Michele was an active young woman, working as an attorney and engaged to be married when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She’s pictured above with Lisa, whose bone marrow donation saved Michele’s life

Jordan Lawhead was a teenager when he was first diagnosed with melanoma. Exercise helped him feel better, but he also says you need to acknowledge the love of the people around you.

Erik Sauer was diagnosed as his wife was about to give birth. He delayed his treatment several weeks to hold his newborn baby. Eventually he needed a bone marrow transplant, and realized he could do something to help people like himself — so he founded There Goes My Hero.

Ronald Williams had lost his strength. He worked hard simply to walk to the front door. Now he’s a volunteer helping others with cancer.

Paul Bierly found time to reflect on his life after his diagnosis. He began to realize the special relationships he had with the people in his life.

Mike Whittles coached high school football for 14 years. He used his cancer as a life lesson for his team.

Laurie Singer’s husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and soon she became his caregiver. To help him process, Leroy launched the My Cancer blog.

Kristi Scmitt Burr founded an organization to help others with Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), an inherited disorder.

Kevin Stenstrom was diagnosed with melanoma. Running felt like a great way to feel healthy, but there was not organization to support melanoma. So he started one.

Joseph Sargente retired and soon after was diagnosed with skin cancer. He spent his whole life upset that life seemed unfair. Surviving cancer though, he realized how few people survived to retirement, let alone had more time left to live.