After clearing three cancers, celebrating a birthday is a big deal to me. Truth is that I’m grateful for every day. Diagnosed with my first cancer at 21, I have now celebrated more birthdays as a cancer survivor. That’s pretty spectacular news! So as I celebrate another birthday, I’m focusing on celebrating being alive. And

I often get asked why I’m a cancer advocate. Why do I spend so much of my personal time and energy volunteering to work with legislators, doctors and others to fight this disease? The simple answer, of course, is that I’m a cancer survivor. I cleared cancer three times. By the grace of God, the

You only have to skim a few social media posts to know that I love to bike. It really helps me stay strong, mentally, physically and emotionally. People often tell me that they also enjoy biking but don’t ride too far because of a sore bottom. Ouch! Biking is a lot of fun, but a

As a three-time cancer survivors, fighting cancer is one of my biggest passions. And I love being physically active. So when the opportunity came to participate in a cycling fundraiser to raise money for Livestrong’s cancer support programs, I decided that biking 400 miles to fight cancer would be a fun accomplishment! Why I ride

As an avid reader and writer, I am often excited to turn the page on a new chapter when reading and writing. However, in life, starting a new chapter can sometimes be a little intimidating, especially if it’s unexpected. I’ve had to start many new chapters in my life. But I’ve learned to open my

Today is a good day. Today I choose joy and gratitude. It has been 23 years of living beyond cancer. In that time, I cleared three cancers, too many surgeries and ridiculous amounts of chemo and radiation that battered my body. I still face side effects, physically, emotionally and mentally. But I am alive! So

The other day I looked at the calendar and was surprised to realize that it’s almost been two years since finishing treatment for breast cancer. Some days it seems long ago. Maybe because a devastating, global pandemic slid in shortly after treatment ended. Or maybe because I fiercely cleared that cancer, preparing for the next

It’s an undisputed fact – cancer affects everyone. With almost 17 million people living with and beyond cancer in the U.S. today, and more than 43 million cancer survivors worldwide, everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer. People often ask how they can be there for someone going through cancer. So I

I always get excited when Michigan’s weather starts warming up and I can be outside more often. Of course, as a melanoma survivor, I’m cautious about being in the sun. It’s a great time to focus on sun safety during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Keep reading for 6 skin cancer prevention tips. Know your skin

I have a confession: I’m tired. Mentally and emotionally. It’s been a long two years. I barely regrouped after finishing treatment for clearing a third cancer when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. And it’s still sweeping, back and forth. So some moments, I’m doing okay. And others, not so much. But I’ve realized