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” for the Washington State Bar Association. We were given the opportunity to meet Basha Brownstein from Cancer Lifeline and accepted her invitation to meet with her and volunteer to discuss our book.

 

In 2012, when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, I turned to Cancer Lifeline, this time as a client. After my surgery, my oncology team suggested I enroll in Cancer Lifeline’s yoga classes as an integral part of my recovery. Six weeks post op, and eager to feel like myself again, I enrolled in Christy Fisher’s Gentle Yoga class. Determined to regain strength, balance, and wellbeing, I also enrolled in Sherry LeBed Davis’ Healthy Steps classes. Sherry is a nationally known authority on movement for healing for all cancers, and I was impressed by the difference these women made in my life.

By networking with classmates dealing with lymphedema, I consulted with the Lymphedema Clinic at UW Northwest, where I remain a patient to this day. Through my friendship with Elaine Eigelman, I became an active advocate volunteer working to get the Lymphedema Treatment Act passed, providing resources to those with lymphedema, serving on boards, and joining in the Cancer Lifeline Lymphedema support group.

Having endured an oophorectomy during pregnancy, a radical hysterectomy, lymphedema, and multiple eye surgeries, I have become fearless, and have relied on the friendships developed and lessons learned from the many patients, survivors, and dear ones now deceased, all of whom I met through Cancer Lifeline. My life is richer for having worked and exercised with all who have reinforced my philosophy of facing cancer with heart, humor, kindness and mindfulness. I am truly grateful for Cancer Lifeline.

 

I wish I had known then how I would live my life without a constant state of fear of recurrence, to embrace each day as the gift it truly is, and to spread hope and light to all those we meet on our journey.

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