Michelle Kimberly Clark’s Story

Michelle Kimberly Clark headshot

Michelle Kimberly Clark

Breast Cancer Survivor, Clinical Trials Patient Participant

In May of 2013, while exercising Michelle felt a small mass on her left breast. In 2015, she met Andre (her husband), starting her life as a young, vibrant, African American woman. They moved to Atlanta and as Michelle states, she was “on her way to living every girl’s dream of love, marriage, and then the baby in the baby carriage!” While showering she noticed that after two years the lump was still in her breast. She scheduled her annual physical, and unfortunately was told by her doctor not to worry about the lump; “You’re too young,” the doctor exclaimed! 

In 2019 Michelle sought a second opinion by a new doctor who scheduled her for a mammogram and ultrasound. The COVID-19 pandemic hit and stalled her appointment for what has already been a long and unsettling process. In August 31, 2021, after completing a mammogram and ultrasound., at just 36 years old, Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer in her left breast with a suspicious area on her right breast.

Michelle made the difficult decision to have double mastectomy surgery. On November 2, 2021, she froze seven (7) embryos and on January 2022 she entered a clinical trial, completing four rounds of intense chemotherapy. A component of her trial included the research team tracking neuropathy in African American women under treatment using the drug Taxane (docetaxel).

Michelle admits she was hesitant to participate in the clinical trial at first, because of the uncertainty and having a bit of selfishness for her own health. However, after voicing her concerns to her doctor and an amazing research nurse, she felt comfortable with being a part of a clinical trial that would allow her to discuss the effects of the treatment.  Oftentimes, patients dealing with serious illness hear the words “clinical trial” and they feel reluctant to move forward. Michelle felt reassured this trial allowed her to feel confident in knowing that her experience would benefit more black women undergoing treatment for breast cancer in the future. From her participation in this trial, her research nurse, later became a part of her support group.  Michelle believes that clinical trials are important because they allow medications and treatments to be effectively targeted for African American women.

The post Michelle Kimberly Clark’s Story appeared first on Georgia Bio.

Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.

GLS Joins Georgia Partners in Calling for Federal PBM Reform

December 7, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences is proud to stand with patient advocates, providers, and employers across the state in urging Congress to take meaningful action on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. We recently signed on to a joint letter to Georgia’s Congressional Delegation stressing the urgent need for transparency, fair practices, and policies that ensure savings flow directly to patients.

GLS’ President and CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe in December's issue of Georgia Trend

December 4, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences’ CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe shares her perspective on the value of Georgia’s research universities in this month’s issue of Georgia Trend. “Georgia research institutions have felt a very significant impact from the federal rollbacks, specifically in NIH and NSF funding. Thacker Goethe’s message about the impact of research cuts is simple: Disruption shatters the foundational trust researchers have in grant continuity….” To read the full article, click here .
MORE POSTS