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
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
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
Christmas is quickly approaching, as it does every year (my dear mother pointed out to me). I do like the lights, music and fun of this season, even if I never seem ready for the colder temperatures, early dark evenings and busy preparations for the holiday season. 2 Christmas was always a special time during
As we enter the end of the year giving season for charities, I’m focusing on some of my favorite nonprofits. I recently wrote about two that help animals and cancer survivors. 2 This charity feature is the I Know Jack Foundation. This foundation was started by a family in Iowa, people I’m honored to call
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
A few weeks ago it dawned on me that my 20-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis occurs in May. I usually celebrate my cancer anniversary as the day I finished treatment, free from hospitals, chemo and the terrifying weight of that disease (there’s still a weight but different than going through treatment). Recognizing my diagnosis
