Photos provide by Atrium Health+Harbin Clinic
A life of service, a season of resilience
After 31 years at Pepperell Elementary School, Bonnie Clark wrapped up her final year of teaching in May 2025. But as she stepped into retirement, she wasn’t just closing the door on a career, she was celebrating a powerful personal victory: three months in remission from breast cancer.
“I never imagined I’d be facing cancer during my last year in the classroom,” said Bonnie. “But I knew I wanted to finish strong.”
A screening changed everything
Like many teachers, Bonnie scheduled her annual mammogram during summer break. She had been monitoring a spot in her breast with her OB-GYN, Dr. Raymond Jarvis, since the previous fall. With her son’s wedding keeping her busy, the concern had slipped her mind until she was answering questions for the mammogram tech at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center’s Breast Center.
That conversation led to a repeat mammogram and ultrasound, followed by a biopsy. Within hours, she received the diagnosis: breast cancer.
Teaming up for treatment
Bonnie’s care team mobilized quickly. She met with Harbin Clinic surgeon Dr. Paul Brock Sr. the very next day. “The speed of everything was so comforting,” she said. “Dr. Brock taught me so much in such a short time.”
Further testing revealed Bonnie had triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that typically responds well to chemotherapy. Thankfully, scans showed the cancer hadn’t spread. She soon met with oncologist Dr. Melissa Dillmon, radiation oncologist Dr. J.C. Abdou and Brock again to finalize her treatment plan.
From August to December, Bonnie underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgery followed, and then radiation therapy in early 2025.
Classroom courage
Bonnie’s treatment aligned with her final year of teaching third grade. Determined not to miss a moment, she followed every instruction from her doctors. “I had to trust them completely,” she said.
Her school community rallied around her, offering time off, prayers, meals and gift cards. “I felt a little nauseous sometimes,” Bonnie said, “but I never threw up. I did everything they told me to do.”
After surgery, Brock confirmed there was no residual disease. Still, radiation was necessary to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells. “There are things the naked eye and current technologies cannot detect,” explained Abdou.
A community of care
Bonnie credits her care team — from cancer navigators to radiation therapists — for making her feel supported every step of the way. “Everyone was so relaxed and ready to help me feel at ease,” she said. “My experience was phenomenal.”
She also found strength in unexpected places. Several women she knew had faced the same diagnosis. “It was like a club I never expected to be part of,” Bonnie said. “But I could see God was with me the whole way.”
In August, Bonnie rang the treatment completion bell, marking the end of her immunotherapy and the beginning of a new chapter.
A message of hope
“I can’t thank all the people who walked alongside me enough: my school, my church, The Breast Center and the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center,” Bonnie said. “This is an incredible community to be a part of.”
Her story is a testament to the power of early screening, expert care and unwavering support. Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd continue to bring advanced technologies and compassionate care to northwest Georgia, ensuring patients like Bonnie receive the best possible outcomes close to home.
Join Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd for the 3rd annual Paperdoll Parade and 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Run this month.
To schedule a mammogram, call 706-509-6840 or visit our breast health website today.
