For the past 12 years, 65-year-old Mitzi Soltys has been battling ovarian cancer. Soltys first moved to the Valley in 1997 from Colorado, a choice she made with her then-husband, who subsequently died of renal disease in 2001.

With a family history that is sadly rich in breast and ovarian cancers and the loss of her first husband, Soltys was aware of the toll cancer could take. These experiences have only motivated her to fight even harder for her life. After her diagnosis, Soltys went looking for a unique treatment program and found the right one for her at Scottsdale Healthcare. Dr. Jasgit Sachdev, M.D. associate investigator at Scottsdale Healthcare’s Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center Clinic Trials, as well Soltys’ doctor, says the goal of her treatment plan is to "bring better options to patients, so they can live out their dreams," something that Soltys believes in too. "I have every confidence in the program, the doctors—anyone who provides care through the center," Soltys says. Though Soltys isn’t cured yet, Dr. Sachdev has seen the hope Soltys inspires in others and says she is "an inspiration to everyone around her." During her battle, Soltys has found love with her current husband and has empowered herself with positive thoughts and helping others. "I have a zest for life," she says. "I am always looking forward to something in the future." Her support and care of others is something that has helped her fight her own disease. "It is all of these things together that work toward your fight."

Story by Lindsey Clinkingbeard