ILLINOIS — Despite being in an ongoing battle with stage 4 breast cancer, a determined mother has defied the odds by earning her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — and is now preparing to begin her career as a licensed counselor right here in Illinois.
Starr Shamp, who began her fight in 2018 just before her 28th birthday, says the experience sparked a calling to help others.
“I just felt the need that there needs to be more care for people who are actually living through these diseases,” she said.
From Diagnosis To Degree
Shamp was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer at a young age and began her first round of treatment the same week as her birthday.
While undergoing continuous treatment, she got married, experienced a high-risk pregnancy that led to her son being born six weeks early, and continued coursework at Bellevue University.
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Took only one academic term off
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Gave birth and cared for a newborn
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Completed all requirements for her master’s
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Was selected as commencement speaker at graduation
She now receives treatment every three weeks while preparing to start work in Illinois as a professional mental health counselor.
A Message For Survivors And Dreamers
Starr’s message to others facing adversity is both real and uplifting:
“Never quit. Things pop up. It’s hard. Acknowledge them… Feel them, go through them and keep going.”
She hopes to use her story and credentials to serve other cancer survivors and those navigating life with chronic illness — advocating for emotional support alongside physical care.
Do you know a courageous Illinois survivor making a difference in your community?
Want to celebrate someone who kept going through life’s hardest moments?
Share your stories and support at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
