(Y)our Stories
Stand Up & Support
Stand Up To Cancer’s new CDO, Stephanie Herron, inspires innovation to help break the model of fundraising for cancer research.
April 10, 2023
There is no one right way to cope with a life-changing diagnosis. Our thought leaders, friends, and survivors offer sage advice on how to cope and thrive.
Stand Up To Cancer’s new CDO, Stephanie Herron, inspires innovation to help break the model of fundraising for cancer research.
Roots & Wings Foundation raises awareness about metastatic breast cancer (MBC), connecting those diagnosed with integrative therapies to help them live longer, healthier lives.
Kathy Hren has been a stage IV, ALK-positive lung cancer warrior for almost 12 years. Through life-prolonging medicine and art therapy in the form of quilting, she has been able to live a life she is grateful for.
cW’s resident cancer coach reminds supporters and caregivers about the importance of self-care when supporting someone else on a cancer journey.
While Stacie Fleming was living out her fashion-fueled dreams in Paris, France, strange symptoms called her back to the U.S. The diagnosis? Late-stage ovarian cancer. But Stacie refused to allow cancer to consume her identity, and she used treatment sessions as an opportunity to don a show-stopping outfit and strut her stuff on the “chemo catwalk.” The results? Nurturing her creative spirit allowed her to ultimately find healing.
These six artists have all been touched by cancer — as supporters, survivors or thrivers. Here, they share creative works inspired by the cancer experience, each one utterly unique but with a shared message of perseverance and hope.
Stupid Cancer offers mental health discussion series.
Susan Herndon, BSN, RN shares the how and why of getting the body ready for cancer treatment.
Cancer Wellness spoke with the founders of six wildly different initiatives — from a nonprofit, to a mobile app, to a virtual happy hour — that were all inspired by their individual cancer journeys.
Yoga, a popular form of exercise focusing on breathwork through a series of postures or stretches, is gaining acceptance in western medicine as a way to relieve the mental, emotional and physical side effects of cancer treatment.
Maintaining good physical fitness can lead to more positive outcomes for people with cancer, but the dearth of resources can be a significant roadblock for some — the Aunt Sister Project is looking to change that. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, this nonprofit provides free or low-cost exercise classes, for all fitness levels, for cancer thrivers and survivors everywhere.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free program, operating in 42 states, that helps cancer survivors find and maintain an active lifestyle.
Finding meaning with Cancer Support Community Los Angeles.
Michelle Segar, a researcher and health coach, offers insight about sustainable behavior changes in her latest book, “The Joy Choice.”
Cooling temperatures got you down? Warm up this winter with self-care tips from “happiness expert” Peggy Sullivan.
cW’s resident cancer coach delves deep on a relatively new modality for the western world: Qigong.
More athletes have been turning to cannabis to support their recovery efforts post-game or post-workout, but what purpose do CBD and THC serve in a sports and exercise setting?
After Virginia Carnesale’s breast cancer diagnosis, she was surprised by how little information was available for health and beauty products that could help warriors and thrivers through treatment. Resolving to do something about it, she founded Stage — an online platform celebrating its one-year anniversary this month.
Part one of cW’s Psychedelic Series examines the history of research into psychedelic drugs in the United States and considers why psychedelic therapy may be an ideal option to help relieve some cancer patients’ end-of-life depression and anxiety.
Robb Leone, president and cofounder of BIÂN, follows up with Cancer Wellness about his journey with leukemia and the many things for which he’s grateful.
Harnessing the “plastic” power of your brain can help cancer thrivers and survivors neutralize the feelings of depression and anxiety that may accompany a diagnosis — no products, programs or prescriptions required.
Silence is golden, as they say. But what does that really mean?
One young adult cancer survivor recounts her experience exploring the wilderness to find healing through connecting with nature and other survivors.
A bike accident helped cW’s resident cancer coach wake up to the power of positive thinking.
We hold the power to help heal in our hands. Physical touch can act as a healing modality to help people with cancer feel supported and loved while reducing stress and anxiety.
Sara Machnik was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of the pandemic — a cancer diagnosis is isolating enough, but COVID protocols made it difficult to connect with other warriors, friends and family. But then she started writing poetry, and Sara was able to face the darkness and turn her experience into something beautiful.
Base2Summit adventure camp provides grounding and growth for young adult cancer survivors.
Robb Leone, president and co-founder of the health and lifestyle club, BIÂN, incorporates integrative healing methods to help manage his cancer while taking charge of his mental health.
Putting pen to paper can unlock a multitude of mindful benefits.
From chemo, surgery and radiation to swim, bike and run, the Team Phoenix triathlon training program redefines cancer survivorship.
In August’s Everyday Runway column, Melissa Berry shares with readers her “Menopause Survival Kit” and the items she uses to beat the heat!
In the cancer support landscape, groups tailored specifically to men offer a unique outlet.
