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Article Category: PeopleCare

Conquering Breast Cancer with a Wellstar Support Team

Published on October 22, 2021

Last updated 12:48 PM August 28, 2023

Photo of breast cancer patient Ebony-Joy Igbinoba

When Ebony-Joy Igbinoba was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at age 38, an interdisciplinary team of Wellstar experts stood by her side to help her face cancer with confidence.

Now she is living cancer-free, with a Wellstar care team dedicated to keeping her healthy.

Ebony-Joy started to feel ill at a church concert in spring 2019. She checked in with her primary care provider Dr. Nandini Sunkireddy, who told her that due to the anatomy of her breasts, a mammogram would give a more accurate picture of her health than a traditional exam. 

Once Ebony-Joy had gotten her mammogram, Wellstar acted quickly, calling her the same day to get additional images and then a biopsy. Ebony-Joy was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer—cancer in both breasts, which is rare, especially at her younger age.

Ebony-Joy decided to get a double mastectomy with Wellstar Breast Surgeon Dr. Laura Pearson. Then, she got chemotherapy at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. At every step, she found a support system, including oncologists Dr. Carlos Osmon and Dr. Nagender Mankan, as well as Physician Assistant Kristen Gue. Dr. Pearson and Dr. Asaf Yalif completed her reconstruction.

Ebony-Joy said her providers are proactive, friendly and approachable. 

“I trust them with my life, and they’re fighting with me,” she said. “They’re rooting for me.”

Ebony-Joy’s care team looked out for every aspect of her well-being—even as she was being treated for breast cancer, her providers paid attention to all her health needs. She saw a Wellstar psychologist, who helped her cope with the diagnosis. 

To watch for any side effects of cancer treatment on her heart, Ebony-Joy sees Cardiologist Dr. Natasha Mamdani. Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Inder Tandon and Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Nora Hurt also joined her care team to monitor her health.

“God has blessed me with Wellstar doctors, nurses and staff that are truly dedicated to top-notch comprehensive care,” Ebony-Joy said. “They are my superheroes.”

Ebony-Joy’s care team also knew that her diagnosis did not just affect her—they were concerned for her family’s well-being, too. Her nurse navigators referred her to resources about how to talk to children when their parent has cancer, as well as support groups and financial assistance.

“As a single mother, they knew how important it was for me to fight for my kids,” Ebony-Joy said about her Wellstar providers. “I come from an amazing family, and I am happy to add Wellstar to it as they will continue to support me for years to come.”

Ebony-Joy not only stays informed of her own health—she is looking out for her children, too. She learned that she has a gene mutation that also makes her more likely to be affected by pancreatic cancer. She also discovered that two of her great aunts and her cousin all had breast cancer. Now that she knows her family history, her children will get screened at early ages to stay healthy. 

Visit wellstar.org/cancercare to learn more about fighting cancer with Wellstar. To schedule a mammogram to check in on your breast health, call (678) 581-5900.

Tags

North Fulton Medical Center Laura Rivers Pearson Carlos A Osmon
Nagender Mankan Natasha Mamdani Inder Sumrat Tandon Nora Constance Hurt Primary Care Cancer Care Womens Health PeopleCare
Related Articles
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Highlights

Out of Sight, Still a Threat

Five years ago, you probably had hand sanitizer in your car, a thermometer in your bag and a mental checklist for every sniffle. That was life during COVID. But these days? It’s easy to forget what once felt urgent.

The same thing happens with men’s health—especially prostate cancer. For a brief moment, maybe after a friend was diagnosed or during a Movember campaign, it’s top-of-mind. But if nothing seems wrong, it quickly slips to the back burner.

That’s a problem—because prostate cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.

At Wellstar, we see too many men surprised by late diagnoses. Why? Because they felt fine. Because they had no symptoms. Because they believed some version of the same three myths:

“Prostate cancer doesn’t kill men.”

Actually, it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. But when ignored, it’s dangerous.

“I don’t have symptoms, so I’m good.”

Most early-stage prostate cancers are completely silent. No pain, no urinary issues, no warning. That’s why screening matters.

“Testing leads to side effects.”

Screening doesn’t mean treatment. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple tool that helps guide the next steps. Many men with slow-growing cancers don’t need surgery—just monitoring. For those who do need treatment, options are far more precise and less invasive than they used to be.

Still, fear or discomfort around the prostate keeps many men from checking in until it’s too late. We get it. It’s not the most glamorous part of the body—but it’s vital.

Think of it this way: you’d never ignore a lump on your neck or blood in your stool. Why ignore the most common cancer in men (besides skin cancer) just because it’s not visible?

Our team at Wellstar makes prostate cancer screening simple, discreet and personalized. We’re here to talk through your family history, explain your risks and offer guidance without pressure. Whether it’s time for a PSA test, a digital exam or just a conversation, we meet you where you are.

Remember: ignoring prostate cancer doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it harder to treat. Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.

Ready to take action?

Find a urologist near you and book your appointment online. What’s out of sight shouldn’t be out of mind.

Keep reading
Child flexing arms and posing as a superhero.

Highlights

Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.

Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.

Playfully styled Wellstar Children's Healthcare of Georgia logo, which incorporates a rainbow and has the feel of a child's illustration.

Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same. 

“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”

At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.

“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”

A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens

Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.

Navigating life’s most challenging moments

 

During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.

A long legacy of care

 

Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more. 

