It was another inspiring, motivating trip to Washington, DC to advocate for improved cancer care and prevention programs. Last week I journeyed to our nation’s capitol with almost 500 cancer advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. We were there for advocacy training and to meet with our Senators and Representatives to improve
Being a cancer advocate to help others is one of my greatest passions. As a bone cancer and melanoma survivor, and daughter who lost her dad to cancer, the fight against this disease is very personal. However, this fight goes far beyond my family’s story to also include dear friends and family, and their family
From the moment I was diagnosed with bone cancer at 21, cancer advocacy has been a driving force in my life. Cancer is the one thing I think about every day, spurring a range of emotions, sometimes multiple at once (that makes for interesting moments). I have been a cancer survivor for almost longer than
If you read my last post about lessons learned on RAGBRAI (the bike ride across Iowa that I recently did with Team LIVESTRONG), you’ll know why my road bike is so important to me. From the confidence to the health benefits to the freedom I feel, biking is important to me. As much as I
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
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
Some people may read my headline and think of course I would advocate for cancer survivors because I am a cancer survivor. That’s not the entire reason why I advocate for people facing cancer, including caregivers, family members, friends and others. I don’t advocate because I feel obligated as a cancer survivor, I do it
Between the turn of a calendar month and Michigan’s recent weather, there’s no denying the end of the year is coming. Besides the holidays, this time of year also means many people might be thinking of giving to charities. There’s still plenty of time to support great charities and get a tax deduction. It’s a
As you know from my previous blog, my birthday was spent in Washington, D.C. meeting with members of Congress to discuss cancer-related bills and issues. I meant to write a follow up immediately after my return……but, well, personal and work ‘stuff’ has provided very little free time (I won’t share how little time has been
Birthdays have always been special days in my family. My parents made each new year fun and happy. We didn’t have bounce houses, farm animals or huge parties like are in excess today, but I loved the sleepovers, house full of family and friends, and laugh-filled celebrations with my favorite Angel food cake. 2 When
