Black Mom Earns Master’s Degree While Battling Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Nationwide — Starr Shamp, a resilient African American mother from Omaha, Nebraska, has accomplished a remarkable milestone while battling stage 4 breast cancer—she earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. Diagnosed just before her 28th birthday in 2018, Shamp has spent the last seven years balancing cancer treatments, marriage, motherhood, and academics. Her story is not just one of survival, but of determination, purpose, and the desire to support others facing chronic illness.

Her diagnosis came unexpectedly, shaking her world just weeks before a milestone birthday. “It was something that just kind of came out of nowhere,” Shamp recalled. Despite the grim news, she celebrated her 28th birthday with her first round of treatments. At the time, she was employed full-time but soon recognized a new calling born from her experience—the need for greater support systems for those living long-term with serious illnesses.

Motivated by the gaps she observed in survivorship care, particularly for individuals with terminal diagnoses who continue to live with the disease, Shamp decided to return to school. In 2021, she enrolled in Bellevue University’s counseling program to pursue a degree that would enable her to help others through mental health support. She remained committed to her studies despite continuing cancer treatments and major life changes.

During her time in the program, Shamp got married and unexpectedly became pregnant. Medical concerns arose late in the pregnancy when doctors discovered an enlarged lymph node in her throat. Because of complications, her son Harrison was born six weeks early and spent two weeks in the ICU. Thankfully, he made a full recovery. Shamp paused her studies briefly to recover but quickly resumed her coursework with renewed purpose.

Throughout her journey, Shamp credits a strong support system of friends, family, and community for helping her persevere. “It felt like I always had a hug,” she said, emphasizing how emotional support sustained her even during the darkest times. On graduation day, she not only walked across the stage to accept her diploma but also addressed her peers as the university’s student commencement speaker.

Now, Shamp continues receiving treatment every three weeks while preparing for the next chapter. She is on track to become a licensed professional counselor in Illinois. Her degree symbolizes more than academic success—it represents strength in adversity and a commitment to uplifting others. “Never quit,” she advised. “Feel the hard moments, face them, and keep going.”