Care in Augusta 

Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to: 

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
  • A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
  • A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
  • A Level IV Epilepsy Center
  • One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
  • Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions 
  • Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions

Care in Metro Atlanta
 

Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers 
  • An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta 
  • Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
  • Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services

Care in West Georgia

In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:

  • Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange

Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids

As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.

In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.

In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.

"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”

Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.

Keep reading
Runners take their mark on the track. Text reads XanderCare.

PeopleCare

XanderCare

Xander Garanzuay, a long-distance runner, never imagined his high school track meet would end with him being airlifted to the hospital. But when a discus struck him in the head, he suffered a depressed skull fracture and needed emergency surgery.

Thanks to the quick action and collaboration of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's trauma and neurosurgery teams, Xander is now back to running. His story highlights the resilience of the human body, the strength of family and the impact of expert care.

A sudden accident

After finishing the 2-mile race at a track meet in Cartersville, Xander stayed to support his Woodstock High School teammates. When he was ready to go home, he texted his parents.

A few moments later, everything changed. While tossing a ball with his friend, Xander ran to retrieve it—just as a discus struck him in the head.

The discus hit Xander on the left side of his head with such force that he fell unconscious. Xander began seizing—his condition was critical. While his friend raced to notify their coaches, Kelly, Xander’s mom, had arrived to pick him up.

“I’m sitting out front texting Xander, ‘I’m here,’ when emergency vehicles start pulling up,” Kelly said. “Then my husband called—‘Xander’s been hit.’”

Kelly stayed with Xander as EMS evaluated him. “He was awake but not coherent,” she noted. They determined he would need to be airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone, a Level I Trauma Center.

Life-saving surgery

Xander was swiftly transported to Wellstar Kennestone, where the trauma team was ready to act. Upon arrival, Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Parry assessed the severity of Xander’s injury: a depressed skull fracture causing seizures.

“The discus is a large weight—picture a five-pound Frisbee—that is flung through the air,” said Dr. Parry. “Thankfully, Xander’s skull protected his brain, but he essentially sustained a ballistic injury to the skull.”

The impact to the left side of Xander’s skull left him with a fixed-focus neurologic deficit. His right arm—his dominant arm—had no muscle strength, and his right leg was weak.

Dr. Parry performed an emergency craniotomy to remove the bone pressing on Xander’s brain. The surgery was successful, but the road ahead was uncertain.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t the surgery itself—this is something we do every day,” he said. “It was telling a 16-year-old and his mother that we didn’t know whether he would regain function in his dominant arm.”

Kelly had to trust in the care Xander was receiving. “You don’t know what you’re going to do in that situation. Nothing prepares you,” she said. “I had to have faith that he was in the right hands—and he truly was.”

Steady progress

The day after Xander’s surgery, Wellstar Kennestone’s physical and occupational therapy teams began working at his bedside to restore movement in his non-functioning arm and leg.

“You want to do everything you can to optimize the body’s ability to heal,” said Dr. Parry. “It was important that we provided that environment for him.”

Xander’s positive attitude and determination played a crucial role in regaining function. His dad, Xavier, was amazed by his son’s resilience.

“He was so proactive and driven to get better,” Xavier said. “It was inspiring to watch.”

Still, sometimes the reality of what happened sank in. “He woke up one night and said, ‘I could have died,’” his mom remembered. “I told him, ‘Yes, but you didn’t.’ He said, ‘God must have something really special planned for me.’”

Xander applied the same fortitude from running to each step of his healing. “Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your biggest supporter,” he said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else believe in you?”

Care that made a difference

Xander spent six days at Wellstar Kennestone before being transferred to inpatient rehabilitation. The support from Wellstar’s care team made a lasting impact.

They were there for whatever we needed—compassionate and always listening to Xander’s needs,” Kelly said.

One night during his stay, Xander woke needing help to get to the restroom. When a nurse arrived, he suddenly began seizing. “I’ve never seen eight nurses in a room so quickly,” his mom recalled. “Everyone knew exactly what to do.”

One poignant moment came when Xander’s family had the discus—now a symbol of victory over his injury—signed by his care team.

“It’s rewarding as a physician to know that I played a small part in restoring his ability to use his arm again,” Dr. Parry reflected. “As a parent, I know the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of neurologic recovery. To see Xander move his arms and legs again, as if nothing happened, is a relief that’s indescribable.”

The power of community

Xander’s recovery was supported not only by his family and Wellstar care team, but also by his school and community. After the accident, his track team dedicated the next meet to him, with “Run for Xander” wristbands and signs. A teammate also started a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $13,000 to help with the family’s medical expenses.

“People from all over came together for Xander,” Xavier said. “Posts on his team’s Facebook page were shared with running clubs from Canada to Miami. We were blown away.”

Xander was especially touched by the support. “This whole experience showed me how much my family loves me,” he said. “Seeing my friends, teachers and even family from Texas come to help—it meant so much.”

A bright future

After two and a half weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Xander transitioned to outpatient rehab and continued regular follow-ups with Dr. Parry at the Wellstar Neurosurgery clinic. “At each phase, he received the best possible care,” explained Dr. Parry. “That’s why he had such a great outcome.”

Today, Xander is almost fully recovered and back doing what he loves most—running. “Physically and mentally, he’s doing phenomenal,” Kelly said. “He has his own training program. I am so proud of him.”

Xander’s progress wouldn’t have been possible without the trauma care network that supported him every step of the way. “The benefit of the trauma network can’t be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “It ensures people get the best possible outcome even on their worst day.”

With expert care and determination, Xander is ready for whatever comes next.

Learn more about Trauma Services and Neuro Care at Wellstar.

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