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...

How to Help—When Helping Isn’t So Simple

General

by Terry Arnold One of the hardest things to deal with when someone you love is going through a crisis is that even your best intentions can miss the mark. Sometimes it’s just inexperience. Like the time I tried to help my son and daughter-in-law after their first...

Are We Doing Enough to Help You Tell Your Story?

General

This has been on my mind lately, especially as we continue to struggle to get enough submissions for Walking on Quicksand. The stories we do receive are powerful and deeply moving—but we know there are so many more out there, and we want to hear from you. During a...

Have You Ever Been to a Funeral Where No One Cried?

General

by Terry Arnold I have—and it was one of the most bizarre experiences of my life. Sadly, I’ve probably attended more funerals than most, due to my involvement in the inflammatory breast cancer community. But even before that, funerals have been a thread woven through...

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...