Beneficiary Spotlight: Joanna Stanton
At Miles for Moms, we are honored to support women whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Joanna is a strong mom of two boys and she found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas day last year. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and gratitude in the face of life's unexpected challenges. Donate to Joanna and our Miles for Moms beneficiaries.
Joanna, a wife and mother of two teenage boys, Cameron and Jake, lives on Martha's Vineyard with her family.
Her breast cancer journey began on Christmas Day 2025 when she opened her patient portal and saw results that would change her life forever. Wanting to protect her family from worry during the holiday, she chose not to share the news right away. Instead, she waited until the following day, after speaking with her nurse navigator, to tell her husband.
The diagnosis brought feelings of shock, sadness, and uncertainty. Like many women facing breast cancer, Joanna found herself balancing the emotional weight of her diagnosis while continuing to care for her family and manage daily responsibilities. Financial concerns quickly became part of the challenge as well. Her husband owns a seasonal irrigation business on Martha's Vineyard, and Joanna helps manage the bookkeeping and office operations. With her work schedule reduced during treatment, the impact was felt throughout the household.
On February 4, 2026, Joanna underwent a lumpectomy at Massachusetts General Hospital. While she felt grateful to have caught the cancer early, the weeks leading up to surgery were filled with anxiety as she waited to learn more about her diagnosis and treatment plan.
Following surgery, Joanna completed 20 rounds of radiation therapy at Falmouth Hospital throughout April 2026. Because she lives on Martha's Vineyard, treatment required a significant daily commute. Most mornings began at 4:30 a.m. so she could catch the 6:15 a.m. ferry to the mainland and arrive in time for her appointments. After treatment, she would make the trip back home, often exhausted from both the treatment and the travel.
Despite the challenges, Joanna remained focused on recovery. She credits her husband, sons, medical team, social workers, nurse navigators, friends, and local support organizations for helping her through the most difficult moments. She is especially grateful for the support she received from the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support community and for the inspiration she found in hearing other women's breast cancer stories.
Today, Joanna has successfully completed radiation treatment and is beginning endocrine therapy. While the fear of recurrence remains something she continues to navigate, she approaches the future with hope and determination. Her experience has strengthened her appreciation for family, health, and the simple gift of everyday life.
"I am so grateful that I caught this cancer early," Joanna shares. "It's a blessing to be alive."
Joanna’s husband and two boys, Cameron and Jake, at a Celtics game at TD Garden.
Looking ahead, Joanna hopes to become involved in organizations that support breast cancer patients and survivors. Having experienced firsthand the impact of community support, she wants to help other women facing the same challenges she has overcome.
We are honored to recognize Joanna Stanton as a Miles for Moms beneficiary. Her courage, perseverance, and positive spirit serve as an inspiration to everyone in our community.
