Finding Strength, Faith, and Gratitude Through the Fight
Mindy Sopher’s cancer journey began with awareness. Through years of working with student-athletes and Greek life, Mindy consistently participated in breast self-exams and cancer education efforts. That commitment led her to find a lump early — shortly after moving to Raleigh to begin a new chapter at NC State.
After her breast cancer diagnosis, Mindy underwent surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy and several months of radiation. While the treatments were difficult, one moment during her care would stay with her long after the physical side effects faded.
During chemotherapy, Mindy crossed paths with Coach Kay Yow. She had long known of Coach Yow through the women’s basketball community and deeply respected her leadership and legacy. Meeting her during treatment created a connection far beyond athletics or titles.
Sitting together in chemotherapy chairs, Mindy and Coach Yow shared quiet conversations about faith, purpose, and perseverance.
Coach Yow spoke openly about trusting God through uncertainty and choosing hope even in the most difficult moments.
Her words stayed with Mindy long after that day. Coach Yow didn’t try to minimize the struggle — instead, she reframed it, reminding Mindy that strength does not come from control, but from faith and trust.
That wisdom carried Mindy through one of the loneliest moments of her journey.
Lying on a cold radiation table, listening as the heavy door closed behind her, she felt overwhelming fear and isolation. In that moment, she remembered Coach Yow’s words — and felt fear give way to peace. What could have been a breaking point became a moment of calm and clarity, rooted in faith.
Mindy’s journey continued with additional challenges. After a period of remission, cancer returned through her lymph system, requiring more treatment and medication. Later, she faced a separate diagnosis of uterine cancer, followed by surgery, radiation, and recovery.
Each chapter tested her physically and emotionally. Still, the lessons she carried forward remained the same: approach each day with faith, choose gratitude, and keep moving forward.
Throughout it all, Mindy was surrounded by an extraordinary community. Friends, colleagues, and community leaders drove her to treatments, waited alongside her, and offered support without hesitation. Her students provided purpose and encouragement, allowing her to continue teaching and connecting even during the hardest seasons. Her faith community and sorority sisters stood beside her every step of the way.
Cancer reshaped Mindy’s perspective. Inspired in part by Coach Yow, she began practicing daily gratitude — keeping a journal and even creating a “gratitude savings account” to mark blessings along the way. Jewelry gifted by loved ones became reminders of healing, prayer, and presence — symbols that survival is never a solo journey.
Today, Mindy is more than five years beyond a major milestone in her cancer journey. She continues to teach, mentor, and advocate,
sharing her story so others facing uncertainty can find hope.
Her advice to anyone newly diagnosed reflects the wisdom she gained during treatment: Have your rock. Whether that rock is faith, family, community, or knowledge — hold onto it and let it guide you through.
Mindy lives with the tenacity, compassion, and faith that Coach Kay Yow modeled so powerfully. Each day, she chooses hope, purpose, and gratitude — one day at a time.