Bonners Ferry High School volleyball coach Cynthia Cummings, a longtime organizer of the school’s annual “Volley for a Cure” fundraiser, is now facing a fight against cancer herself. Cummings was diagnosed Nov. 20 with Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. 

“I also was in the 10% subtype that are triple positive (ER+/PR+/HER2+),” Cummings said. “Meaning my tumor is aggressive and dependent on my hormones and the HER2 protein.” 

After the diagnosis, Cummings quickly began treatment, starting chemotherapy Dec. 22, completing 12 weekly rounds with her final treatment March 19. She continues to receive injections every three weeks to target the HER2 protein and will continue to do so for a year. Surgery is planned for the second week of April, followed by a month of healing and 10 to 15 daily radiation treatments. 

After the initial shock of her diagnosis, Cummings said one of the most difficult parts has been adjusting to a new normal. 

“Life becomes filled with so much travel to and from appointments, medical tests, and managing symptoms while trying to still be a wife, mother, grandmother and friend,” she said. 

The diagnosis forced her to step away from coaching the volleyball club in recent months, something difficult to accept, she said. Still, Cummings has continued working from home for her husband’s construction company and taking online classes through Texas Tech University to complete her degree. 

Despite the challenges, Cummings said her faith, family and friends have carried her through. 

“Worrying is fruitless because I have no control over the outcome of any of this,” she said. “There’s a peace that came over me two days after my diagnosis that He is in control of everything.” 

Cummings said the physical toll of treatment has also been significant, with side effects building over time. 

“By the sixth week, they really started to kick in,” she said. “The last two weeks were definitely the most difficult physically.” 

For years, Cummings has helped lead “Volley for a Cure,” a community fundraiser supporting cancer-related causes. Now, she finds herself on the receiving end of that same support. 

“It has been very humbling being on the receiving end of the Volley for a Cure donations,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the organization and look forward to continuing the tradition.” 

She also expressed gratitude for the Boundary County Women’s Cancer Support Group, which provides monthly gas cards to help offset travel costs. Some weeks, Cummings travels to Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls two to three times for treatment. 

Even with private insurance, the financial burden has been significant, with co-pays, deductibles and numerous procedures, including imaging, a biopsy, a port placement and weekly treatments. 

A GoFundMe has been established to help the Cummings family with medical and related expenses as treatment continues. 

Cummings said her family has played a critical role in helping her navigate the process. Her husband, Brian Cummings, and their children have supported her throughout, while daughters Julia Fess and Sara Byler have driven her to most appointments. She also thanked Teresa Rae for helping with transportation when needed. 

“We’ve tried to keep life as normal as possible,” she said. 

Cummings also expressed appreciation for the broader community, including those who have provided meals, sent messages or contributed to the fundraiser. Mountain Springs Church organized a meal train, and she credited Lexie Maas and Paula Petesch for stepping in to support volleyball programs during her absence. 

Coaching remains a central part of Cummings’ life, and she said the relationships built through the program continue to motivate her. 

“It’s been wonderful having a few athletes reach out or stop by,” she said. “The thought of joining them again soon in the gym keeps me motivated and going.” 

When she returns, Cummings hopes to offer more than just instruction on the court. 

“I want to be an example to the girls that you can go through hard things,” she said. “You can’t control the outcome, but you can control your words and your actions when life gets hard.” 

For others facing cancer, Cummings offered a message of faith and perseverance. 

“Trust in the Lord. He’s got you,” she said. “Give yourself grace and remember that this too shall pass.” 

Looking ahead, she said her family, especially her grandsons, keeps her focused on healing and hopeful for the future. 

Those interested in donating can find the GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cummings-battle-cancer