Surviving and Thriving: Devin Jefferson’s breast cancer journey inspires awareness at Stockton

By Brianna Barretta on October 23, 2023

October is known by the masses not only for its fall weather or “spooky season”, but as a time to bring awareness to breast cancer, being dubbed Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People show their support throughout the month by raising money, hosting walks, and wearing pink. While many are lucky enough to not know the impact this month may carry, the Stockton community has a very important reason to raise awareness. Stockton University Women’s head basketball coach, Devin Jefferson, is a survivor who shared her story about how early detection saved her life.

Jefferson recalled how she received a phone call about her college teammate Simona “Monie” Burgess having recently passed. Burgess had passed after a valiant battle against breast cancer. In an article posted by Stockton Athletics (via stocktonatletics.com), Jefferson spoke about her teammate, claiming she was, “so young and so full of life”. Burgess was just 38 when she passed, while the age recommended to begin screening is 50. Each year about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women (cdc.gov).

Last June Jefferson was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. She spoke in the article to Stockton Athletics claiming, “I didn’t understand all of what was involved. My doctor immediately talked about surgery and post-treatment options with radiation and possible chemotherapy, and I was numb to it all”.

Early detection in women can be life-changing. According to cancer.org.au, early detection is the best factor in improving chances of survival. Jefferson stated, “I was fortunate to get great care and find a new perspective on life and what’s really important. Going through surgery and post-treatment radiation during the basketball season was not ideal. You’re constantly battling with your health while also figuring out how to be your best self in front of a group of impressionable young people. As difficult as it was, you remain steadfast, you just keep going”.

Jefferson hopes to raise awareness by sharing her story. There are many amazing places women and men can go in the area to find help and try to track any early detection. Information for the cancer centers will be listed below for those who are interested in making an appointment.

RESOURCES

Nazha Cancer Center: Phone: (609)-383-6033

Website: https://www.nazhacancercenter.com/

Location: 411 New Road, Northfield, New Jersey 08225

Shore Cancer Center: Phone: (609)-653-3585

Website: https://shoremedicalcenter.org/centers/cancer

Location: 100 Medical Center Way, Somers POint, NJ 08244

AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute: Phone: (609)-677-7777

Website: https://www.atlanticare.org/location/atlanticare-cancer-care-institute-egg-harbor-township

Location: 2500 English Creek Ave, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

Atlantic Medical Imaging:

Egg Harbor Township