Kelly Overcomes Breast Cancer While Celebrating Key Life Milestones

For Kelly McDaniel-Morales, the year 2011 was supposed to be the start of her happily ever after. 

She was seven months pregnant, preparing to welcome her daughter. Her wedding was fast approaching. After months of anticipation, Kelly dreamt of starting her new family and the memories yet to come. Then came her diagnosis. 

During a self-breast exam, Kelly discovered a lump—Stage 2 ductal breast cancer. The birth of her daughter, Brooklyn, and her wedding to her husband, Vincent, now came with a new fear.  

“While those were exciting times, they were filled with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty,” Kelly says.  

Now, on the 14th anniversary of her diagnosis, Kelly, 43, is cancer free and grateful for the care she received at Saint Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit and Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. 

Saint Luke’s comes through 

After her diagnosis in 2011, Kelly saw breast radiologist Ruby Meierotto, MD, surgeon John Shook, MD, and their multidisciplinary care teams at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute. Drs. Meierotto and Shook emphasized coordination and continuity during Kelly’s cancer treatment. 

Kelly was induced a month early because of her cancer diagnosis, which led to baby Brooklyn spending 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Kelly also had her wedding during that time. 

The day before her daughter was discharged from the NICU, Kelly started chemotherapy to treat her cancer, followed by a mastectomy and total hysterectomy because of ovarian cysts. Her doctors and nurse navigators helped coordinate all the different types of care she received, allowing Kelly to concentrate on her newborn at home. 

“It felt like a family of people behind me, caring for me and rooting me on,” Kelly says. “And I truly believe they saved my life.” 

A mother’s love 

Aside from regular check-ups, Kelly knows she wouldn’t be where she is today if it weren’t for her support system and her focus on mental health. Kelly was fortunate to have her mother, who went with her to every appointment, taking notes and asking questions. 

Kelly works as a mental health care worker at Kansas City VA Medical Center, which she credits for helping her manage the stress of navigating breast cancer while simultaneously having a baby and a wedding. 

“I recognize the importance of getting mental health treatment,” Kelly says. “I knew I needed to talk to somebody and get some support.” 

Fifteen years removed from her cancer diagnosis and treatment, Kelly provides emotional support for other women in her life who have had breast cancer. She advocates for self-care, encouraging women to get regular breast exams and know when to seek help. 

“If you see anything abnormal, make sure you get in and get seen,” Kelly says. “Do your imaging. I appreciated having 3D imaging—it gives a clearer picture, especially for younger women with more dense tissue.” 

That group of women will soon include Brooklyn, who, because of her mother’s history, will start breast cancer screenings younger than the recommended age.  

Kelly is blessed to have survived cancer and witnessed her daughter’s milestones throughout the years. She hopes to be around when her daughter finds her happily ever after, too.  

About Saint Luke’s Breast Centers 

Whether you need a screening mammogram or breast cancer treatment, Saint Luke’s Breast Centers offer a full range of services and access to the latest imaging technology. Our fellowship-trained radiologists specialize in breast imaging and our specialized breast surgeons understand the intricacies of breast anatomy, bringing expertise to handle complex and unusual cases. 

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