Behind every medicine is a story—a story of people who make it possible. In the series Where Craft Meets, Daiichi Sankyo explores and celebrates the people behind our medicines and shares how our unique crafts contribute to our collective mission to help patients.
For Alex Borchard, Director, Internal Communications, her desire to create a positive culture and sense of belonging in the workplace—in order to bring more options to patients—has never been stronger. The work has never felt more personal.
Facing a Cancer Diagnosis…Again
Hearing the words “you have cancer” for the first time was shocking. Hearing them again years later was absolutely devastating. After 8 years of remission, I received another breast cancer diagnosis on June 16, 2025. I'll never forget that moment: the sterile scent of the hospital room, the gentle hum of machines, and the sadness in the doctor's eyes as he readied himself to share the news with me.
During my first diagnosis, I called it the "good kind"—caught early, stage 1A. I joked with friends, tried to keep it light. But cancer is never truly good. Chemo took my hair; worry stole my sleep. But I refused to let cancer take my hope.
After my treatments and recovery, annual mammograms became my ritual, each one a silent prayer for normalcy. January 2025 came back normal. Yet five months later, a series of health-related issues led me to the ER, where a CAT scan revealed lesions not just in my breast, but in multiple locations, including my spine and sternum. Metastatic. Stage 4. I was devastated. Now I had the "not so good" kind of cancer.
Though my days are filled with uncertainty, I remind myself of advice I often give to others facing a health issue: “Don’t panic. Partner with trusted professionals. Collect your data. Make informed decisions.”
In the midst of uncertainty, I find comfort not just in my family and friends, but also at work—a place where giving hope to patients with cancer is more than a mission: it’s our daily reality.
My Craft: Building a Positive and Purposeful Culture
Making sure others feel accepted is in my nature. I was born in Austria where my parents sought refuge from the instability in Yugoslavia before eventually immigrating to the U.S. As a child, I often felt a bit different. Acceptance became really important to me, not just for myself, but of others.
After nearly three decades in corporate communications, I’m exactly where I need to be. At Daiichi Sankyo, I contribute to positively impacting patients’ lives through my craft—building a positive and purposeful culture. It’s one where people feel they belong, where they are heard, and where they can thrive.
Key to all of this is listening to our colleagues about their needs and interests. An overwhelming majority of employees say they feel like they can bring their authentic selves to work, evidence that our culture is making a real difference.
We connect our colleagues in ways large and small, including through:
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our annual Fall Festival;
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cultural celebrations where we learn about and share our diverse backgrounds; and
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casual Meet Ups with our leaders.
Most recently, I co-founded a cancer support network for colleagues who have or have recovered from breast cancer or have a loved one facing this diagnosis. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where members can share experiences, gain strength from each other, ask questions and access resources to help manage the challenges associated with breast cancer or life after breast cancer.
All of these activities help shape the strong culture at Daiichi Sankyo.
Maintaining Normalcy, Positivity and Optimism
Knowing our medicines are giving patients more hope and more time fuels me. I advocate for patients every day—and now, I am one. This work has never felt more personal.
As an employee and patient, I know that cancer treatments have come so far with more options than ever before. Yes, cancer continues to be a battle. But I’m armed—with strength, positivity, guidance from my medical team, and the unwavering support of my Daiichi Sankyo family.
If you’ve been thinking about making an appointment for your mammogram, do it today. And if you ever face a diagnosis: Trust in your resilience. Seek knowledge. Let your community lift you up.
None of us face cancer alone. Whether as a patient, loved one, colleague or advocate, we’re in this together—and together, we find strength.
Watch Alex Borchard in “Where Craft Meets”
Alex is grateful for the opportunity to share her craft at Daiichi Sankyo to create a culture that’s inspiring and one where others aspire to be. Learn more by watching Where Craft Meets with Alex Borchard.
Explore more videos in the “Where Craft Meets” series, featuring Daiichi Sankyo employees who embody shokunin kishitsu, or the craftsperson spirit.
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