How I found my own path to wellness after cancer and learned to stop judging myself at the gym.
Due to inaccessible equipment and inadequate training, cancer screening and care can feel more like a barrier than a benefit for people with disabilities.
Through its Breathe Now Wellness Retreats, Dear Jack Foundation helps bring couples closer together after cancer treatment.
Oncologist Rana Bitar talks about her new book “The Long Tale of Tears and Smiles: An Oncologist’s Journey” highlighting why it is so important for medical professionals to listen to warriors.
Gilda’s Club Madison offers a safe space to discuss death and dying in the cancer context.
If given the opportunity, healing can serve as one of the greatest equalizers among all of us.
As if a cancer diagnosis weren’t hard enough, caregiving can come at its own cost. Serena Hu shares her experience caregiving for her late father.
Cancer warriors and thrivers were treated to a virtual spa day courtesy of Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Center for Health and Wellness, featuring meditation, yoga, music and more.
Rethinking the discourse regarding hope among doctors and patients alike could make a vital difference in warriors’ quality of life.
Catharsis and community abound in “Talk About Cancer,” a weekly podcast featuring warriors, caregivers and more speaking candidly about their cancer experience.
Health care settings with meaningful artwork have reported improved patient experiences. Iranian painter Lida Sherafatmand is working to ensure that such settings become the norm.
When you’re a parent diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to find the words when discussing it with your children. Luckily, there’s age-appropriate books that know all the right things to say.
Playtime isn’t just for kids. Making an effort to have some fun each day can expand your emotional and creative intelligence—and encourage you to live life a little more freely, too.
Breast cancer treatment can be a difficult and confusing journey. While there are numerous support systems designed to assist you, knowing the options available allows you to advocate for the care that best meets your needs. Below are 10 ways you can ensure and advocate for the best care for you in your treatment journey.
Resilientship is redefining friendship for women warriors, pairing you with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through with its platonic matchmaking service.
Every step you take is cause for celebration with First Descents, the nonprofit prescribing adventure for warriors.
In the face of rigid societal roles and expectations, like masculinity, your authentic self can become overshadowed and lost. But you owe it to yourself to stay true to your inner identity, cultivating it free of performative constraints.
After surviving breast cancer, Nicole Czarnomski lives her life with joy and inspires others to find what makes them happy, even in the face of adversity.
Can a dose of gardening help your recovery? Horticultural therapists think so. Here’s the dirt on the power of plants.
Generally portrayed as something serious, cancer and all its taboos are cast in a new light as cartoonist Geoff Augustine helps himself and others find the funny in a diagnosis.
Project Koru is helping cancer warriors ride the waves of survivorship through its outdoor adventure camps.
Not all tattoos have meaning behind them, but these do. In cW’s newest portrait series, five women show off their ink that pays tribute to an array of cancer journeys, including their own.
Feelings aren’t always black and white. There’s an entire emotional vocabulary to be discovered by opening your heart and your mind.
Drowsiness can be a doozy. Oncology nurse, personal trainer and exercise specialist Jenny Spencer is working to help warriors cope with cancer-related fatigue through fitness.
Drawing from her journey with childhood cancer, Melody Lomboy-Lowe is now uplifting the cancer community during its hardest moments through a portrait series.
Every cancer journey is different and so is the way you choose to share it. Finding the best communication tools to keep your loved ones in the loop means one less thing to worry about.
Say cheese! Cancer survivors find healing lies within the frame through the Framed Portrait Experience.
It’s spring! There’s no better moment than the present to cultivate your daydreams of becoming a green-thumbed horticulturist.
Getting up and moving might sound daunting while in treatment, but it can lead to a big difference in how you feel both mentally and physically.
Survivors dive deep into healing through the ethereal magic of Erena Shimoda’s underwater photography.
While some workplaces have begun bringing employees back into the office, there’s still substantial concern about the risk of working in close quarters during a pandemic—especially for immunocompromised warriors.
Poet, ayurvedic lifestyle coach, and cancer survivor Priya Kalra shares with Cancer Wellness a poem about her personal experiences.
Cancer survivors can find comfort, style and custom coiffures in the Crescent City at Fifi Mahony’s.
Art speaks louder than words in Twist Out Cancer’s Brushes with Cancer program that utilizes artists to paint a picture of the relationship individuals have with cancer.
Our featured Supporters in the new issue of Cancer Wellness are two sisters and the founders of Courageous Bakery & Cafe.
After surviving lymphoma twice, therapist and motivational strategist Cortina Peters decided to channel her experiences to help people everywhere.
Gospel house music prodigy Dana Divine has a reputation for being the life of the party, so it’s no surprise that she brought that same upbeat energy to her cancer journey.
With growing research on its merit for active cancer warriors, guided imagery offers a good excuse to stretch your mental muscles while reaping physical and emotional benefits.
