Essays
Lynch syndrome is a hereditary genetic abnormality that can cause several types of cancer. Wenora Johnson discovered that it ran in her family after she had treatment for colon cancer. Knowing that she was at a high risk for certain cancers, and having 2 children already, she had her ovaries and uterus removed, as prevention. Read More ›
Sheree Williams, PhD, is a health scientist with the CDC, but her background in public health did not prepare her for the unique challenges she faced as a black woman diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting the social determinants of health. Read More ›
For Charlie Rogers, cancer turned out to be a gift of sorts. In addition to forcing him to slow down, it also changed his perspective on life, encouraging him to cherish small victories. Read More ›
Stacey Roselle looked for the “silver linings” when a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma brought her face-to-face with unexpected reactions to her illness. Read More ›
Ronda M. Walker struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy as she fought breast cancer. This experience taught her to live in the moment and reminded her that life is short, and tomorrow is not promised. Read More ›
Alyssa Dickey searched for 2 years for the source of her recurrent illnesses before she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Now, she tries to find balance in her life and live in the present, knowing that the cancer will likely return. Read More ›
By Mia Brister
When 24-year-old Mia Brister was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, it was as if her whole world had shattered. She had to learn to be kind with herself to put her life together again. Read More ›
By Gail Silver
Julie Silver ran into many “bumps in the road” after she was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. Despite many difficulties along the way, today her life is filled with gratitude and appreciation. Read More ›
Cancer survivor Tricia Tennesen recounts her spirit-lifting experience with a group of survivors on a nature retreat that involved fly-fishing, which offered her a “path to spirituality without doctrine or dogma.” Read More ›
After getting tested for genetic abnormalities, Brandi Bryant learned she had the ALK genetic mutation, which increases the risk for lung cancer. This information resulted in important changes in her treatment and led her to become an advocate for genetic testing, especially among minority communities. Read More ›