News from 2016

Helen Wolt - December 2016

Becky Miller, a 58-year-old cancer survivor didn't allow her personal tragedies to stop her from pursuing her dreams. Miller recently earned an associate of science degree, with a 3.87 GPA, and will be moving on to Florida Atlantic University to pursue sociology next semester.

Sheryl Ness - December 2016

There is no 'one size fits all' treatment plan for cancer patients. While some find it impossible to work, for others it may be possible. Some find the normalcy of work provides a routine and a strong sense of purpose. That is not to say it does not come with some challenges.

Meath Chronicle - December 2016

Niamh Gaffney's life was going just as she had planned in 2012 when she welcomed a baby girl and had a successful career in the financial sector. However, much of that changed when she found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Surabhi Dangi-Garimella, PhD - December 2016

At the recent Commonity Oncology Alliance summit, much of the discussion focused on the role of employers in their employees cancer care and experience. More and more employers and healthcare professionals are recognizing the challenges that come with cancer as it relates to the workplace.

Kyodo - December 2016

A recently revised law in Japan now provides the necessary support for cancer patients, so that they may continue to work or study while receiving treatment for cancer. There is a call for companies to make arrangements that enable people to find employment or continue working even if they're diagnosed with cancer.

Julie English - December 2016

Julie English describes her cancer experience and how she dealt with being someone constantly on-the-go and active, both physically and at work, to finding out she had cancer. English decided she was not going to let cancer prevent her from one of her passions, exercise.

Collie Lane - December 2016

Veronica Solis, a daycare cook, was moved to tears when her boss surprised her with a new car. The reason? Loyalty and commitment to her work at Kids' College Learning Center at Texas.Despite a diagnosis of cancer, Solis managed to come to work through her treatment. Recently, however, she's been showing up later.

Eric Kiefer - December 2016

Kim DeMeo, an English teacher at West Orange Liberty Middle School, returned to work in September following a year leave of absence in which she had underwent multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy.

Andrew Ross Sorkin - December 2016

Visionary leader of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, has announced his plan to step down as chief executive next year and will be handing over management to his personally selected successor, Kevin Johnson. Johnson, a cancer survivor, is a longtime Starbucks board member and close personal friend to Schultz.

EMS1 Staff - November 2016

After experiencing frequent headaches, Damian Jay decided to go to the doctor. He was told the unfortunate news that he had a brain tumor and it was cancerous. Jay experienced a major bout of depression from the news, but tried to stay positive.

Sarah Bahari - November 2016

Kristi Evans was working as a kindergarten teacher when she got the fateful call that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis led to a mastectomy, follow-up surgeries and chemotherapy, but perhaps most notably to Evans, a career shift.

Gabrielle Frank - November 2016

In 2003, Don Wright completed his first marathon, which he thought would also be his last. Shortly after his lower back pain was diagnosed as multiple myeloma, and he was told he'd have less than 5 years to live. Thirteen years later and at age 75, Wright has just completed his 100th marathon, with no signs of slowing down.

Toronto Sun - November 2016

Shannen Doherty has made no secret of her current battle with breast cancer. She has allowed the public to see some of the toughest aspects of her cancer treatment. However, news has come out that she has been cast in a TV reboot of the 80's movie 'Heathers'.

Reuters - November 2016

According to a recent study, regardless of social and economic status, having a child with cancer is often tied to income reductions for parents and job discontinuation for mothers. Researchers studied over 3,000 parents of nearly 2,000 children diagnosed with cancer, and compared those parents to nearly 35,000 parents from the general population.

Lindsay Norris - November 2016

Lindsay Norris is an oncology RN who has been working in oncology for years and has recently come to the realization that she never truly appreciated the gravity of a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment.

Alissa Mejia - November 2016

Jacqueline Elena Black was diagnosed at age 6 with anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare brain cancer. After years of treatment, including a brain surgery that removed her entire left cerebellum, Black was still given a poor prognosis for survival. Now at 17, she's proved all of the doctors wrong.

Dora Totoian - November 2016

Gary Mitchell is a three-time cancer survivor, but you wouldn't know it off the bat. Mitchell holds a black belt in two types of martial arts, plays the saxophone in two bands, and is an Operations and Technology Management professor who's been teaching at UP Beacon since 2005.

Patrick Gomez - November 2016

Jamie Luis Gomez, better known as Taboo from the group the Black Eyed Peas, has recently decided to share his battle with testicular cancer. With the support of his real family and his musical family, he underwent surgery and 12 rounds of chemo.

Meghin Delaney - November 2016

Though Jill Bass, 35-year-old third grade teacher, planned to have a quiet leisurely first day back after being on leave to recover from surgery for breast cancer, she was greeted in quite a different fashion.As she arrived, Bass was greeted by a sea of pink and a school-wide rendition of Rachel Platten's "Fight Song."

Bogda Koczwara - November 2016

Aside from the obvious benefits of working--an income--there are certain aspects of working that are in some ways equally important. Working helps to preserve a sense of identity and purpose, particularly through a rough time. Additionally the social interaction can provide a sense of normalcy that a cancer diagnosis can often derail.

Shane Goldmacher - November 2016

The 2016 election has been long and arduous for many, especially those who have worked for it. Campaign staffers endured separations, missed honeymoons, and some even withstood cancer treatments while continuing to contribute to the campaign.

Genevieve Douglas - November 2016

Though cancer is known to be complicated to navigate, more are realizing that employers can ease some of the burden that workers experience. They can do so by clearly communicating the available resources and benefits and working to help employees understand their options.

Ollie Cowan - November 2016

Terry Foster, 58, was let go from his job because of cancer. After recovering from lymphoma, Foster was told by his bosses that he wouldn't be able to handle the 'stress of the job'.Foster refused to accept this and sued the refrigeration company for unfair dismissal and discrimination.

STV - November 2016

A recent survey of 1,000 individuals in the UK found that almost one in five people diagnosed with cancer who return to work face discrimination.

Molly MacDonald - November 2016

Molly MacDonald was the daughter of a successful entrepreneur and she always knew she had it in her DNA. However, she did not know that the catalyst for acting on this entrepreneurial spirit would be a cancer diagnosis.

Sean Boynton - October 2016

Jay Piggot, a community hero and North Shore Rescue team member, is returning to work after fighting cancer for nearly a year.

Courtney Hazlett - October 2016

When Jackie Froeber felt a lump in her breast one morning in May of 2016, she knew things were going to change. Upon her diagnosis, Froeber's experience was in many ways similar to others with the diagnosis, however an unexpected turn was the fight with her employer over her hair, or rather, lack of it.

Kathryn May - October 2016

Cancer was a challenge, but one challenge Rosemary Morgan, a Canadian federal lawyer, did not anticipate was returning to work and not getting paid for it.Since returning to her job in September, following nine months of treatment for cancer treatment, Morgan has yet to see her pay.

J Bahney - October 2016

Asheville resident PJ Tosca was working as a licensed massage therapist when she found out she had breast cancer. Following a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, she used her experience to transition into certified oncology massage.

Suzette Porter - October 2016

On October 25th, the County Commission meeting in Clearwater, FL had a celebratory feel to it. Following a 3 1/2 month-long absence, Commissioner John Morroni's seat at the dais was filled again! Morroni took time off from the Commission to receive treatment at the Moffitt Cancer Center for secondary myselodysplastic syndrome.