‘A force for positivity’: Wichita woman perseveres through a life-changing diagnosis
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Wichita resident Niomi Thompson spends her days working to make a difference in the community through advocacy and education.
“Anything I can do to make our community better by volunteering, by being involved, it just kind of warms my heart,” said the Wichita State University alumna, who spends her days educating the next generation.
Niomi’s 10-year career as an educator has led her to Friends University, where she is an adjunct professor.
“I’m not naturally a great presenter, but boy, once I get in front of students, once I get in front of a class, I just come alive. I feel successful when they’re successful,” she explained.
After her 9-to-5, Niomi works with the Mid-America All-Indian Museum, Wichita’s Cultural Funding Committee, and the Junior League of Wichita.
But a few years ago, an unwelcome truth disrupted her life and routine.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2021. At the time, I had a 9-month-old and a 3-year-old,” said Niomi.
“It was just a whirlwind because your life totally changes in a week,” added her husband Drew Thompson.
Even through treatment, Niomi remained determined to make a difference.
“Driving to Kansas City and coming back, you’d just feel terrible after chemo, and to just put it together to keep going for all these other people in her life was really incredible,” said Drew. “She is just a force for positivity, I think, in all walks of life.”
At the time, Niomi was working at Butler Community College as an Associate Dean. She continued to work full-time through chemotherapy, only taking three days off after each session. Her mentor and Dean Mel Whiteside was amazed by the strength she displayed through treatment.
“There were multiple times I offered to give her time off just so she could re-coop and rest, and she refused to do that. She’s just a very strong woman. It’s about helping and serving others, and you don’t see that in a lot of people,” said Whiteside.
Niomi has been cancer-free since August 2022. She continues to monitor her health and live a life of service. She also looks forward to serving as the next President of the Junior League of Wichita beginning in 2025.
“I’m not quite sure where it comes from other than this intrinsic good feeling I get from being a part of the community. I love Wichita, and the more I get involved, the more I love it,” she said.
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