Why It’s Important to Follow Your North Star
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.
Unite for HER Proudly Provides Free Resources and Services
From 2024-2025, Unite for HER served 10,628 breast and ovarian cancer members, providing them with over $21 million in services!
Check out Unite for HER for guidance, tools, and helpful resources.
How I Found Gratitude in a Second Surgery
One year ago today, I had my second breast-cancer-related surgery: a reconstruction revision.
While no surgery is easy, I went into this one more prepared and optimistic than my first.
4 Steps to Reaching Milestones
Over the weekend, I celebrated 2 years cancer-free! 🎉
Something I could barely imagine accomplishing when I was diagnosed with aggressive stage 2 breast cancer at 39.
I didn’t just get here by chance, or on my own.
National Hereditary Cancer Week: Supporting Cancer Previvors
Those living with a gene mutation but without cancer are called PREVIVORS—a “survivor of a predisposition to cancer.”
The good news is that previvors have medical options to manage their cancer risks.
Why I Fell in Love With My Wig During Chemo
Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins today—a month focused on support, solidarity, and action for a future where women no longer have to fear the big C.
October 1 is also “National Hair Day;” an ironic pairing, since so many breast cancer patients lose their hair during treatment.
Applying My UX Mindset to Life’s Hardest Challenge
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…
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 🎗️
This month, nearly 1,200 families in the U.S. will be told the words no parent ever wants to hear: “your child has cancer.”
Around the world, the crisis is even greater.
5 Things I Did to Make Surgery Recovery at Home Easier
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.
Embracing Change, One Season at a Time
Fall reminds us that change is constant… cooler weather, shorter days, leaves letting go.
And just like the season, some changes in life are beautiful, while others feel impossible to accept.
I know that feeling all too well.
Starting a Gratitude Routine is as Easy as 1-2-3
September 21 is World Gratitude Day, and the perfect time to start a new gratitude routine!
When something so simple has so many amazing health benefits, there is no excuse not to.
How a Simple Approach Can Help Solve Life’s Toughest Problems
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…
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.