Seven Extra Years

Posted July 2nd, 2022

Today is Sharon’s 7th survivor anniversary. Thank you Sharon for your contribution of this poem to mark this meaningful day. So long agoOnly yesterday Everything changedBut was there all along Eyes openHeart openHeart ripped out Lost manyGained so much Keep goingFull of gratitude Never forgetLife Sharon Civa, MBA, is an ovarian cancer survivor and information […]

Five Questions With…Gini.

Posted June 2nd, 2022

Welcome to our newest blog series, “Five Questions With…”  In this series, we will highlight the unsung heroes that make healthcare work. From guest services to the phlebotomist, the pet therapy volunteer, and the environmental services workers.  These individuals enhance our experiences when we are getting care and highlight human connection and support. Thank you for all […]

September 11, 2001 – Strength is Not Always Unyielding

Posted September 11th, 2021

Today marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. As a way to honor the lives lost and help those personally affected, Ali Lopes shares the story of her dad, Sal, and how we can all respect and remember that day. We thank Ali for sharing her story with our readers. Like many, my family experienced an unfathomable […]

Dealing With Fears

Posted March 24th, 2021

We all get afraid. Fear is just part of the human experience. And fear can feel awful! During these days of COVID-19, fear has gripped so many in our world. So, let’s take a break here today and mindfully slow down this emotion of fear, look at it, and breathe. To begin with, we hate […]

Staying Alive…For The Cure

Posted June 27th, 2019

When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer, I never thought that I would be writing a blog as a survivor! I’m writing today about how cancer sucks – however it has also opened a whole different world for me. I have met some incredible people along the way that […]

You Don’t Know the New Me

Posted June 25th, 2019

The new me came into existence almost four years ago.  The me after cancer.  The warrior.  The survivor. People I have met since THAT DAY got the new version of me.  The me that is grateful for every day of this life, and gives back.  The me that wants life more than ever, and relishes […]

Cancer Survivor’s Day/Month

Posted June 20th, 2019

I thought I’d talk a little bit about Cancer survival. I’ve always had a little trouble with calling all of us diagnosed with cancer as survivors. To me this means that you were diagnosed with some form of cancer, treated for it and it is now a part of your history. As one who has a form […]

When Is Progress a Bad Thing?

Posted June 4th, 2019

Disease Progression.  Two little words, never used before, have insidiously snuck into my doctor’s vernacular. My chemotherapy ended twenty months ago and the deep response was something to celebrate. We had gotten terrific results and I felt liberated, each day a new lease on life. But now I seem to recall a bit of caution […]

How to Feel Like a Survivor

Posted June 6th, 2018

A couple years ago at the market I ran into Elizabeth, a casual friend who was gearing up for the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer. I encouraged her and told her how impressed I was; most likely I also thanked her, as I am always grateful for fundraising efforts. I can’t recall if I […]

What a Cancer Warrior Looks Like

Posted January 16th, 2017

My friend, Michelle, is a cancer fighter. Although she doesn’t have cancer – nor do her husband or any close family members at present – she is, nevertheless, a fierce passionate dazzling cancer-kicking warrior. Michelle approached us, back when I was on staff at St. Charles Cancer Center, with an idea: What about a weekly walking class for cancer […]