Farmington twins Pam Standifer, Kim Borum face serious illnesses, stay optimistic

Farmington twins Pam Standifer and Kim Borum are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives, but the outpouring of support from family, friends and neighbors reminds them they’re not fighting alone.

When Standifer felt abdominal discomfort last fall, she thought it might be a bowel blockage. Instead, a CT scan revealed fluid in her abdomen and led to a diagnosis that changed everything. She had stage 4 ovarian cancer, and she is undergoing chemotherapy, which brings fatigue, nausea and hair loss.

Standifer has had a port placed in her chest for chemotherapy infusions; describing a treatment day she said, “You know that hurts and then it’s probably about an eight hour day.” She spoke plainly about her goals for treatment: “I’m trying to get the cancer cells killed and stuff like that, hoping that chemo destroys, so that’s what I’m focused on.”

Born in Farmington, Standifer graduated from Farmington High School in 1980. Her work history includes jobs at Sears and Mesa Airlines before she began helping her husband, David Standifer, with his vent-cleaning business. The couple, who experienced several miscarriages, never had children. Standifer noted that “David served in the Army during the first Gulf War, which she said may have been a factor.”

Kim Borum is also navigating serious medical issues alongside her sister and described the emotional toll of Pam’s diagnosis: “Her sister’s cancer diagnosis was devastating, she said, and she remembers feeling paralyzed with fear until doctors began outlining treatment options.” The twins share a strong bond, and Borum said she sometimes feels emotionally drained as she worries about her sister’s health and tries to stay optimistic.

Borum relies on her faith, family and friends, who regularly call or text to check in. She said the community’s concern “has strengthened her resolve” and that she “is cautiously optimistic as they continue through the coming months of treatment.” Summing up her outlook, Borum said, “Faith in God that everything will be good.”

Friends have moved quickly to help with practical needs. The twins’ friend Stephanie Perkins set up a GoFundMe account to help with medical costs and everyday needs, and neighbors in Farmington have been checking in by phone and text. As chemo continues and the sisters move through several months of treatment, their faith, family ties and local support remain central to their hope and care.