https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/2yq165jxrwgmmz3fl3lud5v0pw81fl monthly 0.5 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/b6e7e4f0-2890-4339-953d-4a4bc8629b0c/3-16-26+Feature.png Blog - More Than Luck: A Grateful Take on an Irish Proverb - Irish Proverb IRL As I read through the congratulation messages, I realized I was experiencing this Irish proverb in real life: “It is in the shelter of each other that people live.” At work, the shelter of others makes me smarter, pushing me to learn, grow, and succeed. At home, the shelter of others creates a life full of love, dependability, and shared experiences that bring me joy. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/how-more-daylight-improves-mood-health-and-well-being monthly 0.5 2026-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/17aff298-9050-42cd-8405-0590d259707b/3-6-26+Feature.png Blog - How More Daylight Improves Mood, Health, and Well-Being - Daylight Saving Time Benefits More daylight is linked to: ☀️ higher mood and energy more daily physical activity lower stress after time outdoors better focus and productivity improved sleep patterns https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/93ttvhj4bd3daioiiubyw7es5h6r02 monthly 0.5 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6d648b99-fe7d-4be1-88f9-974bfb220e44/3-4-26+Feature.png Blog - 6 Books That Gave Me Hope When I Needed It Most - The Top Six These were the most books I found to be the most positive and uplifting: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey Inspired by Marty Cagan One-Minute Mindfulness by Donald Altman Yes Please by Amy Poehler And my favorite for breast cancer warriors: Uplift (Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors) by Barbara Delinsky https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/4sh8sqt6twkl3hob95qubbzqj4qon1 monthly 0.5 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/a0fa6af0-dfee-4a6e-b380-99dd69b777e5/3-2-26+Feature.png Blog - A Timeless Reminder from Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss’ quote reminds us to: ✨ focus on today ✨ celebrate what makes us uniquely us ✨ practice gratitude for the life we’re living https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/3e71vbkpi8tuqrafrtra07neyya08s monthly 0.5 2026-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/7e786fcb-97c6-4d47-bf49-4b2156a3f81f/2-11-26+Feature.png Blog - Cancer Taught Me Never to Leave These Words Unsaid - Expressing Love & Gratitude I thought the answer to the question above was “yes,” but from that moment on, I didn’t want there to be any doubt. I decided two things: I was going to fight like hell to beat cancer. I was going to say “I LOVE YOU” out loud, often, and without hesitation. None of us knows what life has waiting around the corner. So if you appreciate someone, tell them. If you love someone, say it. Don’t leave anything assumed or unsaid. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/iyvglz1luwoh8xwenp783alpc4eou8 monthly 0.5 2026-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/dba258b2-a52a-47f1-b48e-29cb8e905971/2-9-26+Feature.png Blog - What Self-Love Really Looks Like The words and styling of Rupi Kaur’s quote really resonate with me: how you love yourself is how you teach others to love you (intentional lowercase; all letters treated the same) Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I’ve been learning what it really means to prioritize myself and my values. Self-love isn’t optional; it’s powerful and necessary. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/pblf76zdhl1e1twwjgxh5ei2xd96do monthly 0.5 2026-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/0f8da0e8-4891-4846-b08d-8e445b87672d/2-6-26+Feature.png Blog - Thriving Beyond Cancer Means Protecting Your Heart - February 6: Go Red for Women Day Breast cancer survivors actually have a 29% greater risk of heart disease in the 10-15 years after diagnosis. National Wear Red Day is a reminder that protecting our hearts protects our future. The same habits that support cancer survivorship also support heart health. ❤️ https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/nw9pvzkrpzkzzhj63b3j48ok2fdevb monthly 0.5 2026-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6ce26dd3-fbc8-4a4b-89dd-50cdb1549b68/2-2-26+Feature.png Blog - The Skill That Changed My Career and My Health - A New Self-Advocacy Lens In 2023, when I found a lump in my breast, I trusted my instincts and pushed for fast care. My incredible medical team stood beside me, and today I’m cancer-free. Recently, when medication side effects started to escalate, I listened to my body again and asked for answers. An ultrasound caught something early that can be addressed with a simple procedure I’ll be having this week—and with it comes the peace of mind of staying ahead of my health. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/umwvoj9ufhmgyxbgrlv7xe7tv6y1zt monthly 0.5 2026-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1eadcb71-077c-4b47-9503-b82539985fea/1-30-26+Feature.png Blog - Link Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer I had heard there was a connection between alcohol and cancer, but I was surprised to learn that up to 16% of annual breast cancer cases in women in the U.S. are attributed to alcohol. According to the National Cancer Institute, even light drinking can increase risk. Women who have just one drink per day have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who drink less than one drink per week. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/tx6k3fi2r180d6lk7c8z9zvkcgfs95 monthly 0.5 2026-03-01 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/zz6b4aa0qiaiolcbovflysjjfcu9iy monthly 0.5 2026-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/2b6c3480-a1d3-44e1-a66b-fd81e96e069b/1-26-26+Feature.png Blog - Being Kind to Yourself in Uncertain Times This Mel Robbins quote came from an interview I watched recently where she shared a lot of interesting thoughts about manifesting. But the part that really stayed with me was when she said “you actually owe it to yourself to also presume the positive.” https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/hqz8qkl6awq0m7xvxe4a15uscci424 monthly 0.5 2026-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/3f375989-b6d7-4357-9af9-3b9378b71ad9/1-23-26+Feature.png Blog - Move More, Sit Less: Small Shifts That Support Your Health - The Dangers of Sitting Recently, I was shocked to learn that a study found sitting more than 6 hours a day for 10–20 years can mean up to 7 years of lost healthy life! And Mayo Clinic research backs this up: “Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV, and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death.” —James Levine, Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/fa8870f5-136c-483d-a1fa-64c4825342d5/1-23-26.1.png Blog - Move More, Sit Less: Small Shifts That Support Your Health - Every Form of Movement Helps The good news is that even small movement breaks can make a big difference, in your personal life and professional life. Studies have found that exercise increases the size of the hippocampus in the brain, which leads to a 70% increase in our ability to make complex decisions. So incorporating movement throughout your workday can actually make you more efficient! https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/5h219c4rcr5h9w0v0rqdfba7t77zmh monthly 0.5 2026-01-22 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/cz6jqelpqiemskbrkt0xf39k4jhlg2 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/078e053c-fd64-4309-abda-2b4890f92508/1-19-26+Feature.png Blog - How Choosing Light and Love Helps Darkness Fade This quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us that healing, progress, and positive change don’t come from negativity or hate. They come from choosing light and love, even when it’s hard. