Marcia Donziger lost her friend Lori to brain cancer. A cancer survivor herself, Donziger found inspiration in her friend’s cancer website and founded mylifeline.org to help other cancer patients connect with friends and family.

Ronald Williams battled alcoholism before being diagnosed with lymphoma. Through his struggles, he has found strength in a higher power and satisfaction in volunteering his time helping other patients as they go through therapy. “I guarantee you,” he says of the Lord, “he’ll come through, he’ll pull you through this mess.”

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.

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.

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.”.

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.

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.

Chris is a three-time cancer survivor. He and his wife Jenny founded “Romance for a Cure”, an organization that raises money for cancer research by selling cookies, cakes and other treats every Valentines Day. Or, as Chris calls it, ” a bake sale on steroids”.

Donald Rottman was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. For him, that gave presented the opportunity to take more chances.