A Veteran’s Journey Through Breast Cancer, Courage, and Renewal

Maria Edwards loved serving in the Navy. She loved the structure, the rhythm of the sea, and the camaraderie with her fellow sailors. But in 2021, during her 19^th year of service, she received a diagnosis that changed everything: aggressive, late-stage breast cancer.

Maria’s first thoughts weren’t of herself, but of her crew.

“I still wanted to do my job because, to be honest, it was hard not being able to go on ship every day and see the sailors [I served with] and make sure that they are taken care of,” Maria said.

Over the course of 23 years in the Navy, Maria deployed multiple times. She led with compassion and strength each time, carrying her sense of duty like a second skin. But during her deployment in 2021, life shifted in a way her military training hadn’t prepared her for.

As she faced one of her toughest battles yet, Maria discovered a new kind of support system through the life-changing programs and services offered by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

A Military Calling

Maria grew up guided by her great-grandfather, who inspired her sense of patriotism and her choice to serve in the military.

“He’s one of the people that I really looked up to, and I thought joining the military would make him proud,” Maria said. “And it really did because not many females in our family went to the military.”

After high school, Maria joined the Navy. As an information technician, she managed secure communications between ships and the shore. For her, the Navy was more than a job, more than a career; it was a calling.

“I really like being able to make an impact on the sailors,” Maria said. “Even to this day, I have sailors contacting me and telling me when they've advanced and things like that. So, for me, it's being able to be there for someone, even now that I'm not in the military, I'm still helping other veterans, and that’s a big thing for me.”

During a deployment in 2021, Maria noticed an unfamiliar lump during a routine self-exam. She didn’t immediately think of breast cancer. She was young and had no other symptoms. She planned to have it checked after returning from deployment, but by February 2022, when she finally did, the cancer had spread.

A Different Kind of Battle

Maria’s treatment began immediately. Chemotherapy. Surgeries. Radiation. She tried to keep working through it all, clinging to the military life that sustained her for two decades. Continuing to work helped her focus on something other than her illness. She also didn’t want to leave her team in a bind.

“I had already started chemotherapy, so it was pretty hard going to work every day on the ship,” Maria said. “But I asked to stay for a little bit, maybe like a month, so I could get someone else trained for my role.”

With the Navy’s support, Maria continued her work on shore command.

“It helped me to be around people and feel like I was wanted there,” she said.

For two years, she underwent extensive treatment — six rounds of chemo, multiple surgeries including the removal of 10 lymph nodes, 25 rounds of radiation. The cancer also left her with a diminished range of motion in her arm and neck, requiring occupational therapy.

Through it all, she had one constant, her mother. Maria’s mom relocated to Hawaii to support her. But six months into Maria’s treatment, doctors diagnosed her mom with breast cancer. Though it was less aggressive than Maria’s and diagnosed early, suddenly, Maria became the caregiver.

“My role as a service member and daughter who was getting cared for had to be reversed. I was caring for her,” Maria said.

Expanding Her Support System

Maria tried to stay positive for her family, especially her mom, but it wasn’t easy. She was facing the physical and emotional toll of cancer while trying to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Even after going into remission, she worried constantly about recurrence.

Finding an outlet to improve her physical and mental health became a priority.

“What I did really appreciate at the time is that I got involved with Navy Wounded Warrior, and then they actually got me started with Wounded Warrior Project,” Maria said. “That's what really helped me a lot.”

Through WWP™, Maria attended Warrior Care Network®, an accelerated brain health treatment program to help veterans heal from PTSD and other mental health concerns. More importantly, she had the opportunity to connect with other service members, something that was a huge part of her Navy career.

“A big factor for me to continue my service was being able to motivate [my fellow sailors] and make an impact on them,” Maria said. “Even to this day, I have sailors contacting me and telling me when they've advanced and things like that. So, for me, it's being able to be there for someone. Even now that I'm not in the military, I'm still helping other veterans. It’s a big thing for me.”

Maria also realized that while her body had changed, her spirit hadn’t. She’s heavily involved in WWP’s adaptive sports program and competed in the Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games twice.

“Being able to try new things has been amazing,” Maria said. “When I got cancer, I thought ‘I'm never going to be able to do these things again’. I used to be an avid runner. I used to run marathons. And once cancer came along, I didn't have much range of motion. And my body was always in pain and tired. To be out there showing your success, it’s amazing, and it's a great experience. It’s made me feel super proud of how far I've come with my recovery.”

Find out more about WWP’s Adaptive Sports program.

Redefining Strength

Maria’s story didn’t end with remission — it evolved.

Remission marked a milestone, but it wasn’t the finish line. Surviving cancer was only the start. Maria’s gone on to challenge herself in new ways, connect with others, and give back. Whether competing in adaptive sports or mentoring fellow veterans, Maria continues to redefine what strength looks like. Her journey is a testament to reinvention and the power of community.

Maria is also an advocate in the fight against breast cancer and a proponent of regular check-ups. She thought that because she was young and had no history of breast cancer in her family, she was safe. But she knows the importance of early detection.

“Make sure that if you feel something, say something,” Maria said. “My mom's breast cancer was a tiny little thing she didn't even know was there. She just went in for a mammogram because she started a new job, and they found it. So definitely get checked and advocate for yourself.”

Recently, Maria played lacrosse for the first time and fell in love with the sport. She encourages others to try new things, even if they’re unsure where to start or doubt their abilities.

“Just don't give up. There are so many resources and so many avenues out there to help,” Maria said. “You kind of just have to learn new ways of doing things. It might not be the way you would have done it 10 or 15 years ago, but you can still do it.”

Find out how WWP advocates for warriors.

Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 

About Wounded Warrior Project  

Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.