When Tonia Bartz was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2021, everything changed overnight. “I went to the ER knowing something was off, but I never imagined it would be cancer or that I’d be admitted immediately for chemotherapy,” she recalls. Her journey included chemo, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and a donor lymphocyte infusion. As she approaches three...
On a cool September morning along the southern waters of Hood Canal, the rhythm of paddles striking water carried more than momentum — it carried prayers. For the ninth year, Pacific Northwest canoe families came together for Paddle for the Battle, an event where every pull of the oar is lifted as a prayer for...
In August 2024, Keng-I was diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Living in Hawaii and navigating the uncertainty that comes with a new diagnosis, she knew she needed more than just medical treatment—she needed support, community, and resources to guide her through the journey ahead. Driven by a desire to find holistic options that aligned...
Rick was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer about two years ago and began treatment immediately. Early on, his palliative care team at Providence Swedish introduced him to Cancer Lifeline, but at the time, he wasn’t ready to join any classes or support groups. About 6 months later, after doing some research on the...
The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a season filled with joy, traditions, and the warmth of family and friends. But for many, the holidays can also bring challenges—a sense of loneliness, reminders of loss, or the stress of navigating health issues and financial difficulties. During these...
Nancy started getting annual mammograms at age 30. In October 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation, finishing in March 2020, just as the pandemic began. During recovery, she spent a lot of time isolated, unable to be around people. She cried every day after returning from radiation,...
Navigating life during cancer treatment and recovery requires adjusting not only your daily routines but also your long-term goals. Striking the right balance between pushing forward and practicing self-compassion is key to setting realistic expectations. When living with cancer, the mind often yearns for “normalcy,” but the body may not always cooperate. This dissonance can...
When faced with a serious illness like cancer, it can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging—not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. While modern medicine offers a range of treatments aimed at curing or controlling disease, there’s another crucial aspect of care that’s often overlooked: palliative care. Palliative care is comprehensive...
Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that affects not only physical health but also emotional and psychological well-being. One of the often-overlooked aspects of cancer’s impact is on body image. As patients navigate through surgery, treatments and beyond, their relationship with their bodies can shift over time and undergo significant changes. We’ll explore the multifaceted nature...
In 2006, as a cancer survivor, and the President of Washington Women Lawyers, I and two other survivors co-authored the “Breast Cancer Legal Resources Guide” for the Washington State Bar In 2006, as a cancer survivor, and the President of Washington Women Lawyers, I and two other survivors co-authored the “Breast Cancer Legal Resources Guide”...