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/wbb8q9tg975bnaufm28zsyqldvkecs monthly 0.5 2026-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/ee231f8d-8905-4c40-ba23-7c551390c960/1-16-26+Feature.png Blog - Cancer Survival Rates are Up! According to the American Cancer Society’s latest annual report, 7 in 10 people now survive 5 years or more after a cancer diagnosis. ️ That 70% is a big improvement since the 1970s when the rate was around 50%, and even up from the mid-1990s when the rate was 63%. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/acd14898-c37c-4d07-934a-385a68f3d61f/1-16-26.1.png Blog - Cancer Survival Rates are Up! - Even Better Rates for Breast Cancer Survivors Breast cancer 5-year survival rates are especially encouraging: ✨ 87% for regional stage (spread to lymph nodes, etc) ✨ 92% across all stages combined ✨ >99% when detected at a localized stage (not spread beyond the breast) https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/wcezvvuq0gormescoe647c1qhhw3l4 monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/e1d26e3d-841a-450c-916e-c210b5f0ee09/1-14-26+Feature.png Blog - Give Someone You Love a Gift That Gives Back - A Small Accessory Made All the Difference When I lost my hair during chemo, it was constantly on my mind. I wanted so badly to look like myself again; to feel pretty, not sick. My wig helped, but pairing headbands with it helped me feel and look more like myself. It also kept my wig in place better, and out of my face during summertime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1768854889422-HPDP9R986XRVUWIDYBQ6/1-14-26.1.png Blog - Give Someone You Love a Gift That Gives Back - 1-14-26.1.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1768854889326-NH4265PLHTYHT3Z0KCX8/1-14-26.2.png Blog - Give Someone You Love a Gift That Gives Back - 1-14-26.2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1768854890316-YUGKX6SAM8QP8651CMDA/1-14-26.3.png Blog - Give Someone You Love a Gift That Gives Back - 1-14-26.3.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/3i3j3u11kt35q2ufkobmmgrcke8rnr monthly 0.5 2026-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/26df91f1-cee5-41df-81e6-65b7dda0a257/1-12-26+Feature.png Blog - Being a Rainbow for Others: Why I Created Positive By Design - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1769376963179-KCPMU6MSE30M86ZIWIYJ/1-12-26.2.png Blog - Being a Rainbow for Others: Why I Created Positive By Design - 1-12-26.2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1769376963216-QIV0A94HT890MS68EQ2F/1-12-26.3.png Blog - Being a Rainbow for Others: Why I Created Positive By Design - 1-12-26.3.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1769376964189-JPVNEIJN8S7N7NJB4MGR/1-12-26.4.png Blog - Being a Rainbow for Others: Why I Created Positive By Design - 1-12-26.4.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/l4f0es6w790vkl5alsi9v7dihvu0wf monthly 0.5 2026-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1769374865807-SP40S9TA7P6MQXMT37DX/1-9-26+Feature.png Blog - January is Cervical Health Awareness Month - 1-9-26 Feature.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1769374865887-69A9YG856KBZQLLRSO7V/1-9-26.1.png Blog - January is Cervical Health Awareness Month - 1-9-26.1.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1769374866852-QGXVH6LAIF5JTJI6ATTV/1-9-26.2.png Blog - January is Cervical Health Awareness Month - 1-9-26.2.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/1t1xikjdm3c1b0rdzq1u90nxwekh3c monthly 0.5 2026-01-11 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/qjftlpiu2aw3rjqr5eibtf8ceq6mxn monthly 0.5 2026-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/8acec8a9-557d-4670-b98c-8966b10410e6/1-5-26+Feature.png Blog - Strength Comes From Doing What Scares You - The Choice is Yours Fear will always exist. The choice is whether we let it stop us, or continue to take steps forward. Advocate for yourself. Do what you think you can’t. Be unafraid https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/0i2zzi514036ou82gp3q0gtnvtb37i monthly 0.5 2026-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/8f353d2b-3ba0-41c8-ba4e-e3e83a4f2f2d/1-2-26+Feature.png Blog - Try This New Way to Achieve Your Goals in the New Year Research actually shows that making goals tangible matters: People who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. And when they shared weekly progress with a friend, success jumped to 76%. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/d8qfhzes4lbkirdl15gmr8yu6czyal monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/av1evnq8sam5vbx1d0necq0qwum450 monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/18356202-7019-4124-8de4-f4177d84875d/12-29-25+Feature.png Blog - Start the New Year Where You Are C.S. Lewis said it best: You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/tx5bfvebohnak8lmlkyv16re8f8gh1 monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/609c773c-d0d3-412d-8f73-5b3cfebfa350/12-26-25+Feature.png Blog - The Impact of Breast Cancer Trauma after Treatment During treatment, I was in survival mode. I was focused on my many appointments, side effects, and getting through each day. But after chemo and surgery, the weight of everything I’d been through—and the fear of recurrence—finally hit. That fear is one of the most common and lasting effects of breast cancer. