Eleni Bowden watched many family members go through their own battles with cancer. Then at 41 years old, she faced her own battle, and emerged a survivor thanks to early detection and treatment.
“My godfather and my dad’s best friend, Sam Tsakiris, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2018. He passed away just 5 weeks later; our family was devastated,” shared Eleni.
Shortly after her godfather’s passing, Eleni spotted a flier at Meadowbrook Swim Club in Baltimore, Maryland, promoting the upcoming Swim Across America – Baltimore open water and pool swims. Eleni quickly registered for a pool swim as a way to honor her godfather.
“Although it had been quite some time since I had participated in organized swimming, I felt compelled to take part in this event that raised money for cancer research, a cause so close to my heart.”
It had been years since Eleni swam in a pool, so she joined SAA-Baltimore’s “learn to swim” program to ensure she was prepared for the pool swim.
“I was on a swim team from ages 8 to 12, so it was more of a ‘re-learn to swim’ for me,” Eleni jokes.
Since 2018, Eleni has participated in four pool swims and has raised more than $7,100. This year, she has taken the lead on organizing her own pool swim at L’Hirondelle Club in Towson, Maryland to support the SAA-Baltimore community. The pool swim raised more than $9,000. Eleni’s involvement with Swim Across America continues to be a source of support while her family faced difficult times.
“In May 2023, my father, Bill Popomaronis, lost his battle with prostate cancer after fighting for over 13 years.”
Watching her dad approach each medical treatment with faith, courage and perseverance inspired her own battle to come.
In January 2024, Eleni noticed a dimple with a lump behind it on the side of her right breast. Though she wasn’t due for a mammogram until July, she immediately called her physician who referred her for imaging.
“I started with mammograms at 36 due to our strong family history. And in early February 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.” said Eleni.
“At that time, I also completed genetic testing and learned I was Chek-2+, the same as my father and sister. This gene is linked to an increased risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer and identifying it can be helpful to other patients seeking early detection and diagnosis,” said Eleni.
After a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, Eleni was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore in late March.
Thankfully, Eleni’s surgery went well and she was home after a one-night stay in the hospital. She credits her incredible support team for helping her through this fight.
“It takes a village! My husband has been with me every step of the way, and I am so thankful for my family and friends who helped us during my recovery.”
A couple weeks after her surgery, Eleni was moved to tears when she received the best news possible after her initial diagnosis. Pathology results showed clear margins and no lymph node involvement. In her words, it was the “best-case scenario for something you’d hope never to face.”
Though recurrence is possible, Eleni is focused on staying positive and remains grateful to her family, friends and medical care team for their support and swift care. Under her doctor’s direction, Eleni will continue oral and injectable chemotherapy treatment for several years.
“I am doing my best to stay positive and focus on my two wonderful children, who have been the absolute best distraction!” said Eleni.
“I have been using the word ‘grateful’ when I share my experience. I am grateful for contacting my doctor when I did, as this could have been a very different outcome had I waited until my next scheduled mammogram in July. I’m grateful for my village and those who have supported me throughout this journey. And I’m grateful for Swim Across America who is helping advance cancer research and early detection techniques through community swim events.”
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Swim Across America 
Bravo Eleni!! Way to hang tough!!