Respiratory therapist’s breast cancer battle becomes a tale of courage

For Yordanka Nardoni, reading fantasy novels is a hobby. She enjoys the unpredictable twists and turns of each story, offering an exhilarating escape from reality. A native of Cuba, her family moved to Miami when she was 11 years old, and reading books helped her learn English.

Now, as a devoted wife and mother of three, she relishes the moments when she can immerse herself in the adventures of her favorite characters, finding solace in their triumphs and trials.

Yet, life’s most unsettling plot twist intruded on her peaceful narrative.

In July 2022, while lifting her six-year-old, Nardoni experienced discomfort that led her to perform a self-breast exam, where she discovered an alarming lump. This unsettling finding marked the start of a daunting new chapter.

"I admit to not doing self-breast exams because I thought I was too young," said Nardoni, a resident of Grand Island, an unincorporated community in Lake County, Florida. "Being 35 years old and with no family history, the thought of having breast cancer never crossed my mind. Deep inside, I knew this was not going to be good."

Nardoni 's diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer in August 2022 plunged her into a real-life battle that paralleled the intensity of her beloved fictional sagas. She would need to manifest strength and resilience to face the challenges ahead in this reality.

As Nardoni persevered through her treatment, she often thought about her father, who had faced his own health challenges.

Her father had a tracheostomy, a surgery that creates an opening in the windpipe to help with breathing. Nardoni learned how to care for him, which sparked her passion for helping others
Inspired by her father’s resilience, Nardoni aspired to study medicine as she entered college.

By her second year as a pre-med student, uncertainty clouded her path. Conversations with a school adviser and reflections on her experiences with her father led her to a new calling.

In 2011, Nardoni became a respiratory therapist, and five years ago, she joined AdventHealth Waterman, where she made a positive difference in the lives of countless patients.
She recently moved into a respiratory therapy educator role at AdventHealth Waterman, where she now helps other respiratory therapists stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in the field.

Nardoni described how the AdventHealth Waterman team made a difference in her life from the moment she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Along with appreciation for the AdventHealth Cancer Institute Waterman team, she applauded her physicians, including surgeon Dr. Jason Smith, oncologist Dr. Ralph Gousse and radiation oncologist Dr. Shivam Kharod.

“Our cancer navigator, Eileen Bascombe, guided me every step of the way. The doctors and the team became like a second family to me. Words cannot express how grateful I am for their support,” Nardoni said. “My husband Mario was so supportive and took care of our children, Mario Jr., Zoey, and Chloe. I’m very appreciative of him.”

Nardoni completed all her treatments six months ago and is now participating in the Pink on Parade 5K to support others fighting breast cancer. The event is Sept. 22, and all funds will support cancer care services through the AdventHealth Waterman Foundation.

"Together, we can make a difference. As we fight for this cause, I want to advocate for people to do their self-breast exams and talk to their health care provider about getting an annual mammogram,” she said. “I believe conducting my self-breast exam saved my life."

Join the event by at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Leesburg/PinkonParade5K.

Pictured below is Nardoni's husband and children.