Jennifer Roberts, BSN, RN, has been a nurse in Atlantic General Hospital (AGH)’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for nine years and currently works as a clinical coordinator. She describes AGH as a welcoming, family-like environment, evident in the way its team members interact with each other and with patients. She has always admired the hospital’s patient care and dedication to excellence.
In February 2024, Roberts faced the other side of care when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of her left breast at age 39. Because of her family history and dense breast tissue, she had been receiving early, routine mammograms since age 35, thanks to her gynecologist, Melissa Braniff, CRNP, of Atlantic General Women’s Health.
“I owe her my life, honestly,” Roberts said.
Roberts described the period after her diagnosis as a “roller coaster” of appointments and emotions. Her ICU co-workers and managers supported her throughout treatment, accommodating her work schedule around chemotherapy sessions and rest periods.
“Continuing to work as a nurse helped me not feel like a patient,” she said. “I could focus on someone else’s needs and devote myself to them completely. It gave me deeper compassion and empathy for how difficult it is to be in the hospital, scared and away from the ‘norm.’ It made me a better person and nurse.”
Roberts underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction and six rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks. She did not require radiation because her lymph nodes were clear. She then completed nine months of targeted therapy infusions and will continue oral estrogen-blocking therapy for five years.
Her reconstruction process was complicated by multiple infections and washouts, leaving her with a total of 15 surgeries since her diagnosis. In March 2025, she also opted for a total hysterectomy with Dr. Dwight Im at TidalHealth. Roberts credits her oncologist, Dr. Rabindra Paul; her general surgeon, Dr. Alae Zarif; her plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Perrotta of Peninsula Plastic Surgery; and Dr. Im for saving her life in more ways than one.
“They have helped put me back together inside and out,” she said.
“This experience has forever changed who I am and my outlook on life,” Roberts added. “I see the world and opportunities differently than I did before. Life is short. Remember to jump. Love hard and deep. Appreciate those around you, and don’t be afraid to express yourself. Take the chances.”
You can make a difference
Help save lives in our community by supporting the Sheila Zimmer Breast Screenings Fund. Created in memory of Sheila Zimmer, a Salisbury native who bravely battled breast cancer twice after a lifetime of giving back to others, this fund helps provide access to life-saving breast screenings and care up to diagnosis for patients in need. Through this effort, Sheila’s legacy of compassion and generosity will continue to touch lives.
Visit the TidalHealth Foundation page to support and help continue Sheila’s legacy.
