What’s the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to tell your children? For me, it was telling my family that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer again — and that this time, it was metastatic and I would never be completely cancer-free.
My name is Mandy Boudwin. I’m a wife, the proud mom of three incredible young men, and a retired educator from Louisiana. After more than twenty years in the classroom, I retired in 2023 and now work from home supporting schools across the state.
My cancer journey began in December 2019 with a routine mammogram that led to a biopsy and, in January 2020, a diagnosis of stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer. I underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, and by July 2021, I heard the beautiful words “cancer-free.”
In 2023, I faced skin cancer near the original site, and in early 2025, after new pain and testing, I learned that my breast cancer had returned and spread to my bones and lungs. I will remain in treatment indefinitely, but I wake up each day grateful for the time I have and hopeful for what’s ahead.
I first connected with the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life in 2007. One of my most touching memories came during the 2020 pandemic, when the Relay became a drive-through lined with glowing luminaria. As my family drove along the path, seeing my name among those lights reminded me that love, hope, and strength carry us through even the hardest moments.
Today, I share my story to inspire others facing challenges of their own — to remind them that even in the darkest seasons, there is always hope, community, and a reason to keep fighting.I challenge you to join the Relay for Life events in your local community to help celebrate, remember, and fight back.