July 30, 2026 | By Atrium Health Foundation | In Events
When Emily Kellogg felt a lump in her breast, she immediately scheduled an appointment with her gynecologist. Within days, a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy confirmed she had breast cancer. As she began processing the news, additional scans revealed a spot on her liver, confirming that the cancer had spread. At just 27 years old, Emily was now facing stage 4 breast cancer.
“I remember just falling to the ground and crying,” she said. “I thought, ‘What does this mean for me? Am I going to survive?'”
The uncertainty that followed was one of the hardest parts of her cancer journey, but Emily was determined not to let cancer define her life. As a physical therapist and avid runner, she couldn’t imagine giving up the activities that brought her joy.
Emily’s care team at Atrium Health Levine Cancer developed a personalized treatment plan that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. She credits her oncologist, Dr. Julie Fisher, co-director of the Sandra Levine Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program, with encouraging her to continue pursuing her fitness goals and her surgeon, Dr. Lejla Hadzikadic Gusic, with always making herself available to answer questions during difficult moments.
“I think I’m so appreciative that everyone has treated me like a whole human rather than just my diagnosis,” she said. “Everyone has been so open-minded and hopeful about me still living my life as a 28-year-old as normally as I possibly can.”
Just as meaningful were the supportive oncology services that became an essential part of Emily’s care. She utilized lymphedema therapy to regain strength and function after surgery, pelvic floor therapy, and psycho-oncology counseling to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
“People don’t realize that not every hospital has all these services under one roof,” Emily said. “We’re so lucky that we don’t have to search for providers because we have experts who work with cancer patients every single day.”
Atrium Health’s adult and pediatric supportive oncology programs are made possible through philanthropic support, including funds raised through 24 Foundation’s signature fundraising event, 24 Hours of Booty. Last year, Emily was able to complete a single lap just one day after receiving chemotherapy. This year, she celebrated the event’s 25th year by completing 100 miles of running and biking alongside hundreds of other participants, helping raise more than $1.6 million for Atrium Health and local beneficiaries.
From treatment to triumph, Emily took part in 24 Hours of Booty, surrounded by the community that supported her along the way. (Image 3 courtesy of Mike Cooke)
“If I could give back to that in any way, I would love to,” she said. “I just love to see how much my body is still capable of even while dealing with stage 4 cancer.”
More than anything, Emily hopes her story gives others what she was searching for after her diagnosis: hope. While Emily remains on long-term medication, there is currently no evidence of active disease. She continues to embrace her active lifestyle and is training for the New York City Marathon this fall alongside Dr. Fisher. As she reaches new milestones, Emily remains committed to going the distance for fellow cancer patients by helping ensure they have access to the same resources that made a difference in her journey.