Thoughtfully Investing in Medical Advancements

In December 1999, Sandra (Sandy) Jones learned she had Stage 4 breast cancer. The no-cure diagnosis demanded the 59-year-old business leader to abruptly adjust her career, family, travel and health priorities. But she never let the weight of her diagnosis consume her.

A few years ago, from a place of gratitude and hope, Sandy became a member of the Pyramid Legacy Society with her pledge of an estate gift to Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute.

“I have not once asked, ‘Why me?’” the Chagrin Falls, Ohio, resident said of her illness. “If I did, I’d have to ask, ‘Why me?’ for all the wonderful things in my life — a much longer life than I expected, given my diagnosis. And for that, I’m very grateful to Cleveland Clinic.

“Mine is not a singular story,” Sandy said. “It’s about many of the people at Cleveland Clinic who helped me navigate each of the medical challenges I had to deal with over the years. The doctors are excellent, as are all the support techs, nurses and everyone I’ve encountered.”

Sandy attributes her resilience over the last 27 years to a grit inherited from her parents, who were Holocaust survivors — her mother of the Bergen-Belsen camps and her father of Auschwitz. Born in a German displaced persons camp, Sandy was only 3 years old when her family arrived in Cleveland. They were sponsored by previously unknown Cleveland relatives who had been located through the Red Cross.

This foundational strength propelled her through a trailblazing career as an entrepreneur in the male-dominated security industry. A devoted stepmother to three daughters and a consummate volunteer, Sandy’s resolve carried her forward even after the passing of her husband of 48 years.

Beating Daunting Odds

Sandy made an appointment to see her primary care doctor in November 1999 when her bra began feeling inexplicably tight. He referred her immediately to Cleveland Clinic for diagnostic testing. When her cancer was confirmed, Sandy chose Steven Andresen, DO, as her oncologist. When Dr. Andresen retired, Sandy moved the management of her care to Halle Moore, MD, Director of Breast Medical Oncology in the Department of Hematology and Oncology.

Sandy began chemotherapy in December and had a mastectomy three months later. This treatment was followed up with more chemotherapy and radiation. Sandy is grateful that her medical team also introduced the targeted Herceptin immunotherapy as a newer treatment at the time.

But in December 2015, the cancer metastasized in her lung and spine. In 2020, it spread to her brain. Aggressive treatment, including gamma knife and new drugs continued.

“I’m on my second port,” Sandy shared. “I wear them out.” She estimates she’s had more than 200 infusions over the years. “I’ve lost my hair twice in this journey, and I’ve had lots of side effects.”

Sandy jokes Dr. Moore is “a champion at Whac-A-Mole.” Whenever the cancer appears in a new location, “Dr Moore is ready with a new, sophisticated course of action.” Sandy believes Cleveland Clinic doctors excel at choosing the right protocol at exactly the right time, often far ahead of other institutions.

A Partnership in Care

Sandy’s gift is an investment in “the continued thoughtful use of technology and the pursuit of research.” She trusts Cleveland Clinic to pursue cures in a way that is both safe and smart. However, Sandy also believes that patients have a responsibility to work alongside their medical teams.

"The best medicine must be complimented by a patient’s own commitment to health," Sandy said. Even as she approaches her 80th birthday, she remains dedicated to her healthy diet and walking at least 10,000 steps most days. Her tenacity and positive attitude will, no doubt, continue to inspire many.

Sandy also hopes her gift will make a difference to future Cleveland Clinic cancer patients’ journeys. “It’s significant to me, even if it may be considered a modest sum to some,” she noted. “All donations count.”