Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport echoed with cheers and singing as 150 employees danced down a pink carpet onto Delta’s Breast Cancer One aircraft. Now in its 18^th year, Delta’s Breast Cancer One flight brings together employees who have survived or are currently battling the disease, and this year, two Endeavor employees were among those selected to participate in this special tradition. 

Patricia Schulte, a crew coordinator, and Kayla Fisher, a CVG-based flight attendant, took the trip from Atlanta to San Diego. The flight honors and celebrates those on board while providing opportunities to connect with one another about their triumphs and challenges. 

“The energy was beyond amazing – everybody was just having fun and laughing [and] there was dancing and happy tears going around,” Kayla said. “It was really nice to meet some new friends around my age and exchange stories, especially since I am young for getting breast cancer.”  

Kayla was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, when she had just turned 29 years old. It took a bit of advocating to have tests done because of her age, but fortunately, it was a quick process to getting surgery. It was only five weeks between her diagnosis and surgery. Kayla is just shy of being three years breast cancer free. 

“No matter the results, it did not stop me from continuing my dream career as a flight attendant,” Kayla said. “It made me kind of ‘grow up’ in a sense. No matter the age, it is hard, but being in my ‘prime years,’ it made it a little harder.”  

After going through her breast cancer journey, Kayla has learned about patience and control.  

“You can’t always be the one in control all the time,” Kayla said. “This has taught me to let go and go with the flow of life.”   

Decked out in Hawaiian leis, pink hoop earrings and a pink scarf, Patricia joined the flight as someone currently battling the disease. Patricia was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in December 2022 after noticing a rash on her body. After initially thinking it was shingles, tests led to a breast cancer diagnosis, and she began treatment in February 2023. Patricia’s current treatment plan involves taking three pills each morning for three weeks, and then she has a week off. 

“I am very thankful to not have to go through chemotherapy, as the medicine is just delivered to my door,” Patricia said. “The cancer is no longer in my lymph nodes, but we are going at ‘turtle pace’ now, as my cancer cell number is slowly dwindling.”   

As far as Patricia’s attitude, she says she gets through the day with her dry sense of humor and upbeat spirit. She even volunteers with Susan G. Komen’s ‘More than Pink Walk,’ where they host over 100,000 participants at 40+ in-person walks across the U.S. to raise money for breast cancer research. She always supported the cause, never imagining that she would one day be part of it. 

“I have cancer, but what am I going to do? I just do what the doctors tell me to do,” Patricia said. “You can’t let it take over your life, but it’s in your head every day.”  

“After exchanging stories with other survivors on the Breast Cancer One flight, I know I am blessed,” Patricia continued. “I’ve never had a reaction to the medication except for nausea and fatigue, and I haven’t missed any work. It just doesn’t interfere with my day-to-day life.” 

Reflecting on their journeys and their individual battles, Kayla and Patricia both said the experience of the Breast Cancer One flight is one they will always remember. 

“I am so thankful to Delta for allowing us to go on this flight, meet others and celebrate our victories,” Kayla said. “It really was a dream come true.”   

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During the month of October, may we support the fighters, admire the survivors and honor the taken.