Poet and author Victoria Bennett has experienced countless loss from mesothelioma in her family. With her new poetry collection, she hopes to share her message of hope and healing with others.
In her new book, professional race announcer and fitness innovator Fitz Koehler shares the laughs and tears of her breast cancer journey for other warriors.
Tattooing is no longer just a way to express yourself. Paramedical tattoo artists like Elsa Milani are rethinking ink as a means to help cancer thrivers love their bodies.
Knowing exactly what to say or how to say it when talking about your own diagnosis isn’t always possible. When you just can’t seem to find the words, art therapy gives you a canvas.
Resorts have made winding down on your own or with your buds a no-brainer. Our list includes nine exhilarating locations across the globe for some male-geared rest and relaxation.
The fast-paced shift to WFH due to the pandemic can be especially difficult for cancer warriors and thrivers for a myriad of reasons. But it also opens a new door to employers meeting your needs.
These meal delivery services provide fresh and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinners specifically formulated for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Under the direction of founder Damian Buchman, Milwaukee nonprofit The Ability Center provides inclusive play opportunities for people of all abilities while changing the conversation around accessibility and inclusivity entirely.
For children dealing with a world of uncertainty, art can be a useful and comforting way to induce mindfulness and joy.
Environmentalist and Plastic Patrol founder Lizzie Carr found activism through one unusual journey: her treatment for cancer.
Meet Elizabeth Tuckwell, our resident complementary medicine columnist and resident meditation guide.
Olivia Clarke, founder of Humor Beats Cancer, shares stories from around the world that feature cancer warriors finding the funny in a traditionally sober space.
Priscilla Vilchis uses her experience working in the health care industry to provide medical marijuana products to those who need it most.
These organizations offer free-of-charge pampering services to help patients feel beautiful when cancer treatments have them feeling their worst.
The key to answering life’s greatest questions resides within yourself, but you must first learn how to access this internal well.
You probably won’t die from a broken heart, but a new study finds it could contribute to a future cancer diagnosis.
Sedona’s mild climate, dynamic arts community, and natural places of healing make this the ultimate wellness destination for those seeking whole health in mind, body, and spirit.
This season’s shelf features international reads, including a beautifully lyrical memoir translated from French, the work of a recently deceased Canadian poet, and an investigation into the poisoning of U.S. soldiers and civilians abroad during the “War on Terror.”
First, her sister-in-law was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Then her father. Supporter Melinda George shares two poems in reflection of the shock of those diagnoses and her love for her family.
Malecare provides support services for people with prostate cancer, but their programs for underserved communities are what make this nonprofit stand out from the rest.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois in 2020. We’ve gathered answers for your lingering questions and show you how to get product for yourself.
You can’t control a cancer diagnosis, but you can control how you react to it. In her latest column, Jessica Walker talks about how to focus on the aspects of your life you can control amidst the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.
If you didn’t log your workout, did you even break a sweat? We’ve rounded up our favorite fitness trackers based on battery life, features, and aesthetics.
In her latest column, Jessica Walker offers five tips for the newly diagnosed who may feel completely overwhelmed about the journey before them.
This guided meditation, created by Shanna Shrum, invites you to only accept loving thoughts about yourself and the world around you.
G.P. Gottlieb has always loved music—this was something her cancer couldn’t defeat. And after treatment, she found a way to share the joy of music with other cancer warriors.
A regular exercise routine can mean better treatment outcomes and reduced risk of recurrence, but how exactly does exercise manifest in the body?
This meditation, created by guide Shanna Shrum, helps you identify the source of your fears and offers tools to help you listen to and offer compassion toward what frightens you.
From sleepless nights to persistent body aches, there’s a healing tea for whatever cancer symptom ails you.
Our list of the best meditation apps on the market to offer clarity and calm amidst a cancer diagnosis.
The ancient practice of meditation is gaining popularity as a tool to relax and unwind.
By directing and balancing energy flow, reiki masters use their holistic practice to soothe the harsh side effects of cancer treatment.
Cancer Wellness’ resident meditation guide Shanna Shrum talks to us about her personal practice, what she hopes to share with clients, and how meditation can truly change one’s life for the better.
Our resident supporter columnist Jessica Walker shares her top-10 tips for how other supporters can help the cancer fighters in their life.
The HHI offers classes, spa sessions, and holistic treatments—plus a little bit of magic—to heal the body from the inside out.
The new documentary “True North” follows adventurer Sean Swarner from the hospital beds of his youth to the top of Mount Everest—and beyond.
Meet the organization bringing psychosocial wellness to Chicagoland’s cancer community.
Reveal your inner beauty to set a positive tone each and every day.
In her new column, artist and holistic teacher Liz Tuckwell shares her secrets for releasing pent-up energy.
Time is quantifiable when you’re living treatment to treatment, but life after cancer feels open-ended.
Health and wellness are always aligned. Follow these 10 tips for improving your mental health after diagnosis.