Terissa Conner Puts Breast Cancer Behind Her

When Terissa Conner stepped forward to ring the bell during the June 13 opening celebration for MetroHealth's new Outpatient Health Center, it meant more to her than marking the debut of a new facility. It was the joyful sound of a new beginning.

For Terissa, a breast cancer survivor, the moment symbolized the end of a difficult journey that included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation and the start of a healthier future.

Terissa was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago following a routine mammogram. Facing an uncertain future that included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, she leaned on her faith and strong-willed determination to cope.

She also entrusted every facet of her care to Dr. Natalie Joseph, Department Chair of Surgery. Today, Terissa has been cancer-free since July 2025.

The halls of the Center for Breast Health and Cancer Center in the new $224 million, 307,000-square-foot Outpatient Health Center are filled with such stories of survival, hope and healing.

Patients can find comprehensive services, including screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound and automated breast ultrasound, and image-guided biopsy in one convenient location that is designed to reduce stress and anxiety during what can be a difficult time.

Also located in the center are multidisciplinary services, including breast surgical oncology, plastic surgery, physical therapy, psychological support and palliative care, providing comprehensive, complementary and patient-centered care.

Coordinated care doesn’t stop at medical care, as patients often need wraparound services such as nutrition, social work, pharmacy, prosthetics and wigs. All these services and more are available in the new Center for Breast Health.

By streamlining care in one location, patients have access to timely screening and follow-up care, which is critical to early detection and improved outcomes.

“The new Center for Breast Health and Cancer Center represent a promise to our patients: comprehensive, compassionate care without compromise. By bringing advanced screening, diagnosis and treatment together under one roof, we’re creating a seamless experience that reduces stress and improves outcomes,” Dr. Joseph said. “This is innovation with heart – and it’s changing the future of cancer care in Northeast Ohio.”

Terissa’s Path Forward

With breast cancer now in the rearview mirror, Terissa is grateful for the care and support she received at MetroHealth. The mother of two and grandmother of five treasures her health and ability to spend as much time as possible with her family.

Having lost her own mother at a young age, breast cancer caused Terissa to fear that she might not always be there for her family’s important moments – both big and small. MetroHealth changed that.

So, when she rang the bell signaling the completion of cancer treatment, it was an emotional moment, one that reminded her of her own resilience and hope for the future.

Creating More Moments of Hope

The new Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art care, with double the number of exam and treatment rooms, 29 infusion bays dedicated to cancer care (up 50%), an adjacent pharmacy dedicated to infusion and private waiting areas for loved ones.

MetroHealth is the country’s first safety-net hospital to offer in-house viral vector and cellular production for CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) and TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapies, ensuring every patient who needs them has access.

Your gift can help MetroHealth provide expert care, human connection and the promise that no one faces breast cancer alone.

To help patients like Terissa, contact Greg Sanders, Vice President of Philanthropy at 440-592-1319 or gsanders@metrohealth.org. Make an online gift at https://www.metrohealth.org/en/foundation/donate/.