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.

Caitlin Waters took inspiration from the New York Times writing a blog about her course of treatment.

Bill Merriam fights cancer the same way he runs marathons: with a steely determination, measured perspective, laser-like focus and a positive attitude.

Elaine Everett survived a stage one breast cancer diagnosis. She has been a volunteer with the Johns Hopkins Breast Center for eleven years. She says the disease left her with a gift–being part of the Johns Hopkins family as a volunteer. Elaine now raises funds for research and helps other women–including the underprivileged–face the challenges of their disease. ”I would not be involved with any of this if I had not had breast cancer. So that’s the gift it gave me. And for that, I’m very thankful.”.

For Carrie Wells, a powerful and positive part of surviving breast cancer was attending a retreat with women who shared similar journeys. Being surrounded by other survivors was a chance for connection, education, relaxation and healing. So moved was Carrie by the retreat experience, she felt compelled, to help other cancer survivors find equally valuable opportunities. Carrie launched SurvivorsRetreat.com, a website that offers a comprehensive, searchable database of cancer survival.

Rochelle Shoretz was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28, and then with stage IV breast cancer at age 37. She is the founder and executive director of Sharsheret, a national non-profit organization that provides support and resources to young Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. Despite the sadness her experience with cancer may have brought her loved ones, Shoretz says cancer gave her an opportunity to do what she loves.

Carolyn Meyer Toliver discusses how her son, Jeffrey, lived with a lifelong diagnosis that ultimately took his life. Jeffrey refused to give in, and wanted to remain active as a firefighter despite a risky surgery.

Edel Blumberg was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 47. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, the disease returned three years later. After another course of treatment, Edel founded the Semi-Colon Club, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about colon cancer prevention, screening and treatment. Or, as Edel likes to say, colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

Ernesto Tono was a man of faith who loved gardening, cooking and, most of all, the company of his family and friends.

Back in 2003, when Amy Ohm was treated for melanoma, the internet was a chaotic mess of information. Her diagnosis inspired her to help others better understand their options.