As the world turns its attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Clarke Central community has rallied around one of its own – teacher and tennis coach Evan Adams, who was diagnosed with Stage 1B-triple positive breast cancer earlier this year. Despite the daunting challenges ahead, Adams' unwavering spirit and the outpouring of support from her colleagues, students, and loved ones have become a testament to the power of community in the face of adversity.

Empowering Resilience in the Face of Adversity

A Genetic Predisposition and an Early Diagnosis

Evan Adams, a 33-year-old physical education and health teacher, discovered her diagnosis in June, shortly after undergoing a surgery. The news was particularly concerning given her family history of cancer, as she carries the BRCA-2 genetic mutation inherited from her father. This mutation puts her at a higher risk for a range of cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, lung, leukemia, and melanoma. Tragically, her grandmother had succumbed to pancreatic cancer.Despite the daunting prognosis, Adams found solace in the fact that her cancer was detected at an early stage – Stage 1B, where the disease had spread beyond the milk ducts into the breast tissue and some lymph nodes. This early detection, coupled with her determination to take proactive measures, has given her a fighting chance.

Navigating the Arduous Treatment Journey

Adams' journey has been marked by a grueling regimen of chemotherapy, which she underwent every three weeks, enduring six to eight hours of treatment per session. The physical and emotional toll of this process has been immense, but her unwavering spirit has kept her focused on the road ahead.As her chemotherapy treatments draw to a close, with her final round scheduled for November 6th, Adams faces the next phase of her battle – radiation therapy, scheduled to begin in December. Additionally, she has made the proactive decision to undergo a double mastectomy, a procedure that will remove both of her breasts and some of her lymph nodes, effectively eliminating the risk of the cancer returning.

Embracing the Rollercoaster of Emotions

For Adams, the decision to undergo the double mastectomy was not a difficult one. Recognizing the importance of protecting her long-term health, she embraced the procedure without hesitation. "As soon as they said I was BRCA-2 positive, I looked at my mom and said, 'I'm doing it,'" Adams recounted. "The thought of my breast tissue staying and possibly turning into cancer again, doing all of this again, is haunting. I just couldn't."Despite the emotional and physical challenges, Adams has maintained a remarkably positive outlook, likening her journey to "the next hill on a rollercoaster." Her unwavering determination and resilience have been a source of inspiration to all who know her.

A Community United in Support

Throughout her ordeal, Adams has been buoyed by the unwavering support of her loved ones and the Clarke Central community. Her mother, Karla, and her boyfriend have been constant companions, accompanying her to every doctor's appointment. The school staff has ensured that her students' education continues uninterrupted during her absences.The athletic department has also rallied behind Adams, with boys' soccer coach Chris Aiken creating a GoFundMe page to support her. The school community has embraced the cause, selling jerseys and hosting "pink out" games to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. Even the homecoming spirit week was themed around "We Wear Pink for Coach Adams," a nod to the iconic film "Mean Girls."

Determined to Return to the Court

As Adams looks towards the future, her focus remains firmly on her passion – coaching the Clarke Central tennis teams. She is determined to be back on the court in time for the upcoming season, which begins in late January 2025 and runs through May, culminating in the state tournament.Tennis has been a lifelong love for Adams, inherited from her grandmother and mother. She even plays on a doubles team in an 18+ league with her mother, Karla, a tradition she hopes to resume in the near future. Adams' dedication to her teams is evident, as she invests time not only in the season but also in hosting youth camps during the offseason.Under Adams' leadership, the Clarke Central tennis teams have seen a remarkable surge in participation and success, with the boys' team winning their first region title since 1987 just last year. Her unwavering commitment to her players and the sport she loves has made her an integral part of the school's athletic community.As Adams navigates the challenges ahead, her community remains steadfast in its support, rallying behind her with unwavering determination. Her story has become a testament to the power of resilience, the strength of community, and the transformative impact that one individual can have, even in the face of the most daunting circumstances.