2024-Q3 by brightermagazine

A magazine for women affected by cancer

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Taylor’s journey from cancer survivor to aspiring oncologist

Living in a DeathDenying Culture

Critical conversations to have with your loved ones

Better Access to Care A survivor lobbies for metastatic breast cancer

Choosing your

Breast Forms Color Correction

Using makeup to offset jaundice, ashen, and ruddy skin tones

Adventure Awaits! Issue 13

Founder’s Letter

Live. Learn. Shine. Beauty in the broken. There is no denying that women have a deep seated need to feel valuable, worthy, and beautiful. Though society screams at us the importance of external beauty, I believe we all know that it goes much further than skin deep. We are designed to be in relationship with others and we want to be liked for who we are, not what we look like or what is going on in our lives. Often times, however, people quickly jump to conclusions and in a time when you feel particularly vulnerable, like going through cancer, your external beauty gets violently attacked as you put your head down to fight for your ability to live. I tend to live with regrets. About ten years ago I recognized that the trials of this life had taken a toll on me. It took “what should have been” and made me something different. Unhealthy relationships, death and loss, as well as cancer had taken what could have been an innocent, beautiful young woman and left me physically scarred, insecure, and seeking significance in what others around me felt about who I was. Then I studied a story in the Bible and it changed my entire perspective. The story has become even more impactful as my son has taken to the art of ceramics and I have become aware of the art of Kintsugi. The story goes something like this. A potter sat at his wheel with intention to create something useful. Sadly something goes wrong, ruining the creation. Instead of pitching the clay to the side as a potter often would, however, the potter abandons his first idea and creates a different but equally valuable piece. Similarly, Kintsugi is a Japanese art that repairs broken pottery with gold, rendering a new piece considered more exquisite than it was before the break. It literally means “to join with gold.” Rather than trying to hide the damage to the vessel, Kintsugi highlights the repair. The imperfections, filled with gold, are what make the piece beautiful. The item has a deeper story, it is stronger and more resilient. When I find myself sitting in the “what ifs” of life, I try to remind myself that it is okay, and healthy, to mourn the loss of the vessel that wasn’t completed but I must also revel in the beautiful vessel I have become. It is as a result of my willingness, and that of others, to invest in my rebuilding that has enabled me to become more gracious and empathetic and loyal. These are not character traits I was born with. They are the gold that has melded my pieces back together as a result of the trauma in my life.

God the restorer, the Kintsugi master, skillfully and tenderly makes something beautiful of the brokenness in our lives. If you are like me, cancer has left you and your body altered as a result of its presence in your life. It’s not just our breast cancer sisters who suffer from external scars. Scars abound internally and externally, physically and emotionally. But we don’t have to view them as a negative thing. They are what make us stronger and can change us for the better. I hope you will take a moment today to recognize the beauty related to your scars. You are beautiful, useful, and have exquisite value.

MAGAZINE EVENTS

HONORABLE MENTIONS MEMORIES

BRIGHTER CELEBRATES LIZ POUNDS AND ISSUU

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Farewell Liz!

Now available online!

As Brighter Magazine bids farewell to one of its esteemed members, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to Elizabeth Pounds. Her incredible contributions over the past two years have helped shape Brighter into who we are today. Liz’s dedication and enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on our team. As she begins this exciting new chapter of retirement, we wish endless joy and fulfillment in all the fun adventures planned with her husband, Jason and daughter, Ensley. We are so thankful for the impact Liz has made in the lives of those around her. She will be greatly missed!

Prefer digital? Want to see Brighter Magazine on a screen, rather than in print? Consider subscribing digitally or changing your current print subscription. Issuu allows you full access to Brighter Magazine on any device and can be conveniently taken anywhere you bring your technology. The Issuu digital platform also helps our print magazine widen its reach. Sign up today on Issuu or reach out to us at livelearnshine@brightermagazine.org to change your subscription from print to digital!

MAGAZINE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

OPPORTUNITIES

Founder, Publisher Helen Bowles Helen@brightermagazine.org

Are you or is someone you know a writer, photographer, blogger, web designer, or podcaster? Do you work with cancer survivors and have knowledge and wisdom to share with our readers? We would love to hear from you. Brighter Magazine is always looking for people to help us with our mission. If you are interested in lending your talents and giftedness, please reach out to us today at contact@brightermagazine.org.

Board of Directors Carolyn Brown Emily Perry Erin Schreyer Helen Bowles Rebecca Walden Stephanie Hargis Suzen Stewart

Advertising/Marketing to expand your reach. Contact us at Livelearnshine@brightermagazine.org

Editor-in-Chief Erin Schreyer Erin@brightermagazine.org

Ambassador Program Vivian Armendariz Vivian@brightermagazine.org

Editors Ashton Mitchell Caitlin Sweany Dithyae Devesh Erin Schreyer Helen Bowles Paloma Duarte Siena Ebert Swathi Meyyappan Yolanda Pan

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DISCLAIMER

Information in Brighter magazine is to provide you with encouragement, awareness and education. The articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not to take the place of professional medical advice. There may be a variety of perspectives on the subjects covered in Brighter. Tips, treatment and advice that is found helpful for some may vary based on the person. All of us at Brighter suggest that you talk to your medical team before making any changes to your lifestyle or daily living.

