Her Cancer Journey Has Relied on Faith, Family and Fortitude

Elizabeth Ferrara, a successful business owner, wife, mother and grandmother, has always been a workaholic. At one time, she owned three hair salons, a testament to her love for her craft. “I always told my kids, if you love what you’re doing, it’s not a job,” she says.

That passion, coupled with a healthy lifestyle of daily exercise and good nutrition, made her 2022 lung cancer diagnosis all the more shocking. “I couldn’t believe it because I was so healthy. I never smoked. I never drank,” Ms. Ferrara states, adding that the last time she was in a hospital was when she had her now-32-year-old daughter.

That diagnosis was only the beginning of a long and arduous health journey for Ms. Ferrara, who faced another devastating blow in August 2025. After feeling short of breath, she was diagnosed with two different types of blood cancer — acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Tests Reveal More Bad News

Complicating matters even more, genetic testing also revealed a TP53 mutation in Ms. Ferrara’s leukemia cells, classifying her disease as “adverse risk.” TP53 mutations are among the most common mutations in human cancers.

In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or leukemia, a TP53 mutation is important because it usually means the disease may be more aggressive and may respond less well to some standard treatments, according to Firas El Chaer, M.D., chief of leukemia at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.

“TP53 is a bad player in any cancer,” he says. “In acute myeloid leukemia, it comes with a bad prognosis and less likelihood to respond to chemotherapy.”

A ‘Particularly Challenging’ Case

Ms. Ferrara was admitted to Baptist Hospital, quite ill, to begin treatment under the care of Dr. El Chaer. Her case was particularly challenging, he says.

According to Dr. El Chaer, blood cancers such as AML and MDS can sometimes develop years after chemotherapy for another cancer.

“The two most common blood cancers that can happen because of a previous cancer treated with chemotherapy are AML and MDS,” says Dr. El Chaer. Being diagnosed with both AML and MDS at the same time makes treatment even more of a challenge, he adds.

At one point, Ms. Ferrara was told she might only have a few months to live. Her ongoing chemotherapy for her lung cancer was stopped so doctors could focus on the more immediate threat posed by the blood cancers.

Controlling Her MDS and AML

Ms. Ferrara’s initial treatment, called induction chemotherapy, was grueling. She spent 30 days in the hospital, battling infections, bleeding and fevers. “We were working very hard not to lose the patient to the infection and the chemotherapy,” Dr. El Chaer recalls.

In the past few decades, for patients with AML, there were very few treatment options and those options were quite toxic, Dr. El Chaer says. In the past ten years, however, great progress has been made treating the disease, using something called intermediate dose chemotherapy, which he calls a “lighter form of chemotherapy.”

Against the odds, Ms. Ferrara’s body responded to the treatment. “Her leukemia has remarkably responded to chemotherapy,” says Dr. El Chaer. “Even after the first cycle, her disease went into remission.”

Although her leukemia is in remission, Ms. Ferrara’s MDS and AML are considered incurable. The focus of her care has shifted from cure to control. The goal is to manage the disease and provide her with the best possible quality of life, for as long as possible.

“In cases where cure is not achievable, disease control with preservation of quality of life remains a worthy and realistic treatment goal,” Dr. El Chaer observes.

“Now we have targeted therapies — most of which are oral pills targeting specific cancer mutations — that can extend one’s life and provide a good quality of life,” Dr. El Chaer adds. “In Elizabeth’s case, she takes two pills a month at home and doesn’t even have to come in for intravenous infusions, which means more time for her to be where she wants to be — spending time with her family and at her church.”

A Powerful Foundation for Healing

Through it all, Ms. Ferrara’s family has been her rock. Her husband of 40 years, Matthew, is a constant presence by her side. Her daughter, Jamie, a pediatric anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, serves as a dedicated patient advocate, attending every appointment either in person or by phone.

“I have a big support system in my family,” Ms. Ferrara admits. “I am very blessed to have a daughter like her.”

Central to her resilience is her profound spiritual strength. “That’s how I survive — with the help of the Lord,” Ms. Ferrara shares. “God is the most important thing in our lives.”

This faith, combined with a positive mindset and the love of her family, created a powerful foundation for her healing. Dr. El Chaer notes the importance of this support, stating, “Having family close by is an important part of the journey.”

Embracing Life with Gratitude

Today, Ms. Ferrara is approaching life one day at a time, deeply appreciative of the extra time she has been given and enjoying every moment with her husband, three children and two grandchildren.

Her cancer journey has been defined by the exemplary care she received at Miami Cancer Institute and the strength she draws from her faith and family. Ms. Ferrara calls herself a “fighter” who is sustained by her deep faith and an unwavering support system.

Of her cancer burden, she says with absolute conviction, “I know I can carry it, and God is with me 100 percent.” And so are the doctors and nurses at Miami Cancer Institute, who she calls “the best of the best.”

For Dr. El Chaer, who was inspired to become a cancer physician after his own father’s battle with a blood cancer, seeing a patient like Ms. Ferrara survive against all odds is profoundly rewarding.

“She comes in for her monthly check-ups full of life and energy,” he says. “When you’re able to save a life, it’s very humbling,” he says.

Ms. Ferrara’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of a difficult prognosis, there can be hope, quality of life and precious time.

Click here for more information about the blood cancer services and specialists available at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.