I am deeply honored to have been named a Blood Cancer Hero by CURE Media Group and Blood Cancer United at their inaugural Blood Cancer Heroes celebration.

As a five-time lymphoma survivor, this recognition means the world to me. I am humbled to be celebrated alongside such incredible advocates, leaders, and fellow survivors.

The result was “Up For the Fight: How to Advocate for Yourself as You Battle Cancer from a Five-Time Survivor.” Published in September 2022, the book has been praised by cancer patients and clinicians, and endorsed by the Mayo Clinic, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. 

A cancer diagnosis will necessitate a series of scans, meetings with doctors, second opinions, biopsies, surgeries, treatment, recovery, and so much more, depending on your individual circumstances. A cancer patient’s life becomes a whirlwind of activity. The emotional and physical stress is high. There is, however, an additional stressor – money.

I began struggling with my ability to think clearly immediately after being diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time in 2020. The incredible emotional, physical, financial, and mental stress from a cancer diagnosis makes it hard for cancer patients to think clearly before treatment even starts.