Contributors


Pam Wilson

Latest:

To My Loved Ones, ‘You’ve Held the Pause Button Long Enough’ During My Cancer Journey

After I was diagnosed with cancer, I started to feel like a burden to my loved ones. So, I wrote a letter urging them to continue on with other aspects of their lives.


Mary Hassler

Latest:

Oncology Nurses Have A Special Understanding Of Their Patients

Oncology nurses have a special understanding of their patients and their patients' needs. One patient shares their story on how that special understanding made a major difference in her cancer journey.


Lorelei Colbert

Latest:

Views on Breast Cancer Awareness Month from a TNBC Survivor

As a breast cancer survivor, I was intentional about spreading a certain messages this month: anyone can be diagnosed with breast cancer, and education about the disease could help save lives.


Phyllis Hill

Latest:

My Oncology Nurse Shows a Compassion Beyond What Most People Do

If I get nervous about a test result, she always takes time to talk with my husband and me about it and explain what the results mean.


Liz D'Imperio

Latest:

Working Behind the Scenes for Patients With Lung Cancer

A colleague nominates Jody Ruth Steinhardt for the Lung Cancer Heroes® award for her commitment to changing the world for patients with lung cancer.


Jennifer Sertl

Latest:

The Art of Engagement: From Cancer Survivor to Researcher

In an era of trauma, people whose buoyancy elevates both purpose and agency shine like a flashlight in the darkness. During the past year of uncertainty, Dave Bjork was that light for many.



Melissa Schwarzmeier 

Latest:

I Embraced My Cancer Diagnosis

While many parts of my cancer experience were extremely difficult, I tried to embrace it — and accept help when needed.


Jonathan Fletcher

Latest:

The Time I First Learned About My Mom's Breast Cancer

As the son of a breast cancer survivor, here is a poem recalling the time she first told me about her cancer.


Mary Grigsby

Latest:

Chronic Conditions Can Increase the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Several studies have identified an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) among those suffering from a chronic condition such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, or obesity. Interestingly, this association is particularly evident among millennials, meaning those who were in the 22-37 age group between 2014 and 2018.


Howard Campbell

Latest:

Oncology Teamwork With a Personal Touch

They work as a team always. In this way, they are always up-to-date on each and every patient’s condition and needs.


Sarah Sabin

Latest:

Stopping Myeloma at the Start

Even with all he has already done, Dr. Landgren continues to study the progression of multiple myeloma, with the goal of stopping progression and finding a cure.


Aaron Gerds, MD, MS

Latest:

Key Takeaways for Patients With Myelofibrosis

Patients with myelofibrosis should reflect on their personal priorities and quality of life goals, understand the range of available JAK inhibitor treatment options, and openly communicate with their doctor to arrive at a shared decision for managing their disease.


Joyce Raisian

Latest:

What I Would Tell Myself as a Newly Diagnosed Patient

If I could go back and talk to my newly diagnosed self, this is what I would say.


Maribeth Boelts

Latest:

The Gift of Darkness During Cancer

My late husband and I spent a week holding hands and talking, but between the darkness and his sleep mask, without eye contact.


Gary Bloom

Latest:

Addressing Unmet Needs in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Before closing out their discussion on differentiated thyroid cancer, patients and health care professionals alike consider unmet needs in this space.


Amy Forsythe

Latest:

More Than A Case Manager

Having a daughter with cancer can be difficult, but having a nurse by your side guiding your daughter and yourself throughout the journey can make things a little less stressful.


Miranda Lankas

Latest:

Increased BRCA1/2 Testing May Improve Patient Outcomes

The current testing rate for BRCA 1/2 mutations is currently 68% in HER2-negative early breast cancer, but eligible patients could receive better care if tested.


Bryana Tanner

Latest:

At 23, Cancer Never Crossed My Mind — Until My Diagnosis

In 2022, I was diagnosed with cancer at 23 years old. Here’s what I’ve learned since.


Haley Pollack

Latest:

Cancer Changed How I Parent

In the depths of chemotherapy, I found myself oscillating between being gloriously present and embarrassingly permissive.


Amanda Hawkins

Latest:

I Admire My Daughter’s Strength Through Medulloblastoma

Ashton’s story starts with her. Our beautiful, big-hearted, kind girl.


Tamron Little

Latest:

4 Things I Found Helpful as a Survivor

Here are four things I found to be helpful as a survivor, including showing up for myself.


Christine Dwyer

Latest:

I Had Appendix Cancer Years After an Appendectomy

When I was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the “stump” of my appendix, I was surprised, considering I had my appendix removed more than a decade ago.


Karen Cavanaugh

Latest:

The Underwater Tug of Cancer

A retired public health specialist and survivor of both thyroid and breast cancer pens a poem about her experiences with treatment and what it’s like to be “pulled under the water” by cancer.


Heather Hagstrom

Latest:

'Rainbows of Hope' During Cancer

A woman uses a poem to explain how seeing a double rainbow before and during her cancer journey gave her hope.



Nour Abuhadra, MD

Latest:

Overcoming Barriers to Treatment Access and Reimbursement

Dr. Noor Abuhadra and patient Shay Elkins discuss overcoming barriers to cancer treatment access and reimbursement. Shay shares her relatively smooth experience with insurance coverage, while Dr. Abuhadra emphasizes that healthcare teams will fight for patient coverage, especially when treatments are backed by research and FDA approval. Dr. Abuhadra also mentions having a financial clearance department to handle denials and secure approvals, as well as training staff to fill out prior authorization forms. Shay underlines the importance of self-advocacy and leveraging online communities for both emotional support and practical advice.


Mary Rohrer

Latest:

An Inspiring, Guiding Light Through Lung Cancer

"He strengthens you with the scientific knowledge he provides, with his courage as a role model and with his fighting spirit.”



Susan Vanderver

Latest:

‘I Feel as Though I Know Her:’ How Connectedness and Support for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Travels Across Social Media

A metastatic breast cancer survivor honors another survivor whom she was inspired by through social media for her contributions to helping others who have lost their hair during cancer treatment and spreading positivity.