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/yprgru8yf8sezjphrg4dqsuxyyuthe monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/542e13ad-5ecd-409f-ba0f-64d65984f0d7/12-24-25+Feature.png Blog - How I Choose to Celebrate Overcoming Cancer at Christmas - A Season of Joy and Hope My first Christmas after treatment was complicated. I was grateful to be cancer-free, yet still processing all I’d been through. Initially I didn’t want any reminders of cancer during Christmas time. Then I found the perfect symbol of both celebration and hope: a bell ornament that reads, “I Fought, I Overcame. And Now, I Celebrate.” https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/uidx8ure90tjew36vws8njy31wqdam monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/65dec9c9-8aa6-455c-b487-065f57054125/12-17-25+Feature.png Blog - 5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing - Physical, Mental, and Emotional Growth Watching my hair grow back from chemo over the past 2.5 years has been full of surprises. Recently, I realized that the things that surprised me most about my hair regrowth are the same things that have surprised me about myself as a breast cancer survivor… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/ea51e711-d7a8-4721-9b35-c102ea7d1565/12-17-25.1.png Blog - 5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing - #1 Slow and Uneven My hair has grown back slowly and unevenly, especially on the top. Healing and recovery have taken time too, especially in my upper body after my mastectomy and reconstruction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/45155265-7c5b-4239-b491-6f52084311ed/12-17-25.2.png Blog - 5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing - #2 A Mind of Its Own Some days my hair has a mind of its own. Some days my brain fog has a mind of its own, choosing when it will make me forget things, but I’m learning to focus on what I can control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/20bef593-eb53-4637-983a-d39917180251/12-17-25.3.png Blog - 5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing - #3 More Care Needed My hair needs more care to style and tame. So does my body. Staying active, getting proper nourishment, and having a positive mindset matter more than ever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/27a023e8-1d74-4dd6-b101-08d2632e83f2/12-17-25.4.png Blog - 5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing - #4 Stronger Inside and Out My hair is thicker, coarser, and stronger than before. After 14 months of active treatment and 2 surgeries, I’ve learned I’m stronger too—inside and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/680d88cd-5d89-47dc-98f3-9dd71a506bfc/12-17-25.5.png Blog - 5 Surprising Parallels Between Hair Regrowth and Healing - #5 Accepting the New Me Each month brought a new look to get used to in the mirror. Each month as a survivor, I’m getting better at accepting how my body looks and feels now. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/mipkkmhk87u34ofkjwwsnjpzfh18ww monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/8f0d8a1f-fd1e-4013-879c-b4c3338dba84/12-15-25+Feature.png Blog - The Festival of Lights Reminds Us to Share Our Light - You Are Such A Light Each small act carries more power than we realize. When we offer light to others, it reflects back to us, brighter and warmer than before. Happy Hanukkah. May you share your light, and feel it multiply. ️ https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/3ztzhwjwjm0a1u1hk0wfqw9hg1051f monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/5e9ccc58-02b2-4578-9c1d-c4bdbab77f0b/12-12-25+Feature.png Blog - Reassuring Research on IVF and Breast Cancer Risk - Relief for Women Like Me Who Have Done IVF But when I saw breastcancer.org’s article about data from dozens of studies with over 625,000 women, over 10+ years, about the impact of IVF on breast cancer I was so relieved. Studies showed that IVF is safe and does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/9s7rlm7qey5e35csnagdxkqam7dluj monthly 0.5 2026-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6dfbb390-4188-4c18-8947-f08168e2cccd/12-8-25+Feature.png Blog - Learning to Set Worry Down and Keep Moving Forward - So. Much. Worrying. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I did a lot of worrying… and it never helped. Worry didn’t get me through treatment. It didn’t bring hope or comfort. It didn’t change the outcome. But at the time, I didn’t know any other way to cope with the fear and uncertainty. So I worried. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/y1yyppx31nxy45aa9ft0kof4reyz3v monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/b889da8a-73e5-4b83-b598-71631fdd5920/12-5-25+Feature.png Blog - A Link Between Breast Cancer and Childbirth Nearly half of all breast cancer diagnoses in U.S. women under 45 (about 13,500 cases each year) occur within the FIRST 10 YEARS after giving birth, whether someone breastfed or not. I had no idea that childbirth could have been a risk factor when I was diagnosed with stage 2 aggressive breast cancer at 39, when my oldest was just 7. For more than two decades, researchers have studied this pattern: young mothers are more likely to develop aggressive forms of breast cancer, with higher risks of metastasis and poorer outcomes. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/5ecvjfs1adxuza5ld0mt8wxcav48vo monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/v856ikqbsbldrl77ffr76i7bybd14b monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/85688f53-043d-479a-b7c5-6a29e244100a/12-1-25+Feature.png Blog - Courage in the Face of Uncertainty But when we choose trust over doubt and hope over negativity, something shifts and fear no longer gets the final say. All it takes is making up your mind to take one step forward. And that single step is the spark needed to ignite courage deep within you to overcome whatever lies ahead. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/v6ag5a4uli9c1clk4o2hjgqnqkvchf monthly 0.5 2025-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/b6631652-6cae-4b69-ab76-6df60166c89b/11-28-25+Feature.png Blog - A Simple Habit That Helps Your Brain and Your Heart - Gratitude Writing for the Win People who wrote with more gratitude used fewer negative-emotion words and reported improvements in their mental health, compared to people who did regular expressive writing or journaling. So take a moment right now and think of one person or one small thing you’re grateful for. Then write it down on a piece of paper or a sticky note ️ And notice how it makes you smile. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/12e52c1gt7d5jw8cf7dp11av62epxv monthly 0.5 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1dc3629c-ba3d-49e7-b70a-1d688689795f/11-26-25+Feature.png Blog - Why Expressing Gratitude Can Be Its Own Kind of Healing So I sent handwritten notes to both sets of parents, our siblings, and their spouses; the people that showed up for me again and again. Through chemo, through my double mastectomy, and through the unknown along the way, their support helped me stay positive and thrive. I thought about the specific moments and included them in personalized thank-you notes so they’d know exactly how grateful I was. