Phoenix – Army veteran Amber Edens was given only three to six months to live after doctors discovered cancer in multiple locations. A year later, she remains in treatment, receiving chemotherapy every three months and ongoing radiation, with no set end date.
From service to survivorship
Edens’ battle began after a deployment to Iraq following the September 11 attacks. While stationed there, her platoon provided security for a senior general, and she was exposed to the toxic smoke of burn pits used to dispose of waste. The Army has since acknowledged responsibility for the exposure that contributed to her illness.
After returning to Arizona, Edens completed her military career at Fort Huachuca before settling in Phoenix, where she met her wife, Celena. The couple’s love is literally inked on Edens’ hand – Celena’s name appears in her handwriting on a ring‑finger tattoo.
Personal symbols of strength
Edens’ body tells her story. A hummingbird tattoo honors her late grandmother, who encouraged her to join the military at age 17. Another design of dragon scales commemorates a dragon‑boat team of breast‑cancer survivors she joined at Tempe Town Lake.
In 2015, at age 32, Edens was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The disease later spread to her bones, prompting doctors to give her a short life expectancy. “They found it in a number of different places,” she recalled, describing the shock of the prognosis.
Continuing the fight
Despite the grim outlook, Edens has persisted. She credits her family, especially Celena, for unwavering support throughout her chemotherapy and radiation regimen. “At the end of the day, I wouldn’t change my life at all,” she said, expressing gratitude for her present circumstances.
Looking ahead, Edens plans to give back. On Veterans Day, she announced intentions to volunteer with an organization building homes for veterans in Glendale and to assist wildlife‑rescue groups in Scottsdale, helping rescued animals return to the wild.
Community response
Local veterans’ groups and health advocates have praised Edens’ resilience, noting her story highlights the ongoing impact of burn‑pit exposure on service members. The Army’s acknowledgment of responsibility is seen as a step toward broader accountability and support for affected veterans.
Edens’ journey underscores the importance of early detection, comprehensive care, and community support for those facing cancer linked to military service. Her determination to turn personal hardship into service for others offers a hopeful example for fellow veterans and residents across Arizona.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
