On November 18, Brené Brown celebrates her 60th birthday and her words feel especially powerful for anyone navigating cancer.

Brené is known for her research on empathy, vulnerability, shame, and courage—four emotions that show up throughout every cancer patient’s journey.

Every person has their "why” … their North Star that guides them toward what matters most.

I often talk about the importance of continuing to move forward, each step bringing you closer to the rainbow after the storm. 

But your North Star is what keeps you motivated, especially when the path feels uncertain.

When we face a new assignment, project, or health challenge, it’s easy to doubt ourselves. 

I found I had the same questions when I started breast cancer treatment that I ask myself at the beginning of every UX design project I work on…

Two Septembers in a row (2023 & 2024), I spent the end of the month preparing for breast cancer related surgeries.

After my double mastectomy, I shared 6 products I bought that made recovery easier. 

But I also learned that getting your home ready in advance can make a huge difference in how smoothly recovery goes.

I never thought my User Experience (UX) design skills would help me survive cancer.

As a UX designer, I rely on a structure known as a user story to solve problems by framing a need from the user’s perspective…

When doctors told me I’d have to endure 4.5 months of chemotherapy with dozens of potential side effects, it felt impossible.

But today I’m celebrating 2 years since finishing chemo—proud, grateful, and stronger than I ever imagined.

Obstacles are part of every journey. The biggest ones can appear suddenly, feel overwhelming, and test our strength, creativity, and resilience.

When we see them as enormous, immovable mountains, fear and negativity can take over. 

As a breast cancer survivor, my journey didn’t end when treatment did. Survivorship means continued strength, and continued vigilance.

One reality many survivors face is an increased risk of second primary cancers, including melanoma.

I had big plans for turning 40 including an island vacation with friends, and a big milestone birthday party.

But three and a half months before my birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and all plans were cancelled.

Battling breast cancer was the most physically and emotionally difficult thing I’ve ever endured.

However, I didn’t expect to experience and struggle with GRIEF as both a cancer patient and survivor.