came after noticing a change near her left mastectomy area, nearly three decades after her first battle with breast cancer. The recurrence of invasive ductal carcinoma was unexpected and weighing heavily on her.
“It was surreal. After almost 28 years, breast cancer was part of my history, but I certainly wasn’t expecting it to become part of my present again,” Somsky recounted, reflecting on the emotional toll of her diagnosis. This immense weight is familiar to many who grapple with the reality of a cancer recurrence, particularly for those who have spent years in remission.
Despite their health challenges, both women remained committed to their work. Grant noted that while it was difficult to separate her professional responsibilities from her personal experiences, she found strength in her role. She felt that having gone through cancer herself allowed her to provide better support and empathy to her patients. “I definitely have a better understanding of what patients might be experiencing,” she said, indicating her hope to positively impact her work as a psychotherapist.
Somsky echoed this sentiment, explaining that her career as a nurse and a navigator had always revolved around supporting others during their most difficult times. Continuing to work while navigating her own cancer journey was pivotal. “There were moments when a patient’s story felt very close to my own. But the experience has also made me understand my patients on a much deeper level,” she added.
The ongoing friendships and professional bonds formed in challenging circumstances highlight the profound impact of shared experiences in the healthcare setting. Grant and Somsky’s ability to support one another while diligently tending to the needs of their patients illustrates an inspiring narrative of resilience amid adversity.
In their own ways, both women exemplify the strength of the human spirit. They remain committed not only to their health journeys but also to their missions of helping others, demonstrating that even in dire situations, compassion and camaraderie can thrive. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of community, understanding, and support within both personal and professional realms, especially in the face of life-altering challenges.