Pictured in Photo: U.S. Navy and Army Veteran Suzanne Clark attends the Orlando VA’s Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast, sharing her story of strength and survival with fellow women Veterans.
By Joseph Nunez, Public Affairs Specialist, Orlando VA Healthcare System
Suzanne Clark has worn many uniforms: sailor, soldier, wife, and survivor. Her story is one of strength, service, and sisterhood that continues to inspire women Veterans across Central Florida.
“I was one of those lost souls from a broken family,” said Clark, a U.S. Navy and Army Veteran. “The military was a way for me to save myself without being a burden to society. It was about survival.”
Clark’s journey began in the Navy, where she worked in aviation, maintenance control, and on the flightline launching planes. Later, she served in the Army Reserve as a radioman. But her toughest battle came years later, not in uniform, but in a doctor’s office.
In 2020, after a routine mammogram, Clark performed a self-exam and discovered a lump.
“I felt a small lump and assumed it was a cyst,” Clark said. “By that Friday, I called the VA and scheduled an appointment.”
Clark shared, “All this took place during COVID, the ultrasound, biopsy, and the call with the diagnosis. I was alone when I received the news.”
Despite feeling isolated, Clark noted that her care team immediately stepped up, “From my primary care provider to oncology, nutrition, and mental health, everyone was on my side within a month,” Clark proudly shared.
Clark further emphasized, “The care I received has been exceptional.”
Clark was diagnosed with triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, stage three. After undergoing a double mastectomy and revision surgery, Clark is now four years cancer-free. “I’m not a quitter,” Clark expressed. “Every day I wake up is a new day to be a better person.”
Clark credits the Orlando VA Women Veterans Program for helping her heal, physically and emotionally. “The Women’s Clinic has been phenomenal,” Clark said. “They’re proactive instead of reactive. They follow up when you think you’re done, and they genuinely care.”
Theresa Zephirin, Women Veterans Program Manager at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS), shared, “Clark’s journey is a reflection of what happens when Veterans receive compassionate, specialized care.
“Our women Veterans deserve care that recognizes their unique needs,” Zephirin emphasized. “Suzanne’s story highlights the strength and resilience within every Veteran and the importance of ensuring they feel supported at every stage of their care.”
Clark now advocates for other female Veterans through the Vietnam and All Veterans of Central Florida (VVCF) organization, known as “The Bunker.”
“Some of our members do not receive their care at the VA, mostly Vietnam-era Veterans,” Clark said. “But when they saw the care I received, several decided to come. That’s the impact we can have on each other.”
Zephirin highlighted, “Clark’s leadership continues to inspire others”.
“Clark's courage and advocacy reflect the heart of our mission,” Zephirin stated. “Clark shows other women Veterans that the VA is here to provide world-class care and lasting support.”
Clark continues to volunteer, mentor, and remind others that healing is a shared effort.
“Through the VA, you find your people,” Clark said with a smile. “It’s an unbiased, supportive community that’s always there for you.
