Amber Powderly is a three-time sarcoma survivor whose story is defined by resilience, faith, and the love of her family. Originally from Mount Holly, NC, Amber is one of three identical triplets. Today, she treasures time outdoors with her husband Jim and their four children, whether it’s bike rides, gardening, or simple family walks.
Amber’s journey began in 2015, at just 26 years old. She first recognized swollen viens in her right leg while working as a pediatric dental hygienist. She sought medical advice over the course of a year but each doctor assured her that she was young and healthy, brushing her away. Her symptoms persisted and continued to grow into involuntary leg movements and convulsions during the day and night.
It wasn’t until later, in 2016 while working out with her close-knit group of friends, “the Core 4,” she noticed a lump in her right thigh that looked unusual. At first, she brushed it off and even jokingly named it “Bertha.” Her sister, who worked alongside her at a dental office, shared her concern with their boss, Dr. David Moore. Through his connections she ended up at Levine Cancer Institute, where Dr. Jeffrey Kneisel performed a biopsy. The initial results pointed to Ewing’s sarcoma, but further testing confirmed the correct diagnosis as Synovial Sarcoma. This change reduced her treatment plan dramatically, from one year down to just three months.
Despite the shock, Amber felt a deep sense of God’s grace and strength wash over her, giving her courage to begin the fight. Around the same time, she crossed paths with her future husband, Jim Powderly, at a CPA appointment. Bonding over shared experiences with cancer in their families, the two quickly grew close, fell in love, and eventually married. Against all odds, they welcomed their first “miracle baby,” Demi, despite Amber being told she might never have children.
Four months later, Amber’s scans revealed two spots on her lungs. As a new mother, she chose immediate surgery to remove the tumors. Both were confirmed as sarcoma, advancing her to stage 4 cancer. This diagnosis was a turning point, forcing her to confront her own mortality and embrace each day as a blessing.
Amber remained NED (no evidence of disease) for nearly five years—a significant sarcoma milestone that greatly improves survival odds. During that time, she and Jim grew their family, welcoming two more children with a fourth on the way, and she joined her sisters in launching a small apple cider vinegar business, Sister Cider. But just as they were preparing to celebrate her five-year milestone, doctors discovered a new spot in the upper lobe of her left lung.
That third diagnosis, while devastating, shifted Amber’s outlook once again. She chose to close her business, prioritize her health, and pour her energy into her family.
“The third one really made me reflect—why am I here, what’s my goal, and what’s my purpose on earth?” she recalls.
Over the course of her three diagnoses, Amber has endured chemotherapy, targeted radiation, multiple tumor resections, vascular grafts, and lung surgeries. For the third diagnosis, she was given the option of a lobectomy but chose targeted radiation to preserve her lung capacity. Today, she continues with close monitoring every three months and remains hopeful as her tumor responds to treatment.
During her lung treatments Amber said, “I wanted my kids with me every moment I could, it helped me heal.”
Her sisters, friends, and community stepped in when she couldn’t be there, showing her the power of support networks.
During her journey, Amber discovered the Paula Takacs Foundation’s Sarcoma Stomp fundraiser. Her family quickly rallied her community under the team name #TeamAmber which later evolved to, Friends Don’t Let Friends Fight Cancer Alone. This slogan came from the fundraiser her sisters created to support her through her initial cancer treatment. With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and coworkers, Amber continued her treatments while embracing a healthier lifestyle without the weight of financial stress.
Through the Stomp, Amber connected with the Foundation and was later invited to serve on its Board of Directors. She continues to share her story at events like the Clayton Golf Tournament, using her voice to raise awareness and inspire others facing sarcoma.
Her greatest lesson is to live with purpose and leave a legacy as a mother, partner, and person.
“Life is hard, but you can’t appreciate the beauty of a mountaintop if you’ve never crossed a valley.”
Amber hopes her journey reminds others that it’s okay to not be okay, to feel the emotions that come with cancer and to always advocate for yourself. She encourages patients to listen to their bodies, seek second opinions, ask for help, and explore every option.
Her husband Jim once told her words she still reflects on daily:
“There are so many smart people in the world. You just have to fight long enough for them to find a cure.”
Amber encourages others to Keep fighting, because each day we’re one step closer!