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/lwe95gpdwegq5ux4ec3fxadkapctqy monthly 0.5 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/09b5a2b7-a07e-49a6-b343-1f86fa7cb8da/11-24-25+Feature.png Blog - Honoring the Caregivers in All Our Lives How have you been impacted by caregiving? ❤️ As a prior caregiver As a current caregiver As a soon-to-be caregiver, or As someone who needs a caregiver https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/nuu30i4l87xk5rri4xwyotdlt66c1e monthly 0.5 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/9b2e6891-1857-4b48-baa9-3fc48231896f/11-21-25+Feature.png Blog - Why Your Daily Steps Matter More Than You Think - Cancer Survivors that Walk More Live Longer The American Heart Association followed the physical routines of thousands of post-menopausal women with a cancer history for 8 years. What they found was incredible: ‍♀️ Walking 5,000+ steps a day lowered the risk of dying from any cause by 40%! And even better, “Each additional 2,500 steps per day was linked to a 34% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.” https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/y386ez8ig9450cvhha5yurqes1t716 monthly 0.5 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/dc9dec4e-8762-423e-837c-f87f3e74a7ab/11-19-25+Feature.png Blog - The Surprising Device That’s Helping My Joint Pain - Whole Body Healing Several studies have shown that WBV therapy can reduce stiffness, discomfort, and pain by improving joint function, building strength, and sending non-painful signals to the brain. So I decided to buy a Lifepro Mini vibration plate, and I really like it so far. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/m9vmozc2246vwwaeeslm1rxcyvqrra monthly 0.5 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/aabed4e0-bd9c-4594-a570-cad8626dbc20/11-17-25+Feature.png Blog - The Bravery of Loving Yourself Through It All - Brené is known for her research on empathy, vulnerability, shame, and courage—four emotions that show up throughout every cancer patient’s journey. But her quote gets right to the heart of what matters most: when we face our reality with honesty and offer ourselves love anyway, we tap into a deeper kind of strength. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/y5p6rby0866nwt097a6qhgr9sk8398 monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1ca753ef-d61d-456b-b1f2-946345dda460/11-14-25+Feature.png Blog - The Anniversary of the Game-Changer for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer - Targeted Therapy for the Win Since 2006, this targeted therapy has changed the outlook for so many of us, improving survival rates for stage 1–3 HER2-positive breast cancer by more than 30 percent, including mine. In 2023 I learned that I was the 1 in 5 people who are diagnosed with aggressive HER2 breast cancer. It tends to grow and spread faster, but it also has a specific weakness doctors can target. That’s where Herceptin comes in. It works by blocking the proteins that act like “on switches” for cancer growth, slowing or even stopping the spread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/d74f6d70-0fd2-4558-9547-e0e5200f3588/IMG_6036.JPG Blog - The Anniversary of the Game-Changer for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Because of this game-changing drug, I had a complete response to chemo—and the added confidence that I really could kick cancer’s a$$. Fourteen months later, I was done with my Herceptin targeted therapy infusions and cancer-free. Sources: The ASCO Post, National Cancer Institute, PubMed Central #factfriday https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/helh1ndlom6jljal7ims9wkwshu8os monthly 0.5 2025-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/f59a8e1f-20c3-4e92-a6c4-d4501940d32d/11-12-25+Feature.png Blog - When Kindness and Gratitude Come Full Circle - For Caring Hands and Hearts I decided to gift them my favorite hand lotion with a note thanking them for their “caring hearts and hands.” When I brought the basket to my next appointment, they were so surprised and touched. It instantly took me back to that first day I met them, when their kindness made me feel equally seen and comforted. That’s when I realized that kindness is a loop… a circle that just keeps going, giving, and growing. #whatworkedformeweds https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/2stzonbb9phfev73ql84iz0n7x37zg monthly 0.5 2025-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/99dea5bd-b0d8-439d-aff9-5d119af5939a/11-10-25+Feature.png Blog - Finding Hope in the Kindness of Others - Over time, I started to recognize the same faces, and while I never wanted to be there, those people made each appointment so much easier. ✨ The woman who checked me in always greeted me by name and told me it was good to see me. ✨ The nurses who accessed my port asked about my family, remembering details I’d mentioned weeks before. ✨ The imaging receptionist once handed me a little angel charm and told me to “have a blessed day.” ✨ The infusion nurses were full of kindness, compliments, smiles, and sometimes even a more private chair. ✨ And when I landed in the hospital with an infection, all three of my doctors came to visit me. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/gxy8x02lkf6b2whpd3o1b646xa4qzh monthly 0.5 2025-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/89dcd094-50fd-42b8-90d5-84c44928f4f8/11-7-25+Feature.png Blog - Rising Rates of Breast Cancer in Women Under 45 While women under 45 make up only about 10% of all new breast cancer cases each year, the rise has been especially sharp in some groups. Over the past 13 years, rates have increased more among American Indian or Alaska Native women (2.1%) and Asian and Pacific Islander women (1.3%) than in other racial and ethnic groups. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/i543ptb4ka2fqxoro6nsb5klgr8j7c monthly 0.5 2025-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1762428913352-9UPKZ3HBL5TP274KT2BZ/11-5.2.png Blog - How to Help a Friend After a Cancer Diagnosis - 11-5.2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1762428913463-V39RIK3XXRAV05I78ID7/11-5.3.png Blog - How to Help a Friend After a Cancer Diagnosis - 11-5.3.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1762428914845-6Q55NXIVDWRZR32YADXK/11-5.4.png Blog - How to Help a Friend After a Cancer Diagnosis - 11-5.4.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1762428915013-ZJD25CR6K7KH9DMS5ETN/11-5.5.png Blog - How to Help a Friend After a Cancer Diagnosis - 11-5.5.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1762428916252-OXV8V9Y790I8TKQIG7LV/11-5.6.png Blog - How to Help a Friend After a Cancer Diagnosis - 11-5.6.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1762428917134-AIMMAAQBWPV1SC2LHZIR/11-5.7.png Blog - How to Help a Friend After a Cancer Diagnosis - 11-5.7.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/gu894aweq8i68rwed5jhoyqo80nfmo monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/9902287d-16a1-4031-bd01-73167ffe4455/11-3-25+Feature.png Blog - Grateful for the Caregivers Who Lifted Me Up I feel like this quote sums up both of those things perfectly. I am so grateful for all the love, help, and support I received while battling breast cancer, especially from my family. From cards and texts to meals and watching our kids, each family member did something to brighten my day and help me keep moving forward. