Rooted in Resilience

By KATIE RAY ’24

When she first set foot on then Pikeville College’s campus, recruited to play softball, Michelle Jones ’99 had no idea how transformative her experience would be. The moment she visited, met students and professors and walked through the halls of the science building, she knew she had found the right fit. Drawn to science and the intricacies of the human body, she pursued a degree in biology, captivated by the unknown and hands-on learning experiences.

“I knew I had a passion for science and biology, so it helped narrow the field when looking into different careers,” said Jones. “I believe it’s important to find a career that you enjoy doing every day.”

Her degree provided a strong foundation, guiding her toward a career aligned with her passion. Exploring different paths, she encountered pharmaceutical sales and was immediately intrigued by the opportunity to continue learning while making a tangible difference in people’s lives. After researching various companies, multinational pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly stood out. Their commitment to innovation and valuing their employees resonated with her, leading to what has now been a 20-year career as an executive sales representative in Lexington, Ky.

“The most rewarding part of my job is helping people,” said Jones. “Knowing that I play even a small role in helping someone live a longer, healthier, happier life is incredibly fulfilling.”

Her life’s motto, “learn something new every day,” fuels her dedication to staying current in the field, embracing a philosophy of lifelong learning. Jones has witnessed groundbreaking advancements in medicine and marveled at how treatments and devices evolve to improve patient outcomes. But in 2023, the science she had spent her career supporting became personal.

On October 4, 2023, she received a diagnosis that changed everything—triple-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. Faced with breast cancer, she approached her battle with the same determination that had fueled her academic and professional success. She educated herself, asked questions and made a commitment to doing whatever it took to survive.

Her treatment path was grueling but purposeful: a double mastectomy in November, chemotherapy starting in December, an oophorectomy in June and a final surgery in November 2024. After 16 rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the best news arrived as her latest pathology report showed no cancer found. Throughout her journey, the power of medical research and advancements in treatment became more evident than ever.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer. I ’ m grateful for the continued progress in medicine and the hope research provides.

Jones credits her family, friends and organizations like CHI St. Joseph Cancer Care Center, Betty’s Brave & Beautiful Hearts Foundation and Kentucky CancerLink for providing the support she needed. Now, she’s committed to paying it forward, supporting other women navigating their own battles.

Jones’s experience has reshaped her perspective, reinforcing the importance of embracing life, taking chances and appreciating every moment. It also deepened her commitment to giving back, both to those facing cancer and to the university that shaped her. As a member of the UPIKE Alumni Board of Directors, she remains deeply connected, attending games, events and alumni gatherings, eager to see the university’s continued growth.

“UPIKE means the world to me,” said Jones. “My time at Pikeville College was unforgettable. I built lifelong friendships and gained knowledge that shaped my future. Seeing how much the university has grown fills me with pride, and I want to do everything I can to help future students have the same incredible experience.”