Kendra Shoemaker’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the strength of the human spirit. Once an avid athlete with a dream of completing a triathlon, Kendra's life took an unexpected turn when a seemingly routine knee pain led to a rare and alarming bone condition diagnosis. What started as a simple discomfort quickly transformed into a life-changing challenge.
Turning to the Duke Sarcoma Center (DSC), part of the Duke Cancer Institute (DCI), Kendra found expert medical care and a supportive team that helped her navigate the unknown with grace and courage. The care she received at Duke Sarcoma Center enabled her to face her health crisis with an unwavering belief in herself.
As a member of the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC), a network of leading U.S. sarcoma centers, the DSC offers unparalleled expertise and specialization in sarcoma care, setting it apart as one of the most advanced centers in the country. Duke is at the forefront of improving care for sarcoma patients through groundbreaking research and clinical trials.
Kendra’s story powerfully reminds us of the importance of trust, expertise, and support in facing life's most challenging moments. Her journey exemplifies the life-changing impact of the care provided at the Duke Sarcoma Center. Here, patients receive cutting-edge treatments and the hope and guidance to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
A Passion for Sports and a Triathlon Dream
Kendra’s love for sports began early in the suburbs of Chicago, where she thrived in outdoor activities and played college lacrosse. Eventually, she achieved her marathon goal and started dreaming of tackling a triathlon. After moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, with her husband David and their two children, Kendra pursued that long-held dream. In early 2023, she began training for a triathlon, learning to swim in open water and acquiring a bike. Her excitement and determination were palpable as she prepared for the competition.
But life had other plans. During a family vacation in Maine, Kendra experienced severe knee pain. What initially seemed like a minor injury escalated into a frightening diagnosis. After further testing, including imaging recommended by her husband, a rheumatologist, Kendra learned that her femur might be impacted by bone cancer.
The Diagnosis and the Decision to Seek Care at Duke
The diagnosis was devastating. In the face of uncertainty, Kendra and her family quickly sought care at DCI, placing their trust in the world-renowned medical team there. From the moment they arrived, they encountered compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to finding the correct answers. Kendra was introduced to Dr. William Eward, MD, DVM, and his team, whose empathy and expertise helped ease her concerns.
After further tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, it was revealed that Kendra's condition was not cancer but rather an unexplained bone marrow abnormality. While this brought immense relief, the journey ahead was still challenging.
Reflecting on her case, Dr. Eward shared, "For many people, facing an unclear diagnosis can be even more challenging than confronting a difficult one. Kendra is an exceptional and resilient individual who has persevered as a mother, wife, and individual while battling the relentless pain caused by a lesion in her femur with unknown biology. This uncertainty forces us to continually react to what the lesion does rather than being able to definitively say, 'Here's what you have, and here's what we expect it to do.' Her strength and determination truly make her a champion."
Kendra was advised to undergo surgery to address the issue in her femur. In January 2024, she underwent surgery to have a rod inserted into her femur, embarking on a long and challenging recovery process. Throughout it all, her dream of completing a triathlon remained her guiding light.
Physical and Mental Strength: Triumph Over Setbacks
Kendra’s journey was far from easy. Despite the setback of femur surgery, she endured sharp hip pain that required another surgery with Duke’s Sports Medicine team. The support of her physical therapist in Wilmington, N.C., Amanda Montgomery, DPT, was invaluable. Together, Kendra and Amanda worked tirelessly to accomplish the once-impossible triathlon. Through Amanda’s expertise and unwavering belief in Kendra’s abilities, Kendra emerged physically and mentally stronger.
“I never thought I would reach the point where I could train again, but Amanda believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself,” Kendra shared. Their shared triumph—completing the triathlon together—was a moment Kendra describes as one of the most significant accomplishments of her life.
The Role of Faith and Community Support
Faith has been a cornerstone of Kendra’s journey. She reflects on her struggles, pain, and emotional challenges and finds strength in knowing that her story is one of perseverance and hope. “God is good all the time,” Kendra says, a sentiment that has guided her through even the darkest moments. With the care of her medical team at Duke, the support of her family, and the love of her community in Wilmington, Kendra has emerged stronger than ever.
In a recent update, Kendra shared the ongoing dedication of her Duke care team. After hip surgery performed by Dr. Chad Mather, MD, Kendra’s distal femur began to hurt, revealing an issue with the screw hardware. Dr. Eward has recommended removing the troublesome portion of the screw, and the procedure is scheduled for May 7, 2025. With this final step, Kendra is hopeful that her journey toward healing will come full circle. "Fingers crossed, 625 days since walking into the DCI, this will be resolved, and we will be on the road to complete healing," she shared.
An Inspiration to Others
Kendra’s journey is a living testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the importance of a dedicated and compassionate medical team. Although she has faced numerous challenges, her unwavering determination, the care she received at Duke, and the support from her physical therapist, Amanda, have been critical to her success.
"I’ve prayed that my pain and journey will be used for His glory and to impact someone else," Kendra said. "I have no doubt that is happening because I am sharing my story."
With her goals still in sight, Kendra inspires others, proving that even the most significant obstacles can be overcome with the proper support and mindset.
Kendra’s story embodies strength, resilience, and an unwavering belief that dreams can become reality, no matter how unattainable they may appear. With the support of her Duke team and her faith in the journey, she is well on her way to completing the triathlon she once deemed impossible—demonstrating to all of us what it means to fight for what truly matters.