Survivor Series: April Severs

April Severs, a dedicated mother who also works in the local community between caring for her children, received a diagnosis dreaded by many.

“About this time last year, I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer,” she said. “It turns your world upside down, and there is no time to be wasted in tackling it.”

In June 2025, Severs walked out of an appointment that would change her year significantly after the medical team confirmed the cancer.

Severs began chemotherapy shortly after. In total, she underwent six rounds.

“The chemo really wears on you physically,” she said. “Nevertheless, you just keep fighting. You have to keep fighting.”

Ultimately, the diagnosis was linked to a gene mutation known as HER2-positive. This gene mutation makes it hard to fight off illness and disease, including cancer.

“After learning about this link, many other family members were tested as it is a genetic mutation,” said Severs. “My mother had lung cancer years ago after never smoking a day in her life. She along with another family member tested positive for HER2. It was all because of this gene mutation,” said Severa. “It wouldn’t allow our bodies to fight off the cancer – myself or my mother.”

After a summer of grueling radiation, Severs had a mastectomy in the fall.

“While the cancer was just in my left breast, I made the decision to remove both of my breasts out of extra precaution,” said Severs.

In November, after her mastectomy, Severs was deemed cancer-free. Then, right after Christmas, Severs started radiation.

“I went in every day Monday through Friday for the radiation for several weeks,” she said. “The radiation only takes a couple of minutes, but it wears you out.”

This, on top of an already busy schedule, made for one of the toughest seasons in her cancer journey.

“I homeschool our two children and also work with both the Lake Central Middle School Band and the Lake Central High School Band,” said Severs. “I continued all of this while receiving radiation.”

The radiation officially finished the first week of February this year.

“It’s great to be done,” said Severs.

Throughout her cancer journey, other local community members stepped up to help Severs and her family.

“We receive gift cards, meals, help with the kids, and other assistance from friends we know from church, school, and our neighborhood,” said Severs. “It was so kind, and my family and I are forever grateful.”

Now, with the radiation behind her, Severs continues to homeschool and work with the bands.

“My main instruments are the oboe and bassoon,” said Severs. “I work mostly with the members of the bands that play the oboe.”

As the school year begins to wrap and summer approaches, surely June 2026 will be a much more joy-filled month this year compared to last year. Severs has a lot to celebrate with the milestone of cancer behind her.