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
I had the awesome fortune to spend last week in Iowa with friends from Team LIVESTRONG. We biked across the state, dipping tires in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, to raise funds and awareness of LIVESTRONG‘s programs and services for people facing cancer. Sixty-five teammates raised more than $180,000 and created some amazing memories through
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.
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
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
A fellow cancer survivor friend recently completed her treatment protocol (yea!) and asked me how to face life after cancer. This started a conversation about the “new normal” after cancer. It generated a swirl of questions and thoughts for me on navigating this journey. Being diagnosed at 21 years old significantly changed my life, and
When I started treatment for a bone cancer diagnosis at the end of my senior year in college, I was grateful to meet other cancer patients who shared their experiences, tips and lessons. While nothing can completely prepare you for the wild ride called cancer, it helped to have some knowledge to lean on, and
Hi friends! You all probably have caught on by now that I love my road bike, Ruby. I’ve experienced much confidence, joy, pride, courage and determination since purchasing the bike more than a year ago. I love the sense of freedom I feel while riding, meeting new people, pushing myself to get out of my
Winter is seriously dragging on in Michigan. I know it’s only February but I was over winter weather in December. With a titanium rod in place of my femur and part of tibia, indoor activities are my main focus during snow and ice conditions. And there’s been a lot of those conditions in Michigan the
“This year I will be more thoughtful of my fellow man, exert more effort in each of my endeavors professionally as well as personally, take love wherever I find it, and offer it to everyone who will take it. In this coming year I will seek knowledge from those wiser than me and try to
