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Erica Sullivan: Sun Protective Clothing, Social Entrepreneurship and Advocacy Through Education
Erica Sullivan discusses her path to entrepreneurship and how she knew she wanted to create social impact and community before she even knew she wanted to build a brand and business. Erica was first touched by cancer when her mom was diagnosed with melanoma but it was her own scare that led to her creating lasting change. With an entrepreneur’s mind, a heart for others and some tough love from her now husband, Erica pitched…
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Could’ve Would’ve Should’ve (the Cancerversary edition)
Today was supposed to mark my 8th year cancer free. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t bringing up a lot of emotions: In January of 2015, I was living in Chicago, working for the Cubs and knew very little about melanoma. The sum of all I knew was learned in a college health class, taken only to fulfill a general education credit. I’m not even sure how long the mole was there, only…
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The Truth About Mental Health and Melanoma
“I don’t want to die.” I didn’t even realize I was thinking the words until the tears were flowing down my cheeks. It’s been a rough month for me. When it comes to my health, things have felt a little too real and my future a little too uncertain. I’ve had four biopsies, scheduled another surgery, had three ultrasounds, found out I’m at increased risk for breast cancer, began the discussion around genetic testing and…
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World Cancer Day
This World Cancer Day has felt especially heavy for me… I found out yesterday afternoon that I have cancer. Yes, again. I’ve spent most of my day trying to figure out what I wanted to say about today. When it comes down to it, my two biggest pieces of advice would be this: advocate for yourself and get a skin check. Advocate for Yourself My last skin check was scheduled for early January with my…
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Miss Independent…or I Miss Independence
I recently joined Gilda’s Club here in the Twin Cities and one of the many free resources I’ve utilized is the writing classes they offer. I have so many emotions and thoughts about cancer but when I sit down with a notebook or my laptop, I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin. These classes not only provide us with prompts but are designed to help us find growth, healing and purpose in our cancer…
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Leah Adams: Self Image and Scars, Mental Health, Marathons and Metastatic Melanoma
Leah Adams shares her personal journey with melanoma, how it intertwines with her dad’s cancer story and how cancer brought them together. She also discusses how melanoma temporarily took running from her and navigating new ways to manage her mental health while processing a cancer diagnosis. Leah talks about her own regrets with tanning and shares how she’s learned to overcome society’s definition of beauty that played a role in using tanning beds to start…
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Dear Newly Diagnosed
I see you. I hear you. I AM you. I know you’re scared. It’s so hard facing unknown and uncertainty, especially with very little control over the outcomes. I know you feel alone. I promise you, you’re not. This is the worst club to have to join but the best members are waiting to embrace and support you. Whether you want to share or not, your story matters. Your experience matters. You matter. Focus on…
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The Waiting Game
I missed a call from my doctor today. I was on my way to work and accidentally declined the incoming call. I had been talking to my mom and I didn’t recognize the phone number. The call came in just as I was ending the call with my mom, inadvertantly declining the call from my doctor too. About a minute later, my phone alerted me of a new voicemail. I listened to that message no…
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From Cancer Survivor to Feeling Like a Cancer Patient
Survivor. I have a difficult relationship with the word, especially as it relates to cancer. Yes, I had cancer. Yes, I am now cancer-free. I wish it were that simple. According to The Oxford Dictionary, a survivor is a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died. By definition, I am a survivor but I have long had a tough time identifying myself as one. Melanoma. Skin…
