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Check yourself. Self-discovery saves lives." — Alyssa, Kindergarten Teacher of Stories Strength Alyssa. A Teacher Stronger than Cancer "A lot of people are scared to know, and that's the worst thing they could do. I'm still here because I did what I did when I did it." — Sheila, Lung Cancer Survivor Just weeks after her 29th birthday, Alyssa — a kindergarten teacher, wife, and foster mom who loves karaoke and travel — felt a lump while reading in bed. Initially believed to be benign, further testing revealed two infected lymph nodes, and a biopsy confirmed triple negative breast cancer — an aggressive form more common in younger women. Overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, her first thought was, "Am I going to survive this?" After finishing the school year, Alyssa began treatment at Covenant Health's Joe Arrington Cancer Center under the care of Dr. Ibrahim Shalaby. She has completed 14 of 16 chemotherapy rounds and is now preparing for surgery. Along the way, she's discovered a strength she didn't know she had. "You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice." — Bob Marley rong you are until being strong is your only choice." — Bob Marley Though the journey hasn't been easy — including the emotional toll of losing her hair — Alyssa has been surrounded by compassion from her care team, from valet to physicians. Leaning on her faith, family, and community, she says the overwhelming support has carried her through. Living our mission through every life we touch. Sheila. Still Here Because She Acted. After smoking for more than 50 years and losing her mother to small cell lung cancer, Sheila knew her risk was high. So when her cardiologist recommended a low-dose CT scan, she didn't hesitate. Under the care of pulmonologist Dr. Mark Johnson, routine screenings became part of her life — until one scan showed growth in a lung nodule. A biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma, typically treatable with surgery. But during surgery, her care team discovered a more aggressive diagnosis: small cell lung cancer in her lymph nodes, a fast-spreading form that can be fatal if detected too late. Because Sheila chose to screen early, her physicians were able to act quickly. With oncologist Dr. Ibrahim Shalaby leading her care, she began an intensive course of radiation and chemotherapy. She completed radiation first, then rang the bell on her birthday after finishing chemotherapy — celebrating a cancer-free milestone. Today, Sheila continues regular CT and MRI surveillance and is doing well. She credits early screening with saving her life and encourages others at high risk not to wait. Her message to other women newly diagnosed: "It's hard, but you can do it. Some days will be great and others tough — but you are strong, because you have to be." COVENANT HEALTH 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 1

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