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/beyond-october-make-breast-awareness-a-year-round-habit monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/f632747c-8871-4ca7-b70b-c85a153c16bf/10-31-25+Feature.png Blog - Beyond October: Make Breast Awareness a Year-Round Habit - Shocking Statistics It’s a fact that in the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Knowing what’s normal for you—by regularly looking at and feeling your breasts—is one of the best ways to catch changes early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/cc53e472-0e26-4574-aeb6-5a598bc4d7c8/10-31-25.1.png Blog - Beyond October: Make Breast Awareness a Year-Round Habit - Did you know? A self-exam takes less than 2 minutes, and yet every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/35dbfac3-bb33-4e8f-9029-0ec9799f4518/10-31-25.2.png Blog - Beyond October: Make Breast Awareness a Year-Round Habit - Anyone Can Become a Statistic At just 39 years old, I became “1 in 8” when I found a lump in my breast. No family history, no prior mammograms. I trusted my instincts, pushed for the earliest diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound I could get, and that persistence led to the official diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer that saved my life. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/0vs0k5glughn5lkgynmzo5ymrtyf80 monthly 0.5 2025-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1761842271626-KAUQFCMULXFD1CIUG2LR/IMG_3793.jpg Blog - Halloween Humor: Turning My Post-Chemo Hair into Some Killer 80s Looks - IMG_3793.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1761842267336-LFSB3BBASXOC5F5PE9T7/IMG_3791.jpg Blog - Halloween Humor: Turning My Post-Chemo Hair into Some Killer 80s Looks - IMG_3791.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1761842267310-N0WE36XNW00IQYMUCU6B/IMG_3792.jpg Blog - Halloween Humor: Turning My Post-Chemo Hair into Some Killer 80s Looks - IMG_3792.jpg https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/hhw0ra2299r6add00yxjp81goidgpj monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6f26c2ad-20a3-4eaf-92c4-29ba1480fbd3/10-27-25+Feature.png Blog - A Mentor for the Moment: Shining a Light for Others - Standing in My Light The phrase “mentor for the moment” perfectly captures why I launched this website; a space to share real, bite-size stories of hope and reflection for anyone navigating cancer or other storms. My goal is to use what I’ve learned, both as a survivor and as a lifelong learner, to help others see that light still exists, even in the darkest times. This blog is my way of standing in my own light, and hopefully helping others find theirs. Source: Gallup #motivationmonday https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/kazt9w8vktu39alxzzokjjedu6dq9v monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/8e86bdea-927b-48a7-b9f0-1687f078fc84/10-24-25+Feature.png Blog - Resources to Thrive with Metastatic Breast Cancer MBC occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It requires ongoing treatment and care, but new advances are helping people live longer, fuller, and more meaningful lives with the disease. It’s estimated that nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will eventually develop metastatic disease, and about 10% are diagnosed at stage IV from the start. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/zxu7yqz8u7ll7o4zy733wwg0ouzl0k monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/3673b6b0-6f25-43c8-9740-72f19cadc630/10-22-25+Feature.png Blog - Cancer Ghosting: The Kind of Haunting No One Warns You About When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I learned something few people talk about: sometimes, the ones you expect to show up, don’t. I thought my friends would be my lifeline. Instead, some of them disappeared. Their silence was louder than any words. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/5qo6j1xi8ymb88fbf1qqe09ou47pdh monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/b9689cec-1130-4d6c-bfae-afb983dec26a/10-20-25+Feature.png Blog - Anything is Possible With Support I realized I was gathering all the people I needed in my corner to fight an unthinkable battle, and they showed up in the most amazing ways, every round. When you lean on your support squad during difficult times, anything is truly possible. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/pennsylvania-leading-the-fight-against-breast-cancer monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/860e8f96-0e9b-4c0c-88fe-886fd2490e50/10-17-25+Feature.png Blog - Pennsylvania: Leading the Fight Against Breast Cancer - Act 1 of 2023 With nearly 14,000 individuals diagnosed each year, passing Act 1 of 2023 was a major milestone. The legislation, passed thanks to survivor Senator Kim Ward, made PA the first state to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for BRCA-related genetic testing, counseling, and supplemental screenings for high-risk women. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/2bfaa01e-7a8c-4921-a6c2-7022ca084146/10-17-25.4.png Blog - Pennsylvania: Leading the Fight Against Breast Cancer - Breast Cancer Walk with My Support Squad Last weekend, I participated in a local “Walk Fore The Cure” event to support the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, which has donated over $6 million to breast cancer research across the state. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/p695f432p81o4c8qbpilq6he7d3zxa monthly 0.5 2025-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1271d8d2-8657-453d-b1a6-52029c7c9055/10-15-25+Feature.png Blog - My Reconstruction Choice and The Confidence It Gave Me - Today is Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day This global movement, now observed in 30+ countries, is dedicated to making sure every breast cancer warrior, previvor, and survivor knows their reconstruction options. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/nwtzjwwmt9cvrxzbhvdaercz5ht74y monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/e1719b9b-98e7-43f8-9e5a-9716db82c347/10-13-25+Feature.png Blog - Why It’s Important to Follow Your North Star The same has been true during my breast cancer journey. My North Star has been the ultimate motivator not to give up, even on the hardest days when it’s difficult to see. My constant North Star: overcome cancer so I can be here for my family and watch my children grow up. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/5jaoh3jvy5i9lov7kj5xbrlqk981sy monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/2dee26b4-abe6-4ace-83b5-68118c3577db/10-10-25.2.png Blog - Unite for HER Proudly Provides Free Resources and Services - Make a Difference: Unite for HER From 2024-2025, Unite for HER served 10,628 breast and ovarian cancer members, providing them with over $21 million in services! To help breast and ovarian cancer warriors this year, Positive By Design recently donated $152.00, which will cover a delivery of a week’s worth of healthy meals, and one private yoga session. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/i7lv921xq1t68uiiquu31deheg91uo monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6957f7b5-ee37-4ee1-84fe-a90f60e27b77/10-8-25+Feature.png Blog - How I Found Gratitude in a Second Surgery But there were positives: a shorter recovery, no drains, and I’d be able to get my chemo port removed at the same time. And thanks to the U.S. Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA, 1998), any reconstruction and revisions would be fully covered by insurance. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/4p3ur6cjxvmayw70v95yxxwzs2ntk4 monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/7f058d85-d6a1-48d5-91bb-64f8e3e989c6/IMG_3030.jpg Blog - 4 Steps to Reaching Milestones - Over the weekend, I celebrated 2 years cancer-free! In my cancer free era ✌️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/f9e91472-8538-479c-879c-b47a38500d95/10-6-25+Feature.png Blog - 4 Steps to Reaching Milestones My team doesn’t wake up with the perfect product idea, or know what to build from day 1. We start by planning our milestones, preparing for what’s ahead, and then move forward together with positivity and persistence. Whether it’s building a product or rebuilding your life, progress happens when you work together on achieving one milestone at a time. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/xpmuksvt5kcxk0qeiy18k9wq8mny64 monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/28b8185d-a416-4047-bfd0-9cb1593764bd/10-3-25+Feature.png Blog - National Hereditary Cancer Week: Supporting Cancer Previvors - Did you know… Inherited gene mutations cause approximately 5-10% of all cancers, and women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 45-65% risk of breast cancer? And, most inherited breast cancers are linked to mutations in those genes. What’s even more surprising is that UP TO 90% of people who have an inherited mutation aren’t aware of their cancer risk or medical options. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/5h9ouyt12jhyhnbyi2e2bjvllgxrc6 monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/675cc42f-01c4-49c5-971c-8416958e4821/10-1-25+Feature.png Blog - Why I Fell in Love With My Wig During Chemo - Breast Cancer Awareness Month Today is the start of a month focused on support, solidarity, and action for a future where women no longer have to fear the big C. This month, I’ll share some of my favorite organizations to support, and I hope you’ll do the same. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/1foncwbj8akxczobt22yl6vn5sa12o monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/71df5d09-98fb-4a93-8537-779d546c0137/9-29-25+Feature.png Blog - Applying My UX Mindset to Life’s Hardest Challenge Whatever you’re facing today, trust what’s inside you—it really is greater than what’s behind or ahead. ✨ https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/xpzspkp6q10rxduycujoionqeaoyr4 monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/75e129a4-49a4-4331-a1b4-6aaa83709d32/9-26-25+Feature.png Blog - September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - Shocking Statistics 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: each year nearly 400,000 children develop cancer, and 90% of children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to diagnosis and treatment is scarce. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/azxf47ke5t4vqfq44uwehbckkro67i monthly 0.5 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/fe3a4dcb-5787-4120-97be-17c88bd15bd2/9-24-25+Feature.png Blog - 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. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/wpz2bwcm6on02ja1leg7uhzyz5i32x monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/0c9f1dbf-f0fd-4ee4-a158-e91d2623f27c/9-22-25+Feature.png Blog - Embracing Change, One Season at a Time The truth is, we can’t control every change. But we can choose how we handle change: ✨ with an open mind ✨ with as much positivity as possible Not perfectly. Not all the time. But enough to notice the beauty that can exist along the way. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/3q6s6aqu6rr1rf78q0qhl0aujwrxx1 monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/4e23907a-dfd5-4f37-aa4e-1b05af3308f1/9-19-25+Feature.png Blog - 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. Scientists found a one-time act of thoughtful gratitude produced an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depression! https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/334nwbge0xp2kf2glw4xnxt860jtcj monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/72c2420f-1f94-48ea-82ce-d1a13d13a818/9-17+Feature.png Blog - How a Simple Approach Can Help Solve Life’s Toughest Problems When I became a cancer patient, I realized I needed help solving challenging problems like: How do I find the right support? Keep my energy up? Stay positive and grateful during treatment? Then it clicked; I noticed my gratitude journal prompts—simple structured phrases that gave me a starting point. Just like the user stories do that I write at work. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/y3x2nwc8evsgnxhqmdhxl8hu1s6bdu monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/02d13768-9eca-4d41-840d-845314d722b6/9-15+Feature.png Blog - How One Small Step Can Become One Big Spark But her teacher told her: “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti drew one dot which led to another, and then many more, until Vashti’s art filled the walls of her school. And her courage inspired another student to try to draw too. All because one person BELIEVED in her. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/how-i-redefined-positive-thinking-during-cancer monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/7f41a86f-5d3d-45eb-bddb-e596b8968694/9-12+Feature.png Blog - How I Redefined Positive Thinking During Cancer Positive thinking leads to better outcomes, and research has proven there are countless short-term and long-term health benefits for optimists too. A Harvard study even found that optimists had a 50% lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event compared to pessimists. One positive thought can bring you a little extra hope, or a much-needed smile. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/eb1s0ymbiohba7zzt5a8w4cvaptd8m monthly 0.5 2025-10-26 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/f7ifaw3jwtsnsyh6t5cpnvb8fvsugn monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/9b8d505f-09b1-458e-9d69-aecec4223ad3/9-8.1.png Blog - Celebrating 2 Years Since Finishing Chemo During 4.5 months of chemo, I lived by this quote from Charles Kettering: Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail. Although I had so many doubts during chemo, I kept reminding myself that I’d overcome other moments in my life that felt just as daunting: Applying to dozens of jobs with no offers. Starting over after an unexpected layoff. Hoping to get pregnant after years of trying. Delivering naturally after advanced labor without meds. Facing a breast cancer diagnosis at 39, while balancing motherhood, marriage, and work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/cd686cc7-1931-4046-afeb-7190c3c78a5a/9-8+Feature.png Blog - Celebrating 2 Years Since Finishing Chemo Today, I don’t just celebrate my anniversary of finishing chemo. I celebrate proving to myself that the ✨impossible✨ can be done. You can too. