Help Carmen Fight Breast Cancer

Many people know Carmen Stephens as a passionate educator, a devoted mother, and a woman of deep faith — but not everyone knows the battle she’s fighting right now.

In July 2025, Carmen’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that makes up only about 10–15% of all breast cancer cases. Because it often spreads quietly and is harder to detect in early stages, women like Carmen are often diagnosed later, when treatment is more aggressive and the road to recovery is tougher.

At just the moment she was stepping into a major career milestone — becoming the Academic Dean of Math at a local middle school in Nashville, TN — she received the news no one ever wants to hear: you have cancer.

To make things even more challenging, Carmen had just started this new position, meaning she was not yet eligible for FMLA and has not received a single payment from short-term disability despite months of waiting. Bills don’t stop, medical costs pile up, and yet every day she keeps showing up for her students, her staff, and most importantly, her child — because Carmen is also a full-time single mom.

She balances chemotherapy appointments, endless paperwork, and moments of exhaustion with the everyday joys and responsibilities of motherhood — homework help, dinner, bedtime stories, and prayers whispered through tears and gratitude. Her child is her greatest source of motivation, reminding her that this fight is not just for herself, but for their future together.

Carmen comes from a legacy of strength — her own mother is a breast cancer survivor, and that same fighting spirit runs through her veins. She refuses to let this diagnosis define her or diminish her light.

For over 11 years, Carmen has poured her heart into education, shaping young minds and empowering teachers to bring math to life for their students. She’s the type of person who gives selflessly to others — the teacher who stays late, the leader who encourages, the friend who checks in, and the mentor who believes in every child’s potential.

She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has embraced the values of service, sisterhood, and strength — values that now sustain her as she walks this difficult path.

Through it all, Carmen has clung to her faith and her favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Even in her weakest moments, she holds onto hope, believing that God is still writing her story — and that this is not how it ends.

Right now, Carmen needs help. The financial strain of treatment, combined with the lack of income from disability, has made it incredibly difficult to keep up with medical expenses, household bills, and the everyday costs of raising a child alone.

Your contribution — no matter the amount — can help lift a tremendous weight off Carmen’s shoulders. It can help keep a roof over their heads, cover the costs of treatment, transportation to appointments, medication, and give her a small measure of peace as she continues her fight for life and for her child.

If you can’t give, please share this campaign. Every share expands the circle of love and support around Carmen — and that, too, makes a difference.

Carmen and her family are deeply grateful for your prayers, your generosity, and your belief in her journey toward healing.

Thank you for standing beside her in this fight.

— Team Carmen