Women Who Inspire: Adovia Alston

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Not long after Adovia Alston finished 10 months of cancer treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for a cancerous brain tumor, she was at an amusement park, her mom cautioning her against riding any thrill rides.

Her mom was justifiably worried. A year earlier, in October 2003 at age 9, Adovia was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. After surgery to resect her tumor, Adovia was referred to St. Jude, where she met the criteria for a clinical trial that treated medulloblastoma with a combination of chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and radiotherapy.  

But Adovia was a kid, ready to recapture the fun of a childhood that was put on pause. She told her mom she wouldn’t ride any thrill rides — but she did. “I was always a daredevil,” Adovia said. At St. Jude for Christmas, all Adovia wanted was a motorized scooter, which her parents gave her — along with a helmet.

When her mom spotted Adovia on a thrill ride, she called Amar Gajjar, MD, Adovia’s doctor at St. Jude, looking for backup. Adovia remembers Dr. Gajjar saying if her head didn’t hurt, “she can do whatever she wants.” 

Whatever she wants. Hearing that was all the encouragement Adovia needed. Adovia would live her life. She decided then, “I’m not going to let this stop me. If I can beat cancer, I know I can do all these other things.”

Adovia was a straight-A student and her high school’s valedictorian. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2016 and earned a master’s degree in psychology from University of Phoenix in 2018, as well as a Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University in 2023. 

Adovia became a child therapist and social worker at a high school in Michigan. “In the world we live in today, kids go through more things than you could imagine,” she said. “I am here to listen first and assist in any way I can.”

Adovia learned the power of that at St. Jude. From the medical staff and teachers to staff at the cafeteria and housing facilities, the adults who listened and helped her made her feel like she mattered. 

Door open to listen

The door to her office is almost always open because dare she close it, she’ll see students trying to peer through her closed blinds and hear, “I know you’re in there, Ms. Alston.” 

Adovia shares what she went through as a childhood cancer survivor with the young people she works with, many of whom are dealing with their own challenges. “It brings peace to them knowing that someone else knows where they’re coming from,” she said.

She also shares her story at fundraising events for St. Jude, most recently at the St. Jude Walk in Detroit, where she leads one team and is on another for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a supporter of St. Jude for four decades.  

At church, Adovia volunteers with the youth as one of the instructors of the praise dance team and helps organize the back-to-school rally every year. Because one compassionate adult — someone they can count on — can change everything for a kid. She tells them not to let anything stand in their way.

Adovia thinks kids trust her because she’s authentic. “I’m Adovia when I leave that school, and I’m Ms. Alston at school, but I’m the same person,” she said. Show your authentic self to others, and they will let you see their authentic selves. 

‘My life is my message’

Adovia loves to travel, usually to warm spots because she gets enough of the cold in Michigan, including her favorite, Jamaica, and most recently, the Bahamas. And she still hasn’t lost her inner daredevil. Last year, she ziplined in Las Vegas and plans to do it again somewhere more adventurous.  

Now Adovia, who’s 31, is preparing for the next adventure in her life. She is going to be a mom. She’s completed the training and applied to be a foster parent with hopes to adopt. 

Adovia has a lot of love to give to a child. “I’m excited,” she said. She’s already planning a welcome party for the child to meet their new family, including the 12 nieces and nephews Adovia dotes on. All people this child could count on. 

Adovia has a tattoo that says, “My life is my message.” Grateful for a second chance at life, Adovia lets nothing stand in her way of doing whatever she wants.