In 2004, Patti Caple, affectionately called “Honey” by her family, was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 44 years old. She fought with everything she had, and after a lumpectomy, radiation and years of medication, she won.

Now, nearly 21 years later, Patti finds herself facing breast cancer again.

“One thing I’ve learned about cancer – it has no boundaries or timeline,” Patti said. “I had my annual mammogram in January of this year, and then I felt a lump a few months later.”

That moment marked the beginning of Patti’s second breast cancer journey. This time, an invasive carcinoma that required a bilateral mastectomy in September, and more treatment to come.

“I do feel like I caught it early,” Patti said. “That goes along with getting your mammogram, knowing your breast tissue (what’s normal and what’s not), and doing your self-checks.”

Patti has spent her career caring for others as a pediatric nurse, now at the St. Jude Clinic at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. Just this past June, Patti and Amy ran the St. Jude Half Marathon and proudly raised $10,000 for pediatric oncology patients.

“I love what I do,” Patti said. “It’s hard, but I feel like it’s not a job, It’s more of a calling. It’s something God wants me to do. It helps me put my own life in perspective.”

She said she feels that same gratitude for her care team and the resources available in Huntsville.

“I feel so thankful that we have these doctors in our area,” Honey said. “The Breast Center is fabulous. We’re very fortunate. You travel around and see people don’t have this right in their backyard.”

The mother of four and wife of 45 years, Patti is known as “the heart of the family.” For her, their support means everything.

“My family, my friends, my coworkers, have made me feel so loved and supported – at the center is my very special daughter who holds us all together. My best friend, Amy,” Patti shared.

Watching her mom face breast cancer again inspired Amy to take action. She created team Bee Strong for Honey for the 22nd annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K & Survivors' Walk.

“We’ve done the Ribbon Run many times before,” Amy said. “It’s always inspiring to see those women and to see what Liz has done. It seemed like a no-brainer now that Mom has been diagnosed again. We have so many family and friends who wanted to be part of it.”

Amy said she’s learned firsthand how much the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund has done for the community.

“It’s amazing the resources we have in Huntsville because of Liz and all of the people who have donated. It’s not just the resources—it’s the quality," Amy said. "I don’t feel like we could go anywhere else and get better care. The Ribbon Run raises so much awareness, and the technology it helps fund means people are being diagnosed earlier."

Through it all, Patti’s message to others remains simple but powerful:

“Don’t delay—be diligent and proactive. It’s scary, but early detection can save your life. Be trusting in the tools we have—the facilities, doctors and technology, everything we have. Get a good circle around you.”

Stories like Patti’s are why the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund exists—to ensure women across North Alabama have access to the most advanced breast cancer detection and treatment technology close to home.