Fourteen years ago, my dad died from multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the blood. He was in his mid-50s. The ache of missing him never leaves, the tiny hole in my heart still empty. I miss everything that is him, even the faults. And for the longest time, I felt responsible for his death.
It’s an exciting trip to plan when you get to return to one of your favorite cities! One of my volunteer duties as president of my sorority alumnae chapter is attending our national convention. I was pretty excited when it was announced the convention would be held in Austin, Texas! I’ve had the pleasure of
When I was diagnosed at 21 years old with bone cancer, I knew my life would change. Little did I know just how much it would change (you really have no clue even when people try to prepare you). Being diagnosed on the cusp of adulthood set the course for my life to journey down
Summers in Michigan are most often fun, beautiful, busy months that seem to fly by. For me, summers mean biking, hiking, picnics, geocaching, exploring new and old places, camping, travel, barbecues and so much more. I’m excited for an upcoming camping weekend with several female friends. We’ll be heading to beautiful northern Michigan for a
As you may have guessed, I’ve been spending lots of time on my road bike as I prepare to ride across Iowa during RAGBRAI to raise funds for LIVESTRONG’s programs for cancer survivors, caregivers and their families. It took a while for Mother Nature to bless us with warm and dry temps so I could
For almost 16 million Americans and their families and friends, today is a significant day. A day to celebrate life. A day to recognize the journeys walked and fought. Today is National Cancer Survivors Day. Observed the first Sunday in June, National Cancer Survivors Day is a special day to recognize cancer survivors, bring attention
The weather is feeling like summer (Michigan decided to skip spring), with the sun brightly shining and the temps climbing. Perfect days to be outdoors playing, gardening, relaxing, swimming and more. Perfect time to apply sunscreen! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to pause to remember how easy it is to protect
In a few short weeks, I will recognize (and celebrate) the anniversary of the end of my treatment from bone cancer. Twenty years since I walked out of the hospital, bald, skinny, nervous of what the future held for a young adult cancer survivor, and incredibly hopeful and excited for a new chapter and chance
I’m fortunate to be raised by two amazing parents who didn’t hesitate to show my sisters and me support, encouragement, love, laughter, and respect (with some rules sprinkled in too). My parents balanced each other in so many ways. I had a different, but close, relationship with both my mom and dad. Even though cancer took
I’m very excited, and more than a little honored, to share some good news. As you probably know after reading a few blog posts, I am a bone cancer and melanoma survivor. In fact, this summer I celebrate 20 years as a bone cancer survivor. I’m so grateful and blessed to write that! You probably
