Heidi's Story: The Power of Perseverance and Personalized Cancer Care

Heidi Ann Sieck (sounds like Hide and Seek) was no stranger to change. Her career path had taken her in many different directions, from restaurant owner and hairdresser to radio DJ. But in early 2025, she found herself facing one of the biggest changes of her life.

A healthy and active person, Heidi made it a priority to stay on top of her health. She was consistent with mammograms and her most recent screening in June 2024 came back normal. But just six months later, she noticed something that made her pause.

For several days, she monitored the lump and debated whether she should see her primary care physician or if she was simply overthinking it. Inspired by her sister’s recent breast cancer diagnosis, she decided to make the appointment.

Her physician agreed she had made the right decision and referred her for a biopsy. One week later, Heidi received the results that confirmed her instincts: she had breast cancer.

“My first reaction was, ‘Okay what now? What am I going to do?’” Heidi recalled.

She knew she needed a plan, but she had never seen an oncologist before and wasn’t sure where to turn. Her physician recommended American Oncology Network (AON) partner practice Genesis Blood and Cancer Institute (GCBI), a nearby community oncology practice. He also recommended a specific oncologist for Heidi: Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers.

“My doctor said that he was going to pair me with a doctor at Genesis who matched my personality,” she said.

Things moved quickly from there. Just one day after receiving her diagnosis, Heidi met with Dr. Divers to discuss her treatment plan. They connected immediately, just as her primary care physician had predicted.

“Dr. Divers knew exactly what he wanted to do. He was straightforward, but he was caring. He spent the time with me, and I had faith in him.”

During that first appointment, Dr. Divers explained that she had triple-negative breast cancer and reassured her that he had a plan. His confidence, compassion and clear direction gave Heidi comfort during one of the most uncertain moments of her life.

On March 18, 2025, just two weeks after her diagnosis, Heidi began chemotherapy.

The treatments weren’t easy, but she never faced them alone. Her husband, sister, or daughter accompanied her to every chemotherapy appointment, providing unwavering support throughout her treatment.

“Some days, I didn’t want to talk to anybody because I just wanted to get it over with,” Heidi recalled. “But there were other days when just talking to somebody and having them listen helped.”

She also found comfort in her care team at GCBI.

“When I started my first treatment, I immediately connected with my nurse, Patrice,” Heidi said. “If I wasn’t feeling good that day, she would be there to pick me up, and she knew just what I needed. She took really good care of both me and my husband.”

Whether it was Patrice making sure her husband’s chair was set up beside her before every chemotherapy appointment or Dr. Divers arriving with a well-timed “dad joke” to make her laugh, Heidi knew she was surrounded by people who cared for her not only as a patient but also as a person.

She also credits her career and strong work ethic with helping her through treatment. Heidi continued working throughout chemotherapy, rarely taking a day off. Staying focused on her job gave her purpose and kept her mind from dwelling on the “what ifs” that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

After five months of chemotherapy, Heidi completed treatment in August 2025 and underwent surgery the following month. At her follow-up PET scan and appointment with Dr. Divers, she received the news she had been hoping for: there was no evidence of cancer.

When Heidi was first diagnosed, she searched for answers. Why had she developed breast cancer? Had she done something wrong? She looked for an explanation, hoping to make sense of what had happened.

But after completing treatment, her perspective changed.

“There’s a reason for this diagnosis. I don’t know the reason and I don’t know why, but I’ve gotten past the point of needing a reason,” she said. “I got it. Let’s move on. Let’s figure out what we need to do to help other people.”

Today, as a cancer survivor, Heidi is focused on using her experience to encourage others. She has already inspired people in her community to take charge of their health. After hearing her story, several women in her office scheduled mammograms—some for the very first time.

Heidi knows now, more than ever, that life is full of unexpected changes. While she can’t predict what the future holds, she’s learned to embrace each day as it comes.

“I prepare for the future, but I don’t dwell on whether something will come up. I’m just going to live for today and do the best I can.”