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/kidunvzkuf1fozuaipzv2pfs2byjni monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/d4592f4e-9b8b-4844-9979-84c63438e04a/9-5+Feature.png Blog - Paint One Nail, Start the Conversation Gynecological cancers affect more than 100,000 people each year in the US; every 5 minutes someone is diagnosed. Did you know there are five gynecological cancers women should be aware of? Cervical Cancer Ovarian Cancer Uterine Cancer Vaginal Cancer Vulvar Cancer https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/how-to-advocate-for-the-best-care-no-matter-the-diagnosis monthly 0.5 2025-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/daec2f9a-0936-4bf9-8239-4e9536b81a30/9-3+Feature.png Blog - How to Advocate for the Best Care, No Matter the Diagnosis - Advocating for Myself What I learned after getting a second opinion there is that it’s not just repeating the diagnosis. It’s about exploring all treatment options, finding a team you connect with, getting questions answered, and advocating for the best possible outcome. The biggest surprise? The hospital that gave me the diagnosis encouraged it. They weren’t offended; they wanted me to feel confident in my care. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/sept-1 monthly 0.5 2025-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/00eca742-95fe-4526-8ea9-559e1169978d/9-1+Feature.png Blog - Love Makes Bravery Possible The truth is that no one is intrinsically brave. We draw courage from the love around us from family, friends, caregivers, and communities—our support squad that lifts us up when we can’t stand on our own. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/82doyflqkobysmt5x5606n5uxgqqsd monthly 0.5 2025-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6c5d816a-29aa-4f27-bb4e-6dbadbcabc8e/8-29+Feature.png Blog - Making Space for Grief and for Healing - You are Not Alone I was shocked to learn that every year, an estimated 7 million Americans experience grief due to a significant loss, but only about 13% decide to seek professional support. The number one thing that got me through cancer was the support of my family, friends, and a local support group. They helped me realize that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but finding ways to live fully alongside loss. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/tn9ufbxxo1vnv7mcmohbmxu50ugm3m monthly 0.5 2025-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1761522118829-2U4NVVSW2YK5N1WTBWJF/8-27.1.png Blog - 3 Simple Ways to Give Yourself a Fresh Start for Back-to-School Season - 8-27.1.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1761522118975-OVKMHN1CV5FKP986GMH8/8-27.2.png Blog - 3 Simple Ways to Give Yourself a Fresh Start for Back-to-School Season - 8-27.2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1761522120208-2DLPN86EO9HMWAO1N72U/8-27.3.png Blog - 3 Simple Ways to Give Yourself a Fresh Start for Back-to-School Season - 8-27.3.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/sjb521jblwie7kia6hn60cpnq7jrvo monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/913a588e-1606-4af0-b11d-80389646f71c/8-25+Feature.png Blog - 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 like: ✨ Lower stress ✨ Calm your heart & lower blood pressure ✨ Boost oxytocin (the “feel-good” hormone!) https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/o57rvk2wyd9dhmdf4ed5wseo0dhzz6 monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/66c95a2d-fb8e-4369-a799-1e767ee6724b/8-22+Feature.png Blog - Confidence and a Cause: Celebrating Women’s Wellness - Serving the Breast Cancer Community Through CAKES CARES, CAKES body® has donated over $1 million to women’s health causes and with every order, $1 goes to breast cancer research and advocacy. ✨ https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/1v9nviclc5uclv5q3l8jzje9eh723b monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/653a5a2a-8976-44f7-b167-45c93d19d211/8-18+Feature.png Blog - Obstacles Don’t Have to Stop You But if we reframe them—as detours, speed bumps, or temporary walls—we open ourselves up to new, positive paths forward. We remind ourselves that there is always another way through. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/wqbctqljhhn10qkqpy2emt01v627hp monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/e4bdef63-f18d-453c-bc68-31664056a00b/8-15+Feature.png Blog - Together, We Can Stand Up To Cancer - Making a Difference Since 2008 SU2C’s model focuses on collaborative research across institutions and disciplines so researchers and scientists can work toward a shared goal: beat cancer. “Standing up to cancer” is a call to action for everyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer. And, with the $795 million that SU2C has raised across the globe, hopefully the next generation won’t have to worry about cancer. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/9z4qmrywngbt0lwg7x8ll0cc8mmau1 monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/916c5518-2e19-419f-897f-b8422c2789e3/8-13+Feature.png Blog - How the Right Mentor Makes the Unknown Less Scary - The Key to Success at Work and In Life In both moments, what I needed was a mentor. Someone to offer wisdom, encouragement, and perspective through uncharted territory. I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t just about supporting others, it’s also an education in how to support yourself. The best mentors don’t just point to the finish line, they run alongside you until you cross it. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/oulihg2aq9puitb1598zkwwg0wzo0n monthly 0.5 2025-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/852996c8-38ec-428a-a4bd-80b9a9892b4e/8-11+Feature.png Blog - What I Learned in the Trenches of Breast Cancer - From Hopelessness to Hopeful Soon, the smallest things—a cup of coffee, a hug, the sound of laughter—will fill you with a gratitude so deep it takes your breath away. I’ve been in those trenches and I made it out. And so will you. Hang in there and keep moving forward. You are already one step closer to the best days of your life. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/31jyq2dn0tazkimvqhn6b5yf4j4kpv monthly 0.5 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1812bdf3-9fb9-4eec-bc59-d7e9f5fbde80/8-8+Feature.png Blog - Why Sun Safety is a Must for Survivors - Increased Risk Means Increased Safety Measures Studies show that breast cancer survivors are 10–30% more likely to develop melanoma, and that risk may be even higher for those of us who received radiation therapy. That means especially in the summer months, sun protection isn’t just skincare, it’s necessary self-care. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/beyond-chemotherapy-coping-with-recurrence-anxiety monthly 0.5 2025-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/2a340c2b-25ab-4c54-96a5-3c97158e3fb3/PinkSisPost.png Blog - Beyond Chemotherapy: Coping with Recurrence Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/98d830ba-c85c-48b1-944b-ea2eef6f05e7/8-6+Feature.png Blog - Beyond Chemotherapy: Coping with Recurrence Anxiety - The Road Ahead When a treatment ends, you're assumed to be happy and ready to move on. The fear, the worry doesn't just turn off like a light though. It will be something I carry permanently which I have to learn to live with. I've got my strategies ready to go, but I know another tough (mental) road is ahead. Your prayers and love are helping me through. Keep them coming if you can. