After her stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis, LaToya Bolds-Johnson pushed for access to immunotherapy. She joined a clinical trial to advocate for equity in research, improve outcomes for others, and protect the future health of her three daughters.
Facing a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Initially misdiagnosed, then diagnosed with stage 3C triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer, LaToya Bolds-Johnson, PA-C, CAQ-EM, was not offered immunotherapy as a treatment option.
Her advice to others: “If you see something, say something. If you feel something, say something. Even though the person in front of you may have all of these credentials, at the end of the day, you know when your body isn’t feeling right.”
Discovering Immunotherapy as a Treatment Option
After conducting her own research and attending a virtual oncology summit, LaToya advocated to be enrolled in an immunotherapy clinical trial. Working with a new oncologist, she was able to pursue advanced treatment options that hadn’t been offered to her before.
It was building a medical trust fund for my children. I want to help contribute to clinical research so that they may not ever have to face this very ugly type of cancer.
Advocating for Access to Clinical Trials
LaToya’s persistence led her to the PERSEVERE clinical trial. “I felt really no side effects,” LaToya shares. “The clinical trial was the easiest part of my 20 months of cancer treatments.”
By advocating for herself, LaToya gained access to potentially life-extending treatment — and became a strong voice for patient empowerment and education.
Participating in the the PRESEVERE Clinical Trial
LaToya describes the trial as a turning point in her treatment journey. “The reason why I wanted to be enrolled in clinical trials is because I understood the impact of African-Americans only representing 3% of clinical trials. I wanted to increase the number, and I also wanted my biology and my body to be studied because I have three young daughters.”
Why Representation in Cancer Research Matters
For LaToya, participation wasn’t just personal — it was a way to address disparities in cancer care and research. “It was building a medical trust fund for my children. I want to help contribute to clinical research so that they may not ever have to face this very ugly type of cancer.”
Her story underscores the importance of diversity in clinical trials so that new cancer treatments like immunotherapy are effective for everyone.
Turning Life’s Lemons into Pink Lemonade
Inspired by her experience, LaToya wrote a children’s book, When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Pink Lemonade. Told through the eyes of her daughter, the story follows Jai and her sisters as they transform their summer lemonade stand into a mission of hope after their mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Through their journey, the book highlights the love, resilience, and joy that families can find even in the most challenging times.
