Phoebe Sumter Honors Mother-Daughter Duo as 2025 Lights of Love Tree Lighters

Americus, GA | November 19, 2025 – For Jenny Ansley and her daughter, Emiley Waller, cancer came as an unexpected turn in their family story. Yet both women feel blessed that their diagnoses were caught early, thanks to attentive care, genetic testing and the support of their family and community close to home at Phoebe Sumter.

Jenny’s journey began in 2014. She had been experiencing persistent tailbone pain that she attributed to an old childbirth injury. When her physician recommended a colonoscopy, the test revealed something she never expected—a small mass. A biopsy confirmed colon cancer, but it was staged at zero, the earliest stage possible.

“I didn’t have to undergo chemo or radiation,” Jenny said. “It was the earliest case my doctor had ever seen. I was so grateful.”

Genetic testing revealed a variant of uncertain significance, which might or might not increase her future risk. Still, it gave her valuable knowledge and underscored the importance of family history. That connection soon became vital for her daughter. After the birth of her second child in 2021, Emiley developed a blood clot. Testing revealed a clotting disorder, and because of Jenny’s genetic history, her doctors also ordered a full cancer risk assessment.

Emiley’s results showed she was high-risk for breast cancer. Busy as a nurse and young mother during the pandemic, she delayed her follow-up screenings. When she finally returned for testing in 2022, an MRI led to a biopsy that revealed invasive ductal carcinoma.

“It was such a shock,” Emiley said. “I had no symptoms. I thought I was too young. But without genetic testing and close surveillance, it might not have been found until much later, and it could very well have been too late.”

Emiley chose a double mastectomy and later underwent a hysterectomy to reduce her future risks. Because her cancer was detected so early, she avoided chemotherapy. Today, she is healthy and grateful to be raising her children with peace of mind.

Both women know their story is not typical, but they believe it offers hope. “When people hear the word cancer, they think it’s a death sentence,” Jenny said. “But early detection and genetic testing can change everything. We’re living proof.”

“I hope others see our story and realize they don’t have to wait,” Emiley added. “Don’t be afraid of genetic testing. It could save your life.”

The mother and daughter duo’s experiences also strengthened their belief in community and faith. “God put us in the right places with the right people,” Jenny said. “We’ve truly been blessed.”

This year, Jenny and Emiley will stand together at the Phoebe Sumter Lights of Love ceremony at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center on Thursday, December 11. They are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their health and to encourage others in their community who may be facing their own diagnoses. You can donate in honor or memory of a loved one at www.lights-of-love.org.