CARTI

06/15/2026

When I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 14 years ago, I was by myself. I had just moved here from California, and I remember sitting in my truck after the appointment and crying. Then I stopped and thought, this is what I have in front of me, and I need to decide how I am going to face it.

During treatment you start seeing the same people in the infusion suite and it really becomes like a family. You get to know one another, and when someone is not there, you notice it. Those connections have meant a great deal to me.

Dr. Patel has been wonderful, and one of the biggest things I have learned is that being a patient is active work. You have to speak up, ask questions and let your care team know what is going on. They cannot help with what they do not know. If my story helps someone feel less afraid, ask for support or take a more active role in their care, then that means something to me.

-Cancer Survivor, Carol Davis

06/12/2026

Bring advanced care to patients who need it most. CARTI is hiring a CRNA for procedures at CARTI Surgery Center and a Physician Assistant to join our Head and Neck Surgery team. Explore the opportunities and apply today.
CRNA: https://bit.ly/3Qmko1r
PA: https://bit.ly/4xIYd6L

06/11/2026

Having a support network can make a meaningful difference both during and after a cancer journey. CARTI support groups offer space to connect, share and hear from others navigating similar experiences. Learn more about available groups and resources by calling 501.508.7894 or visit: https://bit.ly/3WTwsYt
Join The Bridge Community: https://bit.ly/4dA4x6s

06/10/2026

For 15 years, Scott Stern, M.D., has helped shape CARTI’s growth by expanding access to trusted cancer care in communities across Arkansas. As he reflects on CARTI’s 50-year legacy and his upcoming retirement, his hope for the future remains clear.

As we continue to celebrate CARTI, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Scott Stern joined KARK 4 News to reflect on how far CARTI has come during his time there and what’s next.

06/09/2026

I was diagnosed about a month after my 29th Birthday (Aug 2017) with stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma that was quickly spreading and was HER2 positive. Because of this diagnosis I had to do neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemo before surgery) taking 6 treatments. If it had a side effect listed, I had it. I finished those treatments and had a bilateral mastectomy in February 2018. Continued 11 more treatments of chemo and 2 more cosmetic surgeries. Rang the bell after chemo treatments and scans were clear! To God be the Glory! ❤️🙌🏼

Then in May 2023, marking what would’ve been my 5 year clear, it came back… with a vengeance. I was so angry!! And actually feared death this time. The first time was SO incredibly hard. And my body had been through so much at this point, I just didn’t know if I could do it all again… but! Here I am 3 years later… I’ve had those 17 treatments again. 30 radiation treatments and 4 more surgeries. (Not too many people are in the double mastectomy 2 times club…) ha! AND I’m cancer free again!

I have 2 boys that are my world… my first diagnosis they were 5 and 2. Now they are 14 and 10. I have a wonderful, supportive husband, an amazing family, an incredible medical team, as well as our community, church and work families! God has been SO faithful. It has been hard. Nights in the hospital, when you want to be with your family or just doing anything else. I have learned to trust the process, and trust God. I’ve learned to allow people to help! They want to. People are good. 💞

Sometimes it was easier for me to ask questions to people I didn’t know… or vent elsewhere. I didn’t want my light to dim. My prayer through everything was to be a light. It was nice to have others be a light for me in the darker moments. That was my CARTI team. My lights. My angels. I always knew I could call them team for anything.

-Cancer Survivor, Lauren Miller

06/08/2026

Bridget Dickerson brings a comfort in her care that reaches beyond treatment. Through thoughtful attention and clear communication, she helps patients and families feel supported in moments that carry real weight. Her lasting impact is one of the many reasons she is CARTI’s latest DAISY Award honoree.

06/05/2026

I was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer in February 2025. I was an active bicyclist, overall outdoor enthusiast, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, part-time Disc Jockey and friend. I am currently cancer free, and still all of those things. Prayer, my family, friends and my team of caregivers have lifted me through this trial. I recently completed the 36 mile "square to square" bicycle ride from Bentonville, AR to Fayetteville, AR with my cycling friends of over 30 years. None of which would have been possible without the incredible care of my CARTI team and also my P*P, Dr. Jeff Carfagno.

-Cancer Survivor, Greg Jones

06/04/2026

Laura McNeese found her breast cancer early after her dog, Zoe, kept drawing attention to her side. Now, Laura is sharing her story and the support that has carried her through treatment to encourage others to get their mammograms. https://bit.ly/4uTiLHK

An unlikely companion helped Laura McNeese catch her breast cancer early. A dog’s intuition put her on a journey of hope and healing with CARTI, but it’s the support from friends and family that keeps her going.

06/03/2026

Shelia Vaught has been part of Festival of Trees since it first began. As we celebrate our 50th year, Shelia is being honored for helping shape a tradition that has raised support for CARTI patients and carried purpose since 1976. Her story reflects a legacy of service rooted in care for Arkansas families. Read her full Inviting Arkansas profile: https://bit.ly/4vsKNK0 Learn more about Festival of Trees: https://bit.ly/4uiYTNd

06/02/2026

Paula Lee shares what it means to move through cancer with resolve. After a mammogram led to a stage 3 triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, she faced treatment with steadiness and placed her trust in the team caring for her at CARTI. Share your story: https://bit.ly/3HncoIF