When Shantay Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, the Otken Elementary School third-grade teacher decided to prioritize her students over her own well being.
She delayed chemotherapy and a life-saving double mastectomy for most of the last school year in 2021 so she could continue teaching.
“In January last year, when I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer, I chose to hold off until after my kids took their state tests,” Roberts said. “I was their safe haven, and they depend on me.”
Roberts, 42, has been teaching at Otken Elementary for 18 years, and since being diagnosed she has undergone a double mastectomy and experienced complications.
“The right side of my breast got infected, and since then I’ve had three more surgeries,” she said. “I will be having my fourth in December, but I still need one more after that to put the implant back in.”
Roberts’ complications don’t stop there. In addition to chemotherapy, she also underwent radiation, and the treatments caused her blood sugar to spike and led to a diagnosis of diabetes.
“I don’t think a lot of people know or understand that diabetes can be caused by the radiation,” she said. “And now this is something else I have to live with. I’m trying to be strong but I’m only human.”
Along with the stress of the disease, the financial stress weighs heavily on Roberts, whose insurance only covers part of her treatments, and she still has to meet her deductible. She has set up a GoFundMe page and is trying to raise $5,000 to help cover her medical costs.
“Shots, scans, bills, surgeries, and now insulin, which is $200 a month. It all adds up,” she said. “I am thankful to have a tremendous support system, but even if I get the news that I am cancer-free, it’s never over. I still have to pay for insulin, take pills and go to scans for the rest of my life.”
Roberts said she trusts in God, and reminds herself that He won’t put on her more than she can bear, and that she is surrounded by a lot of love from her community.
“God is a healer,” she said. “I trust in Him. I am also surrounded by so much love. The kids in class know I’ve been sick, but it’s hard for them to understand it. Last year’s kids understand a little better now, and we have all cried together.
“I need them. The kids have been a tremendous help, as well as my two girls and godson.”
Evelle Thomas Dillon, Roberts’ friend and a member of the school board, started the GoFundMe page to help cover expenses.
“Our girls run track together and we’ve become close friends over the years. I was surprised when she told me that she created a GoFundMe,” Roberts said. “Evelle, Rob and Nikki Belote from the Partners in Education, which is made up of area business people who support the school district, have been so supportive and so helpful. Their kindness doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Roberts’ dedication to her classroom earned her the district’s Teacher of the Year Award for 2021-22, which came with a shopping spree for new furniture for her home and classroom, courtesy of the Partners in Education. Roberts only selected items for her classroom.
Even with a strong support system, Roberts said she often struggles at the end of the day.
“After work, once my kids are settled and everything is taken care of, I break down. I cry and I worry a lot, “she said. “The bills are stacking up — and not just my medical bills. I feel like even if the cancer does go away, it’s a win-lose situation.
“I’m struggling, but I’m relying on and trusting in God.”
Roberts said she appreciates anyone who takes from themselves to contribute to her financial burden and donates to her page.
To make a donation to Roberts’ GoFundMe page, visit https://bit.ly/3EUKrV0 .
