How One Small Step Can Become One Big Spark
September 15 is International Dot Day—a celebration of creativity, courage, and connection inspired by the book The Dot.
Vashti sat in art class staring at a blank paper, convinced she couldn’t draw. But her teacher told her:
“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”
How I Redefined Positive Thinking During Cancer
September 13 is “Positive Thinking Day.”
Thinking positive is not about needing to BE positive all the time, especially when facing a major health challenge like cancer.
Because let’s be real: a cancer diagnosis is the furthest thing from positive.
What Ringing the Bell Meant to Me
This week marks 2 years since one of the most emotional milestones of my life: ringing the bell after 18 weeks of chemotherapy. 🔔
Before my breast cancer diagnosis, I thought the bell was just a nice tradition. But being in the cancer center every 3 weeks for months taught me it’s so much more.
Celebrating 2 Years Since Finishing Chemo
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.
Paint One Nail, Start the Conversation
September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder to know your risk, learn the signs, and share the knowledge with your mother, sister, daughter, and friends.
Did you know there are five gynecological cancers women should be aware of?
How to Advocate for the Best Care, No Matter the Diagnosis
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming—countless decisions to make and so much urgency.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I met with a care team at a good, local hospital. They walked me through the next steps, but something didn’t feel right.
Love Makes Bravery Possible
I stumbled on this quote on a simple greeting card, but it stopped me in my tracks.
Cancer patients are often told they’re “so brave.” But what does that really mean?
Making Space for Grief and for Healing
Grief touches millions of Americans every year, and tomorrow—on National Grief Awareness Day—we take time to acknowledge that truth.
This day isn’t just about mourning loved ones. Grief can come from many kinds of loss.
3 Simple Ways to Give Yourself a Fresh Start for Back-to-School Season
Whether you’ve got kids in school or you’re leading the classroom, back-to-school season brings new routines. And with Fall right around the corner, even more changes are coming.
The best way to move through this busy season? Focus on small habits that help you feel good from the inside out.
When You Can’t Find the Words, Give a Hug
I may not be a doctor, but I do know this: one of the best cures when you’re struggling or feeling down is a hug. 🤗
Hugs aren’t just comforting emotionally—they also do magical things for your body…
Confidence and a Cause: Celebrating Women’s Wellness
As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned wellness is about more than physical health—it’s about confidence, self-care, and feeling good in your own skin.
That’s why I own and am so inspired by CAKES body®. Their products are designed by women, for women, to help us feel “flattered, free, & fearless in any outfit.”
Obstacles Don’t Have to Stop You
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.
Together, We Can Stand Up To Cancer
Sheryl Crow hosted Stand Up To Cancer’s 9th televised fundraising special with “Nashville’s biggest stars alongside cancer researchers and survivors for a night of music, inspiration, and hope.”
SU2C’s model focuses on collaborative research across institutions and disciplines so researchers and scientists can work toward a shared goal: beat cancer.
How the Right Mentor Makes the Unknown Less Scary
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, I craved connection with someone who had truly been in my shoes—a married mom of young kids, managing a team at work, facing a similar diagnosis and treatment.
I needed more than sympathy. I needed guidance, hope, and proof that I could get through this.
What I Learned in the Trenches of Breast Cancer
When you’re deep in the trenches, whether it’s cancer treatment or another battle, it can be hard to see the light ahead.
The hours crawl and hopelessness sets in. Sometimes it takes everything you have to fight back tears or get from one breath to the next.
Why Sun Safety is a Must for Survivors
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.
Beyond Chemotherapy: Coping with Recurrence Anxiety
10/12 chemos are DONE!
With the end in sight, I'm not jumping up and down though.
One part of cancer treatment you don't hear about is after it's done…
Celebrating Sisterhood in All Its Beautiful Forms
August 3 was National Sisters Day—a day to honor the deep bonds of sisterhood in all its forms.
While I was blessed with sisters in my family, after my breast cancer diagnosis, I discovered an entirely new kind of sisterhood… one I never expected, but will always be grateful for.
Celebrating National Wellness Month, One Small Step at a Time
August is National Wellness Month, but you don’t have to overhaul your life to see positive changes.
Wellness doesn’t have to mean intense workouts, perfect meal prep, or a whole new morning routine; the idea of adding more can feel overwhelming, but there’s a simple solution…
Cancer Changed My 40th Plans, But Made My 41st Even Sweeter
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.