January, 18th 2025: Join us for food, drinks, dancing, and author sharing — all to support our mission. Learn more here!
AYA Cancer
My Body is a Battleground
When I was in the hospital for induction chemotherapy, I remember telling my dad that my body felt like a war zone. The chemotherapy that continuously ran through my veins for a week was the weapon meant to wipe out the disease that pervaded my body.
Read More...I am a Mother, Despite Cancer
No one expects cancer to come into their life, especially at 26 years old. No one imagines that at their routine gynecological examination the doctor’s revelation would have one of the most significant impacts on their life. No one can be prepared for the whirlwind that occurs after they are diagnosed.
Read More...A Mother’s Diagnosis
It was a difficult and painful decision to write about my struggles in life, but I have learned over the years that I am not alone in my journey. For years I have not spoken to my friends while avoiding family as I gripped through my depression for almost a decade.
Read More...The First Patient I Diagnosed with Cancer
The first person I ever diagnosed with cancer was me. Until that point in my medical training bad news had always been broken to patients before I met them. By the time of our introduction, their shock had subsided, and the initial fractures of their premorbid identities had ossified into therapeutic resolve.
Read More...Finding Support with Vivibot
While I wish I weren’t even eligible to use Vivibot, I’m grateful to have stumbled upon her. The two main reasons that many cancer patients and survivors stay silent about their struggles are: fear of judgment and lack of understanding. With Vivibot, there’s no fear of judgment involved.
Read More...A Letter to My Younger Self: Lessons Learned in the AYA Oncology Field
Dear 23-year-old baby social work student, Lauren – OK, so I want to share a handful of the things I’ve learned over the years from my time spent with AYA cancer patients and their families. We’ve got a lot to cover, but before we jump in, we need to get a few things straight:
Read More...Vulnerability as an AYA Program Manager
I’ve thought about writing this article for weeks now. I’ve even attempted multiple drafts, all of which ultimately got deleted. The thing is, I’m not afraid to be bad at writing. I’m afraid of how what I am writing will be perceived. Social workers are rigorously trained in maintaining personal boundaries, so it isn’t natural or comfortable for me AT ALL to focus on myself in this role.
Read More...When Cancer Strikes: The Silver Lining
Several weeks ago I made a promise to God – to serve Him and to share my story in order to glorify His name. I prayed that He would present me with opportunities to help others who are struggling. I want to use my past and current trials to reach others who are going through life altering – life shattering – experiences.
Read More...Happy Cancerversary: “You Can Take Your Mask off Now!”
There are many milestones to which we pay joyful homage. Weddings, graduations, having a new baby. But there is one that generally goes unnoticed. Being a cancer survivor. And rightfully so. We’re not the majority of the population. Interestingly enough, depending on who you talk to, this celebration doesn’t always bring the kind of joy […]
Read More...COVID Reopening: Part 2
I just reread the article I wrote last May about reopening. Who knew it would be another 12 months before Ohio actually reopened? But the sentiments haven’t changed.
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