Krist Schmitt Burr has Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome (BCCNS), a rare genetic disorder that affects the way the body grows and may lead to various forms of cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. After having two affected children, Kristi founded the Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome Life Support Network, the only organization in North America dedicated to supporting families with BCCNS.

Kevin Stenstrom was a marathon runner and a Naval Flight officer who, during a routine physical, was diagnosed with melanoma. After several surgeries and months of cancer therapy, Kevin founded team Miles 4 Melanoma, a program that provides runners with coaching and individual training plans, all the while raising money to support the Melanoma Research Foundation.

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.

Joel Pautsch’s melanoma diagnosis had him feeling down and questioning his faith, but the support of his friends and family helped him continuing living “Live Until You Die.”

Jenna Langer created a blog – – after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. She uses the blog to report on her own progress, comment on issues of public policy and express her own creativity.

Jamie Galloway volunteers her time supporting other breast cancer survivors. She provides them comfort and companionship, just as she was supported during her own battle with the disease.

Erika Hanson Brown was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002. Now she’s the mayor (and founder) of Colontown, a non-profit organization that serves as a social network for people fighting colon cancer. Or, as Erika calls it, “the face and the place for colorectal cancer survivorship”.

Elissa was only 23 when she was first treated for breast cancer. After going two more rounds with the disease, she understood the journey and wanted to guide others who were travelling the same path. Now, she works with other breast cancer survivors, helping them to navigate the rough spots.

Deb Stewart has battled breast cancer twice. A nurse by training, she now works with breast cancer survivors, lending her support and wisdom gleaned from experience. Her work is not only valuable to patients, it’s rewarding for Deb. Or, as she puts it, “You get more than you give.”

During her first hospital stay for breast cancer treatment, CJ was greeted by a volunteer who brought gifts to keep her spirits up. Later though, when she had metastatic breast cancer and was afraid of whether she would survive, there was nobody. Even at conferences, there were few speakers talking about metastatic breast cancer, and so CJ vowed to change that.