Finding Harmony in Adversity: Cy-Fair ISD Choir Director Battles Against Stage 4 Cancer
In the fall of last year, two Cy-Fair ISD choir directors, Dolores Noel and Bradley Acree, received news that turned their world upside down.
Dolores, a 38-year-old active, non-smoker, and mother of two young boys, has found herself in an unexpected battle in the fight for her life against Stage 4 Squamous Cell Thymic Cancer. "This diagnosis was a complete shock," Dolores shared. "But it was through describing myself I found my inner strength. I don't fit the mold of a traditional cancer patient, so I knew I could beat this."
Her love for teaching choir — 13 years in total and five at Bridgland High School — has had to take a back seat due to her illness. "I love the day-to-day rehearsal process with the kids, but going in and out of treatment has greatly impacted my ability to teach,” Dolores said. “It's hard not being 'in charge' of a choir this year. It's just too disruptive. My energy level has also greatly diminished."
Entrusted to the care of Dr. Ryan Williams at MD Anderson West Campus in Houston, Dolores is now undergoing her final phase of treatment — three weeks of radiation. After months of treatment, prayer and unwavering resilience, a full recovery is expected, according to her medical team.
Dolores's husband, Bradley Acree, head choir director at Kahla Middle School, has been an unwavering pillar of support for his wife. Dolores and Bradley are high school sweethearts and graduates of Jersey Village High School, coming back to their roots to share their love of music making and artistry. Although both of Dolores' parents passed away from cancer, she was blindsided by her diagnosis in August of last year.
Bradley Acree and Dolores Noel with their sons, Tristan and Teddy. (Source: Bradley Acree)After not being able to recover from the flu over the course of a month, Dolores was taken to an emergency room in Cypress, only to discover that she had a collapsed lung and a large mass in the middle of her chest. Lifeflight was immediately coordinated to transport her straight to MD Anderson. A week later, the official diagnosis finally came back - Stage 4 Squamous Cell Thymic Cancer.
"The words 'lung cancer' for a non-smoker were really alarming," Bradley shares, reflecting on the moment of her diagnosis. "But I knew God had a plan for her treatment...we would and SHE would make it."
Throughout this time, the communities of Bridgeland High, Kahla Middle School, and the family's congregation at Cypress Methodist Church have rallied around them. "Everyone has been so helpful in volunteering their time with the boys, sending warm wishes, prayers, you name it,” Dolores said. With treatments often rendering Dolores bedridden for a week at a time, the process to healing has been incredibly challenging for her and her family, especially her sons, Teddy, 6 and Tristan, 2.
Despite their network of support, the family faces significant financial stress. The family's non-traditional health insurance requires upfront payment for all treatments. With both Dolores and Bradley forced to take time away from their teaching roles for Dolores' treatments and recovery, the family has lost over $20,000 in wages. "Cancer is not cheap," Bradley said. "We just don't get paid when we miss a day for treatment, and it's been tough navigating the process."
Their GoFundMe campaign has been a lifeline, set up by a close friend, to gather funds to offset the immense costs. The campaign "Dolores Noel Vs Lung Cancer" has rallied tremendous support so far. However, more is still needed. "The GoFundMe page really helped us out," Bradley affirmed. "Hopefully, we can get her through her radiation treatment with some more assistance from that."
Dolores Noel, Bradley Acree and their sons enjoying Halloween together in 2023, Every day, each treatment, and each moment is a testament to Dolores and Bradley's tenacity and resilience. "Take nothing for granted," Dolores said, "you may not have it tomorrow." The battle is far from over, but their unfaltering love of their family, friends, community, and each other have been a guiding compass throughout their harrowing ordeal.
Dolores dreams of the day she can once again fully engage with her sons, and return to her normal duties with her students. Bradley looks forward to more family vacations, anniversaries, and dates with his "best friend". On the other side of her cancer journey, Dolores is most looking forward to experiencing the sheer joy of being with her loved ones.
The community is invited to join the fight and rally behind Dolores, Bradley, and their boys. To learn more about the "Dolores Noel Vs Lung Cancer" campaign, please visit gofundme.com/f/dolores-noel-vs-lung-cancer.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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