Cassandra Boardman was recently declared cancer free at only 21 years old. Boardman was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in March 2025, according to Boardman and mother Missy Miller. Synovial sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins within soft tissue. Boardman underwent a total of six months of chemotherapy and one month of daily radiation treatments at

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, according to Miller. Surgeries were commonplace for Boardman during this time. Surgeries around the mass left a hole in her head the size of a softball, not to mention skin grafts and implanted port procedures that had to be endured.

All of these treatments brought a host of further challenges. Boardman noted being unable to eat during the three day chemotherapy stays at Roswell, typically lasting throughout an entire weekend. Fatigue and nausea would last for weeks after the treatments and resulted in weight loss, according to Miller. Boardman noted the seclusion from many loved ones as a result of a weakened immune system as well, only added an additional element of difficulty to the process.

Boardman has been declared cancer-free, which has lifted a massive burden from her, yet there are still more challenges that await. Boardman must undergo a surgery to care for the wound left on her head.

Cassandra Boardman and family member at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Research Center.

There will also be an extensive amount of follow up examinations to ensure no cancer can return, due to how aggressive and likely to metastasis it is. The checkup process will begin with three appointments per year, and will ramp up to four to five appointments each year as more time passes, according to Miller. These appointments will include a full-body scan to be able to take quick and early action should the cancer return in any form.

Boardman attributes much of the strength, which inspired her to continue pushing through these challenges, to the love and support she received from every angle. Support from her boyfriend Jayce Neal, and from her mother, gave a shining light in an otherwise very dark time, noted Boardman. Miller and Boardman also give thanks to the incredible work of the doctors at Roswell. Both noted the nurses as being incredibly kind, and doctors being extensive and inquiring about mental and physical wellbeing thoroughly.

Miller stated that Boardman’s diagnosis came following a surgical procedure, where the doctor did not believe the mass to be a malignant tumor until it was confirmed later by other professionals. Due to the early misunderstanding surrounding the diagnosis, Boardman and Miller stress the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking necessary action in a timely manner.

“I would say for people in the community to get their regular check-ups, express concerns to their providers, and advocate for themselves,” said Miller.

From left: Jayce Neal, Cassandra Boardman, Melissa Miller. Cassandra Boardman 03.jpeg cutline