Deetra Sands Durham was a Ft. Lauderdale, FL native. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1974 before attending Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Speech and Audiology from the University of Florida and continued her professional development by completing an additional 30 hours of advanced graduate coursework. In 2020, she retired after 39 years of dedicated service as an Educational Audiologist with Broward County Public Schools.

 

Deetra's cancer journey began in November 2014 when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. The diagnosis was discovered while she was being evaluated for another medical condition. Because the cancer had already reached an advanced stage, critical medical decisions had to be made quickly, and her healthcare team recommended an aggressive treatment plan. Although her prognosis was challenging, Deetra never wavered in her faith that God would see her through.

 

Throughout her journey, she demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. She endured ten surgeries and four courses of chemotherapy while overcoming numerous physical and emotional challenges. Yet through every obstacle, she remained steadfast in her faith, hopeful in spirit, and determined to live with purpose.

 

Before beginning her third round of chemotherapy, Deetra discovered integrative medicine and became a passionate advocate for combining traditional cancer treatment with evidence-based complementary therapies. Working collaboratively with her oncologist, she incorporated integrative medicine into her treatment plan. She believed this holistic approach played a significant role in improving her quality of life and empowering her to thrive well beyond her initial diagnosis.

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A 12-year cancer thriver, Deetra was deeply committed to ensuring that other women facing cancer would not have to navigate the journey alone. She openly shared the knowledge she gained through her own experiences, encouraging women to become informed advocates for their health while embracing hope, faith, and healing.

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Inspired by this mission, she founded Empowered To Thrive, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering women living with and beyond cancer—particularly women of color. The organization's name reflected her unwavering belief that a cancer diagnosis does not define a person's future and that every woman deserves the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive.

Through Empowered To Thrive, Inc., Deetra envisioned creating a safe, compassionate community where women could connect, learn, and encourage one another throughout every stage of their cancer journey. Her vision continues to guide the foundation's mission of providing education, advocacy, support services, and hope to cancer thrivers and their families.

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Beyond her professional career and nonprofit leadership, Deetra devoted her life to public service. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated since 1976 and served as the immediate past Chair of the Board of the Delta Education and Life Development Foundation, Inc. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to service and humanitarian efforts, she was honored as a Marquis Who's Who Distinguished Humanitarian for 2022–2023.

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Above all, Deetra treasured her family. She was a devoted mother to her son, Marcus, and a loving grandmother to her grandson, Mason.

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Although Deetra's earthly cancer journey came to an end in March 2026, her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the women she inspired, and the mission of Empowered To Thrive, Inc. Her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, and commitment to education and advocacy continue to empower women to face cancer with courage, hope, and the determination not just to survive—but to thrive.