Warrior Spotlight
Warrior Story: Michelle Albany Crispin — “It Feels So Good to Say, I Am Cancer Free.”
When Michelle Albany Crispin began experiencing stomach discomfort over Christmas 2025, she had no idea how dramatically her life was about to change. She and her family were planning a New Year’s trip to Trinidad, her “happy place,” but something didn’t feel right. Her stomach was becoming increasingly distended, and despite initially seeking medical attention, her symptoms weren’t improving.
After another trip to the hospital, a CT scan revealed a mass in her stomach. Because the testing and specialized care she needed were not available on island, Michelle traveled off island to see a specialist. Surgery followed quickly, and she received the diagnosis: Stage 3B ovarian cancer. The surgery was extensive, requiring the removal of her ovaries, appendix, and part of her intestines. She spent two weeks in the hospital recovering before beginning chemotherapy.
“It feels so good to say, ‘I am cancer free.’”
Michelle’s journey was not without its challenges. Finding the right treatment and managing unexpected reactions to chemotherapy required her to listen to her instincts and speak up for herself. She also faced the practical realities of cancer treatment, including transportation, organizing appointments, and managing the financial expenses that come with being away from home for care.
Through it all, Michelle says she made a concerted effort to stay positive and count her blessings every day, even the little things. Her faith was a constant source of strength. “I believe God has ordered my steps,” she shared. She also credits the incredible support of her family, friends, Catholic church, teaching community, and people throughout the Virgin Islands for helping her through the difficult moments.
“My family all came up for chemotherapy — they never left me alone.”
As a teacher, Michelle is used to caring for others. Even during her own cancer journey, she found ways to show gratitude to the people caring for her. Inspired by Cancer Support VI, she brought cookies, tea, mugs, cozy socks, and teal pens to share with the medical staff who supported her. She joked that she “mugged people,” making sure everything was teal and spreading a little kindness wherever she could.
“Those people saved my life,” she said.
The Support That Made a Difference
Michelle was already familiar with Cancer Support VI before her diagnosis. She had volunteered for small activities, including the Give Cancer The Boot campaign, and had even shared ovarian cancer awareness pins with others. She never imagined she would one day need the same support she had helped promote.
“You guys were just a phone call and a website away,” she said.
Cancer Support VI’s financial assistance helped Michelle manage bills and other expenses during treatment. But the impact went beyond financial relief.
“The emotional support and kind words — it makes you feel like you can handle it.”
She described Cancer Support VI as “the life ring when you are in the ocean,” reflecting how meaningful it was to know that help was available when she needed it most.
A Message for Other Warriors
Today, Michelle is taking things a little slower. She describes herself as a “worker bee,” and her family still checks in to make sure she isn’t doing too much. She sees her surgical scar not as something to hide, but as a reminder of what she has overcome — “like a war wound to me,” she said. “Like I’m She-ra.”
Her experience has also reinforced the importance of paying attention to your body and your health, especially when something doesn’t feel right. With a family history of ovarian cancer, Michelle underwent genetic testing and learned that her cancer was not genetically related to her grandmother’s.
Looking ahead, she hopes to do something to raise awareness of ovarian cancer next September. She also wants to continue supporting Cancer Support VI and other Warriors facing their own diagnoses.
Her message is simple and powerful:
“It’s not a death sentence; you can do it. Stay positive. I know we try to be separation of church and state, but God is good all the time. God answers prayers. You’re not alone.”
Michelle also encourages people not to keep their cancer diagnosis a secret out of fear or uncertainty. “Cancer: it’s not a secret; it’s just a fact of life. Sometimes with disclosure, you get help.”
And when it comes to Cancer Support VI, Michelle has become one of our biggest advocates.
“I tell people, ‘Support Cancer Support VI, because they definitely supported me.’”