Being outdoors has always been one of my favorite places. From simple play in my childhood backyard to trail rides on horses to fishing on a quiet lake, being in nature seemed like ‘second nature’ to me. I didn’t think much about it because my parents were always encouraging us to ‘go outside and play.’
The first snowflakes fell in southeast Michigan yesterday….and I was sad. I’m not ready for winter. I admittedly am never ready for winter weather. I prefer being active outdoors. But at least I can bring my road bike indoors with me. The titanium rod in my femur and upper tibia make it too risky to
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
I recently celebrated another birthday, being spoiled by family and friends. I realized this birthday that I have been a cancer survivor longer than I have not. Many emotions swirl with that thought. If you follow my Instagram feed or read my last blog, you know I recently had surgery to replace parts of my
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
