PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 5, 2025) – A young Valley mother and neurologist with Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center will be recognized during Sunday’s Arizona Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium for her courageous battle with breast cancer. In addition to her role at Barrow, Glynnis Zieman, MD, director of Barrow’s Brain Injury at Sports Neurology Center serves as an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant for the NFL in which she monitors for concussions on the sidelines of NFL games.
This Sunday will be a different kind of game day for Dr. Zieman, however. She will be among numerous cancer survivors who will be recognized by the Arizona Cardinals for their courageous battle with cancer as part of Crucial Catch, an NFL initiative that promotes early cancer detection.
Dr. Zieman first received her diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in February 2024 at just 37 years of age. She underwent five months of chemotherapy and three surgeries at the Dignity Health Cancer Institute before the cancer was removed in September 2024. Since then, she has had no recurrence.
A wife and mother of two young boys, Dr. Zieman is grateful for the incredible support she received from her family throughout her treatment.
“More than anything, I felt like I couldn’t give up because of my family,” Dr. Zieman, now 39, shares. “They instilled so much strength and surrounded me with so much love, which made a huge difference.”
Dr. Zieman’s diagnosis highlights the growing issue of more young adults being diagnosed with cancer and the importance of regular screenings.
“Breast cancer in young women can be aggressive and poses the additional challenge that it can occur before routine screening starts,” explains Dignity Health medical oncologist Albert Wendt, MD. “Being aware that breast cancer can occur in young women is important. We cannot assume that because someone is young that breast cancer is not a risk. Echoing this sentiment Dr. Zieman notes, “Regular screenings can be a matter of life and death. Even if you feel fine, keep up with your regular screenings to rule out anything serious.”
Reflecting on the care she received and the message she has for others, Dr. Zieman shares “I’m so grateful for everything the Dignity Health Cancer Institute team did for me while I fought this illness. “I hope my story helps other survivors or those still battling cancer to feel less alone and inspires them to keep going.”
During Crucial Catch at Sunday’s game, Dignity Health, in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, will be providing education about the importance of cancer screenings and early detection.
— ### —
The phrase "breast cancer" can bring a lot of fear and uncertainty. For many, a diagnosis or a strong family history sparks questions: Why me? Why my family? While many breast cancers are sporadic (meaning they happen by chance)
Read More Additional information about Is Genetic Testing Right for You
We get it. Getting your mammogram isn't exactly a spa day. The awkward positions, the cold machine, the slight squeeze – it's not on anyone's list of favorite things to do. And in our busy lives, it's all too easy to let that reminder card slip
Read More Additional information about Don't Skip Your Mammogram Blog
When we talk about breast cancer, the usual suspects come to mind: genetics, age, and lifestyle choices like smoking or heavy drinking. And rightly so – these are crucial factors.
Read More Additional information about Beyond the Mammogram Blog