When Kimberlea Williams walked into the emergency room with a persistent cough, she had no idea her life was about to change. After multiple visits and multiple diagnoses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinus infections, her condition worsened. In August 2018, she received life-altering news. She was told that she had stage four lung cancer, and it had already spread to her brain.
Before she was discharged, she received important information that would significantly influence her recovery journey. "You need to go to JPS Health Network because they have the best cancer treatment plan available, and they will take care of you."
Williams arrived at JPS seeking answers and found them through a team ready to act. Under the care of Oncologist Kalyani Narra, MD, Williams began treatment immediately. Dr. Narra, who had seen many lung cancer cases during her career, recognized the aggressive nature of the disease and responded with a plan rooted in evidence-based medicine and emerging treatments.
"You need to go to JPS Health Network because they have the best cancer treatment plan available, and they will take care of you."
“Traditionally, the five-year survival for stage four lung cancer was almost zero percent. Now, we're reaching 30 percent of five-year survival,” Dr. Narra said. “This is a testament that lung cancer isn’t a death sentence anymore. We have treatments, and we have hope."
Williams was initially given six months to live, but her care at JPS continued to adapt to her diagnosis as new complications arose. When she experienced excruciating leg pain, doctors discovered an eight-centimeter tumor that had fractured her femur. The JPS surgical team acted quickly to save her limb and remove the tumor, as she faced two possible outcomes during the surgery: the insertion of a stabilizing rod or a full leg amputation.
“I remember that night, I prayed, and I asked God to save my leg. The next morning, they took me into surgery, and when I came out of surgery and woke up, the first thing I did was feel for if I had my leg, and I did,” Williams said. “I look back now, and I can’t help but think, ‘Wow, I’ve come a long way.’”
Only four months into her treatment, Williams experienced remarkable improvement. The tumors in her lungs had almost completely disappeared, without surgical removal, an outcome that speaks to the strength of the personalized care she received. Now more than six years cancer-free, Williams’ story is a powerful reflection of the transformative care model at JPS, where advanced treatments are combined with a caring approach that offers our patients support to address the whole person.
Behind her continued remission is a multidisciplinary team committed to treating the whole patient. Cancer affects more than just the body. It takes a toll on emotional and mental health as well. Through the Survivorship Clinic, Williams continued her recovery under the guidance of Family Medicine Physician Matthew Rios, MD, who helped her navigate the psychological aftermath of survival.
"Having someone to talk to about the diagnosis and how it affects their life is crucial. It helps patients gain perspective, feel confident about their decisions, and cultivate the right kind of hope," Dr. Rios said.
Williams’ care extended beyond the walls of the cancer clinic. As part of a broader JPS mission to address all factors that impact health, her team created space for healing that included attention to mental health, especially as she dealt with the pain of losing her aunt and uncle to the same disease.
"I couldn't understand why they died, and I didn’t,” Williams said. “That survivor’s guilt—it will get you. But I talked to God, my doctors, and my family, and I just kept praying.”
Through every stage of her journey, Williams benefited from the multidisciplinary, compassionate care JPS is known for. Her story is one of many that demonstrates the power of integrated medicine, behavioral health support, and advanced oncology treatment working together.
“As of her last evaluation, Kimberlea appears to still be in remission, and her level of function is excellent considering the intensity of her treatment,” Dr. Rios said. “Kim is making the most of her life, and we’ve been happy to support her on her journey.”
Williams’ experience is a powerful reminder that survival is not just about extending life; it’s about living it fully. Through timely intervention, personalized treatment, and holistic support, JPS empowered her to overcome the odds. Her story is one of transformation. It is proof that with the right care team, the right resources, and unwavering determination, healing is possible.
If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, the JPS Oncology & Infusion Center is here to walk alongside you, providing expert care, compassion, and support.