Shavonnya Marshall’s battle with breast cancer has come with great wins and even greater losses. While she herself has managed to overcome the disease twice, it claimed the life of her mother.
A police officer and the owner of Chadash Custom Designs, and her mom Typhany Clarke, both underwent cancer treatment the same time.
Shavonnya’s journey began in September 2022 when she discovered a lump in her right breast while taking a shower. With both of her grandmothers having battled breast cancer, she understood the importance of quickly having it checked.
About two weeks later, she visited her doctor, who recommended a lumpectomy and biopsy. Approximately six weeks later, she returned to his office believing she was simply collecting a sick note for work.
Instead, she received news that would change her life.
She recalls being called into the doctor’s office alone and told that she had an aggressive form of breast cancer known as triple-negative breast cancer. She says the doctor also told her she had less than five years to live.
“Those were the only words I could process,” she recalled. “I don’t remember the drive home. I only remember walking into my living room, falling to the floor, calling my mother and saying, ‘I have breast cancer. I can’t talk right now,’ before hanging up.”
Treatment followed. She completed 15 rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and, in early 2023, was declared cancer-free.
She believed the ordeal was behind her. However, scans performed before a planned breast surgery in January 2024 revealed that the cancer had returned. This time, there was no lump and no outward warning. The cancer had spread to her chest wall and a lymph node behind it.
“I was afraid, but I knew I had to fight again,” she said. “I put my boxing gloves back on and entered the ring for a second time.”
The following month came more devastating news; her mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Suddenly, we were fighting the same battle together,” says Shavonnya.
She underwent another seven rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation. In January 2025, she rang the bell marking the completion of treatment and was declared cancer-free once again. One month later, her mother rang the bell too.
For a brief period, mother and daughter shared the joy of reaching that milestone. Then, in May 2025, Mrs Clarke began experiencing leg pain that was initially believed to be an injury. Within weeks, her legs weakened, and she eventually became paralysed from the waist down. Scans revealed that the cancer had spread to her spine.
On July 20, 2025, Typhany Clarke died.
“Losing my mother while continuing my own cancer journey changed me forever,” Shavonnya said. “But I am still here. I am still fighting, still believing, and still choosing to live.”
Throughout her experience, support has been an essential part of facing the disease and recovering from treatment. Shavonnya credits the Gennie Dean Cancer Support Foundation as an integral part of her support team during her breast cancer recovery.
Her story highlights how deeply a cancer diagnosis can affect an entire family, and how much it matters to have people and organisations offering support along the way.
“My journey has taught me that cancer is more than a diagnosis,” she said. “It is a fight that affects families, changes lives, and requires strength far beyond what you think you have.”
For the Grand Bahama native, sharing that journey is also a way to honour her mother and stand alongside others facing cancer. Her account begins with recognising a change in her body and seeking medical attention, and continues through the difficult work of treatment, recovery and grief.
“I continue to fight in honour of my mother, my family, and everyone who is still in the fight,” she says.