SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – On a typical school day, most educators focus on lesson plans and classroom routines.
At Southfield‘s Stevenson Elementary this year, Principal Tonya Hickman’s personal health battle became an unexpected, and powerful, classroom in its own right.
Her openness about a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has transformed the school into a community lesson on strength, vulnerability, and asking for help.
Early in the school year, principal Hickman shared with students, staff, and families that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Determined to remain visible and continue leading the school, she explained why she needed the community’s support.
“Because I am so visible around the school, I knew that things would look a little different. And I also needed our families to help me stay healthy in order to be here,” said Hickman.
The principal continued working while undergoing chemotherapy.
Some days were physically difficult.
The school’s team made accommodations and offered help so she could focus on healing when she needed to.
“Even the days when I came when I could barely walk, staff members would say, ‘Don’t get up, we have it covered’. The kids every day, ‘Mrs. Hickman is the cancer getting better. I prayed for you last night,” Hickman said.
Teachers, staff, and students formed a support network that allowed Hickman to continue her role while prioritizing her health.
Colleague Melanie Land captured the sentiment of many at Stevenson.
“It takes several people to fill the shoes of one person,”said Land.
During Thanksgiving week, after completing six rounds of chemotherapy, Hickman rang the bell at Henry Ford Providence Hospital — a traditional symbol marking the end of that stage of treatment.
The moment resonated with students and staff and became another lesson in perseverance for the whole campus.
“It was definitely a journey. It was a battle, but I made it through,” Hickman said.
The principal’s journey is continuing.
She will begin radiation treatments later in the month and says she is ready to face that part of treatment with the same determination and optimism.
Beyond the medical milestones, the experience reshaped how students and staff think about asking for and accepting help.
Hickman’s most important takeaway is about the power of vulnerability and advocacy.
“That it is ok to ask for help. That it is okay to advocate for yourself. And it is ok to be on the receiving end of the giving,” Hickman said.
Principal Hickman’s story is a reminder that schools are more than learning spaces; they are communities that teach important life lessons through real experiences.
Her openness has modeled resilience for her students and underscored the importance of leaning on others when life gets hard.