What began as a routine screening ended up saving Stephanie Steward’s life.
As an Ultrasound Technologist at Mosaic Life Care, Stephanie knew the importance of preventive care. Because of her family history of cardiovascular disease, she faithfully scheduled a Heart Score test every five years. Each previous screening had come back clear, so when she arrived for her appointment in 2023, she expected more of the same.
A few hours later, Jose Alvarez, MD, who was the radiologist she was working with that day, told her he read her scan and they found something of interest.
“My heart score was zero, but the test can catch some surrounding tissue,” Stephanie recalled. “It caught a pulmonary nodule in my lung.”
At first, she wasn't overly concerned as she wasn’t a smoker. In fact, just two months earlier, she had recovered from COVID-19, and lung abnormalities can sometimes linger after infection.
Her primary care physician referred her to pulmonologist Badr Jandali, MD, for further evaluation. The possibilities ranged from lingering inflammation to something far more serious: Adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
A CT-guided biopsy with Jack Bridges, MD, provided the answer.
“Dr. Bridges and Dr. Alvarez are two radiologists I work very closely with on a routine basis, and I trust them completely with my life,” she said.
A diagnosis she never expected
Not long after the biopsy, she received an alert from MyChart.
"New Test Result."
Curious, she opened it.
“I read in MyChart that I had cancer,” Stephanie said. “But I wouldn't have known unless I got that test. I had no symptoms."
"I'm convinced that the $50 Heart Score saved my life.”
In an instant, what had started as a preventive screening became the first step in a life-changing journey.
Over the following weeks, Stephanie underwent a series of tests, including a brain MRI, chest imaging and a PET scan. The news, while frightening, carried a measure of hope. Her cancer had been found early.
She was officially diagnosed with Stage 1A Adenocarcinoma.
Because it was caught before it had spread, surgery with thoracic surgeon Jane Schwabe, MD, was the only treatment she needed. No chemotherapy. No radiation. Just surgery — and a chance to move forward.
That doesn't mean recovery was easy.
The road to recovery
The procedure required the removal of part of her lung, forcing Stephanie to adjust to a new normal.
“Having a partial lung removed sucks,” she said with a laugh. “But I’m down to one inhaler, and I’m managing life pretty good.”
In true Stephanie fashion, she set her sights on a goal that seemed almost impossible at the time.
Just two months after surgery, she completed her first 5K race post-op.
“It was the worst time of my life and the best time of my life because I did it.”
Since then, she has completed countless races, including the Tutu Trot and the Time Machine Marathon (her first 5K after her surgery) with her children — often dressed in costume and making memories along the way.
A team that made a difference
While her positive attitude and support system helped carry her through recovery, Stephanie credits her care team with helping her navigate every step of her journey.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better team,” she said. “Everyone worked together — from Dr. Jandali to Dr. Schwabe and Dr. AJ (Rony Abou-Jawde, MD). And I can’t say enough about the caregivers on 3 East. They are like a mini-ICU up there.”
Today, Stephanie is cancer-free and focused on the future. She looks forward to traveling, running more races and spending time with her family. She is also excited about what the future holds for healthcare in our region.
Looking to the future
Construction on Mosaic Life Care’s new Cardiovascular Pulmonary Center begins in July 2026. The center will bring heart, lung and vein care together under one roof, creating a more connected experience for patients and expanding access to specialized care close to home.
For Stephanie, the connection between her story and the new center is clear.
“The new center is going to be much needed,” she said. “Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans, and cancer is number two."
"I want people to know that if they have screenings available to them, take them. A small test can save your life.”
The power of a simple screening
Stephanie's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important diagnosis is the one you never expected to receive. A simple screening. A routine appointment. A test that almost seemed unnecessary.
For Stephanie, it made all the difference.
And because of it, she gets to keep running toward the future.
Plaza 3 Groundbreaking
Mosaic broke ground on the new Plaza 3 building in July 2026, which will house the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Center. Learn more about Plaza 3 and how you can make a difference.
