Crinkly Paper and Quiet Presence

Advocacy, General

The second she said, “I’m sitting in the doctor’s office, on the crinkly paper,” it was like my brain stopped reading the rest of her message. Instantly, I was transported back to my moment—sitting in that same sterile space, not in my own familiar clothes, but in a...

My Social Security Story

Advocacy, Education, General, Research, Updates

My name is Olivia, and on November 30, 2020, at 27 years old, I was diagnosed with HER2+ stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) with bone metastasis—just after having my baby boy. Soon after starting treatment, I learned that IBC qualifies for Social Security...

Finding Meaning in Hospitality: Reflections from a Retreat Talk

Advocacy, General

(Terry Arnold, Sunday, January 19, 2025) Happy Sunday, everyone! I’d like to share an incredible experience I had recently that was both exciting and meaningful. It all began back in October when I gave a series of talks for a group called Cross Creek West, the same...

Your voice is crucial.

Advocacy, Education

I receive messages like this every single day, and it breaks my heart. Often, we—along with well-meaning doctors—search for reasonable explanations for why a breast is swollen, even if our intentions aren’t harmful. For cat owners, it’s not uncommon to get scratched....

Guest Blog: Reflections of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Advocacy, General, Guest Blog

Guest blog by Carol Mikel I had the privilege of attending the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium for the second consecutive year. This time around, the experience felt a bit less intimidating compared to my initial attendance, making it more accessible and...

Advocates can make an impact in non fundraising ways.

Advocacy, General

I wanted to thank the Morgan Welch inflammatory breast cancer research program and clinic for mentioning me and their Illuminating Hope newsletter. There’s a bit of a back story here, and I owe it all to a baby. My oldest daughter had a baby and we were in New...