Dottie Stewart has been an evangelist and preached the word of God for more than 40 years. She’s charismatic, inspired, and never hesitates to use the pulpit to reassure those who need encouragement. Her rich, powerful voice delivers a promising and inspirational message of hope. The lesson is clear—“having a strong faith grounds us in good times and provides comfort and clarity during periods of conflict.”
Little did Stewart know the powerful message she preached to others would now be prophetic and foreshadow her own life’s story.
“I have been called to serve God with the gifts, skills, and talents He has given me,” says Stewart, a 64-year-old Crofton resident. “He has taught me to believe in Him during the ups and downs of life, and that’s what I do.”
A medical diagnosis in late 2020 would test her faith and place her in the hands of Susan Peeler, M.D. and Teresa Diaz-Montes, M.D., two highly respected and superior-trained, gynecologic experts with THE NEIL B. ROSENSHEIN, M.D., Institute for Gynecologic Care at Annapolis.
Battling Cancer with Prayer and Clinical Excellence
In late Fall 2020, Stewart began experiencing abdominal pain. Not taking any chances, she made an appointment with Dr. Peeler, her long-time Board Certified Gynecologist. After a thorough examination and series of tests including a biopsy, Dr. Peeler shared with Stewart the difficult news that she had cancer—a diagnosis that often tests even the most faithful believer.
Dr. Susan Peeler is a recognized Top Doc in Anne Arundel County and is trusted for her clinical knowledge and deep concern for patients. “When it comes to a cancer diagnosis, time waits for no one and we knew we had to put an effective plan in place to help Dottie,” Dr. Peeler explains. “The sooner a treatment plan begins, the greater the chance for a successful outcome.”
“Dr. Peeler is warm and friendly. When she called me to discuss my diagnosis, I heard compassion in her voice,” Stewart says. “I trusted her to make the best decision about my care.”
Rapid Treatment Plan Leads to a Cancer-free Recovery
Stewart’s cancer diagnosis required surgery and, once again, she relied on faith and prayer to provide the answers she needed. “I was talking to God every day,” Stewart recalls. “I asked for wisdom and answers. I knew I needed the best doctors available and I trusted God to provide them to me,” she says with conviction.
Stewart got the answers she needed. Dr. Peeler introduced Stewart to Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes, the Medical Director of THE NEIL B. ROSENSHEIN, M.D., Institute for Gynecologic Care at Annapolis, and there was an immediate bond. Dr. Diaz-Montes is a Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologist and is recognized as one of the leading surgeons in the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive tract. She also has been prominently featured in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times providing women, like Stewart, the answers they need.
“Dottie’s cancer was caught early and her prognosis was excellent,” Dr. Diaz-Montes says. “Dottie did what we want all women to do—she acted immediately and alerted her doctor about the symptoms she’d been having.”
Just days before Christmas, Stewart underwent surgery to remove the cancer. After the 4-hour procedure, Dr. Diaz-Montes shared the good news with Stewart—the cancer was expunged and there was no need for additional cancer treatments. Prayers were answered.
“I believe my story is about hope, not cancer,”
Stewart offers. “I didn’t schedule my GYN appointment with the expectation I would be told I had cancer. My faith was tested and I made the decision to believe the words I had preached for decades. I never lost hope. I trusted God to provide answers and he gave me Dr. Peeler and Dr. Diaz-Montes. I’m so grateful…so thankful. They are my angels of Mercy!”
Now, nearly a year from the early onset of symptoms and surgery, Stewart has returned to her calling. She is back in the pulpit preaching hope, trust, and living out her faith.
“I have been blessed with a special anointing to embrace the downtrodden, broken-hearted and the disenfranchised. I embrace the people I meet with love and compassion by letting them know God cares,” Stewart says. “I am very grateful to Dr. Peeler and Dr. Diaz-Montes for the care they provided. Because of them I am able to continue to do what God wants me to do.”
“Evangelist to Prophetess…A Journey of Faith & Healing” was provided by Mercy Hospital.