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/ilv87qvyaa6d5mxavezk7wj7ofy818 monthly 0.5 2025-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/b1e7926a-2c1c-425c-b0c9-174469c4bb4d/8-4+Feature.png Blog - Celebrating Sisterhood in All Its Beautiful Forms - A New Kind of Sisterhood After my breast cancer diagnosis, I discovered an entirely new kind of sisterhood… one I never expected, but will always be grateful for. These are my pink sisters Fierce, courageous, and compassionate women who know what it’s like to have your world flipped upside down, unexpectedly. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/1ixipvj3r6g4fwo7wqd7i8q1n2ka47 monthly 0.5 2025-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/5af03fc8-3b40-4dc2-b216-4b365a010786/8-1+Feature.png Blog - Celebrating National Wellness Month, One Small Step at a Time - The Benefits of Gratitude The good news is that small steps matter—research has shown that tiny, consistent habits add up in big ways. Even something as simple as spending 15 minutes writing down things you're grateful for each day has been shown to improve not just your mood, but your physical health too. 15 minutes of gratitude a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks can lead to better sleep, reduced stress, and lower inflammation all from one small daily shift. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/cjijg2kvxbkaeexy79gt4arb8advfh monthly 0.5 2025-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/1024c177-a4e0-4008-9c37-1b5e7d78a8c9/IMG_6628-square.jpg Blog - Cancer Changed My 40th Plans, But Made My 41st Even Sweeter My birthday arrived mid-way through chemo. I was grateful for the small party my family threw me that weekend, but it felt like a shadow of the celebration I had dreamed of for so long. I didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t look like myself. 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I also found it helped with my recovery. For me, continuing to work while undergoing treatment (except for my infusion days) helped me: ✅ feel productive ♥️ have a sense of personal fulfillment & purpose add structure to my days https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/eon26bl0kdl89odajow173o3j34vjq monthly 0.5 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/ace4d61e-6689-4a4e-87a2-501f4203b4e7/7-7+Feature.png Blog - What It Feels Like to Finally Finish Treatment When I finally rang the bell after my last infusion, I expected only joy, but what came right after were uncontrollable tears and audible sobs. Only then did I feel how heavy it had all been… all the worrying, anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. And now I could finally let it all go. I made it. I survived fourteen months of active treatment. 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& coworkers what you’re going through You can keep it simple and say you are going through a hard time, or share lots of details. From meals to funny memes, people can’t support you if they don’t know you need help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6125ba4e-2be1-48f0-b62c-bcb6719a9d9f/1-3.png Blog - 4 Ways to Find Your Support Squad - 2) Ask your provider about patient support networks Many providers offer support networks or communities for current patients to connect with former patients. Imerman Angels offers 1:1 support for cancer patients worldwide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/a019b574-46b4-4606-9e51-e5e702021e09/1-5.png Blog - 4 Ways to Find Your Support Squad - 3) Ask about caregiving & mental health benefits at your work Many companies provide access to support services and apps for their employees at no cost. My work provides a service called Wellthy with care coordinators that helped me find local support and therapy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/80b54f8f-1036-4f5e-a1fe-fcb15e5998a4/1-7.png Blog - 4 Ways to Find Your Support Squad - 4) Search for local, in-person support groups & events An in-person support group gives you a chance to meet others who can share tips about what they have found helpful, locally. Pennsylvania, for example, has several breast cancer non-profits with resources like The PA Breast Cancer Coalition and Unite For HER. https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Gratitude monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Beauty monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Movement monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Support monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Nutrition monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Positivity monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/RESILIENCE monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Clean+Products monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/TREATMENT monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Resilience monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/SUPPORT monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/Treatment monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/BEAUTY monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/MOVEMENT monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/NUTRITION monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/POSITIVITY monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/GRATITUDE monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/positive-stories-blog/category/CLEAN+PRODUCTS monthly 0.5 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/home daily 1.0 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/f53dae19-d24d-4e3b-b9d7-0e701ad8f494/happy-socks.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/56fecf36-9507-44aa-84ab-4521e8d39a5b/meetjen.jpg https://www.positivebydesign.blog/about daily 0.75 2026-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/56fecf36-9507-44aa-84ab-4521e8d39a5b/meetjen.jpg https://www.positivebydesign.blog/free-resources daily 0.75 2026-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/b08b8cf2-387b-4a35-bc0f-cd6fd6a66a2a/Thumbnail-Placeholder.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/store daily 0.75 57782-08-01 https://www.positivebydesign.blog/store/p/chemo-side-effects-tracker monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/f9cde602-1fd4-479b-82a2-3cacdf9461cb/Thumbnail-ChemoTracker.png Store - Chemo Side Effects Tracker - Thumbnail-ChemoTracker.png https://www.positivebydesign.blog/store/p/mastectomy-recovery-products-checklist monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68d2013b1fa14c5096f54b53/6113e27f-1f52-4f86-92c4-b9734e056691/Thumbnail-MastectomyProducts.png Store - Mastectomy Recovery Products Checklist - Thumbnail-MastectomyProducts.png