Featured Panelists

Lesli Foster is an award-winning journalist and mainstay of Washington news as a Weeknight Anchor for WUSA9.

Lesli Foster has spent more than two decades working to earn the trust and respect of viewers in the greater Washington, DC area in her role as a journalist, advocate and first informer. Known for her warmth, and ability to share reaching stories, Lesli thrives on work that touches everyday living. That journey has allowed her to interview many local, national and international luminaries, but she most enjoys talking with ordinary people using their lives to do extraordinary things.

Her career work has been recognized with numerous awards including four Emmys for Best Anchor – plus numerous other Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, Gracies, NABJ Salute To Excellence, Associated Press and TEGNA Make A Difference awards. Journalism, she says, is her life’s work, and feeds her drive to make a difference in the lives of people.

Dr. Tara Abraham had no family history of breast cancer until her mother was diagnosed at the age of 68 with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).  Though her mother’s cancer was treated at the time, it came back in full force three years later, and in March 2024 at the age of 73, Abraham’s mother passed away..

My experience with my mother was eye opening in many aspects, and I learned many things from a patient, caregiver, and physician standpoint.

Abraham’s mother inspired her to be vigilant with annual breast screenings and staying informed on the latest research innovations. In March 2023, Abraham’s mammogram showed new calcifications, leading her to undergo multiple biopsies that showed an early form of DCIS. Abraham consulted  the care of several physician colleagues, including Dr. Lucy Maria De La Cruz at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Family was first on Abraham’s mind after receiving her news. She wanted to choose the appropriate surgery and surgical team who was supportive of her personal health goals and advised her on options for prevention of recurrence.

Dr. De La Cruz understood that ultimately, my goal was to do whatever it took to make sure I was around for as long as possible for my family—especially my young sons!

After discussing her imaging and biopsy reports with De La Cruz, they reviewed the options for surgery along with current clinical trials, and genetic testing. Abraham chose to undergo a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction. She met with the rest of the surgical team, including Dr. David Song, the plastic surgeon who performed the reconstruction. Just two weeks later, Abraham had the surgery and was discharged home the same day. Abraham had a full recovery without requiring the use of narcotics.

Abraham is an OBGYN and shares her story regularly with her own patients to reinforce the message of being proactive with one’s health, the importance of preventative health care and early detection, and patient specific screening recommendations based on one’s medical and family history. 

Alima Draughon is married with four young children. She has been an elementary school teacher since 2010. In the summer of 2023, after being on maternity leave for her youngest child, she was preparing to return to the classroom in the fall. Those plans were disrupted after finding a lump while breastfeeding, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2023. 

When Alima met with Dr. Isaacs, who came highly recommended, she offered her expertise, a proposed timeline, and the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that would include more testing but more surveillance of the malignancy. Dr. Isaacs also demonstrated a warmth that was attractive to Alima, as they were committed to approaching this journey with positivity and optimism.

Alima’s treatment plan included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The process was long, and there were challenges along the way, but she applied the phrase, “This too shall pass,” throughout. She had the support of friends and family and focused on the positive. Her husband was her biggest supporter, accompanying her to every appointment and staying by her side through it all. 

Alima was also committed to maintaining a sense of normalcy for her kids. She and her husband decided to have conversations with them about anticipated changes, but daily routines, traditions, birthday celebrations, and family outings continued. They were going to fight cancer with joy. 

Dr. Isaacs made it easier to smile and laugh even when dealing with the most challenging situations.

Fortunately, after surgery, Alima learned that the original cancer was gone. Her last radiation treatment was in June, so by July, there was much to celebrate! In July 2024, Alima and her husband celebrated their wedding anniversary with a private tour and vow renewal in Ghana with their four young kids.

Alima continues to be thankful for the care she received from Dr. Isaacs, Dr. Greenwalt, Dr. David Song, and the other doctors and nurses during her treatment. She hopes that sharing her story will help others focus on the joys in life even in the face of hardship. 

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