Distribution/Hospital Liaison Helen Bowles Helen@brightermagazine.org Donate to support Brighter through the QR code here, on our website or by mailing a check to:

Writers Anj Oto Anjani Vasson Brittney Dorr Caitlin Sweany Debbie Norris Helen Bowles Jamie Hess Jayna Dave Jeanna Doyle Jennifer Cabrera Jenn Looney Lyn Haddad Maya Harpavat Meredith Mitstifer Roger Jones Wendy S. Harpham, MD, FACP

Brighter Magazine 7616 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway Suite 510 Dallas, Texas 75251 Brighter Magazine is 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible. Subscribe to Brighter magazine at www.brightermagazine.org

Graphic Design Ashton Mitchell Photography Adobe Photos Anj Oto’s Photos Ashton Mitchell Helen Bowles’ Photos Jennifer Cabrera Photos Rachel Williams

cycle This M a Re

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Plea se

Cover Photography Rachel Williams

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Table of Contents 06 Adventure Awaits! the Right Breast 08 Choosing Form for You 10 Cooler than a Wig 12 The Bold and the Beautiful 13 Share Worthy Recipes 14 Summer Fruit 16 Back to School Schedules 18 Pay It Forward in a Death20 Living Denying Culture 22 How are You? 24 Better Access to Care 26 Brighter Feature 32 Take the Plunge 34 Color Correction

Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor, Taylor Jones

36 Hair Hopes & Happenings Pt.3 40 Racing For Our Lives 44 Her New Hobby 46 Meet My Friend

Adventure Awaits! Explore your own city this summer

Written By: Debbie Norris Ovarian Cancer Survivor & Advocate

Summer is coming! Perhaps you’re in treatment, or maybe you’ve recently finished. You don’t want to stay inside when the weather is so nice, but you don’t really feel like getting on a plane, either. I get that! After all you’ve been through with diagnosis, surgery, and treatments, you may feel like you’ve gotten a second chance at life. Maybe you feel like you should be doing grand things; however, the effects of treatment may have left you fatigued, extra cautious, and without motivation. You may still want to get out and make memories…just not so far in case you get tired or something happens. Start this second chance at life with a second chance to explore your city, town, or state! Even if you’ve been living in the same place for decades, you may not be aware of the latest happenings in your area. The past year or two have likely distanced you from social

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gatherings and being active. Now is a great time to become a tourist in your own area. With all the social media outlets available, finding local events, new restaurants, and other hangouts is easier than ever. Do you like music? Concerts in the park are in almost every local town and village. You can listen to everything from jazz favorites to high school bands all summer long. Local middle schools and high schools do awesome theater productions. There are great community theaters, too. One thing my husband and I love doing is learning about the new local restaurants in our area. We prefer when we go on vacation to eat at locally owned restaurants. Since Covid, we have begun this practice at home. We keep a mental list – well, my husband does – of new restaurants as they open. Some we return to on a regular basis and some we go to only once. Using the events page on Facebook, you can find unique events in your town and state going on each week. As an example, I learned of

“

Go discover your local area and make your world just a little bigger.

several festivals, unique sales, dinners, auctions, and parades coming up in the next few weeks in my community and within 50 miles from my home. There were many options to choose from. What are some of the benefits of being a local tourist? There are many! You get to see your own town or state with new eyes. You find new places to enjoy on a regular basis. You get out of your house. You get to travel. You enjoy new experiences with the family and friends you choose to take along with you. And maybe, you find out that being a local tourist is kind of addicting and becomes a usual thing. Tired of all your regular haunts? Playing local tourist gives you a chance to find and try new places. Make a theme day. Try a Sundae Saturday. Drive around to different small towns and visit locally-owned ice cream shops. A Coffee and Doughnut Sunday. A Deli Day. Wine & Cheese Wednesday. Any theme can make your hunt more fun. Pick a town or city name you never heard of before. Take a scenic drive to that town and see a little more of your state. While you drive, you can bring back a bit of your childhood with a “treasure hunt”

”

list - be as crazy as you want. My husband and I have done this with each other and with friends. It makes for fun drive time as you are searching for things. We also make up our own road trip games. Some have now become regular family drive-time games. What are your other hobbies? You can incorporate them into your local tourist adventures. Photography, painting, reading, collecting? As an example of this, my husband collects autographs. We have gone to several places where we have come across local celebrities, such as TV news people, local athletes, or a local author. We have found places for me to practice my photography hobby and sit and relax. We’ve uncovered new locations for me to read or crochet and him to enjoy a race or a nap. Becoming a local tourist not only will get you out of the house and exploring, it will help you learn about (and maybe even fall in love with) your local area. Grab your sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and sense of adventure! Go discover your local area and make your world just a little bigger.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Choosing the Right Breast Form for You Written By: The American Cancer Society

When it comes to breast replacement forms you have options. What you choose is highly dependent on where you are in your recovery, what kind of surgery you had, and personal preference. We’ve put together a guide to help you choose.

Forms

Right after surgery, a very lightweight (featherweight) form is recommended. Some are filled with fiberfill so that you can adjust the size, if needed, by removing some of the fiberfill until the form fits. These forms are also good to wear while sleeping. Once your surgical site has healed, if you have had a single surgery (one side), you need to wear a weighted form in order to balance

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the weight of the remaining breast. Otherwise, your posture may be affected, which often causes back pain. You can wear either a weighted foam form or a silicone form. After a double surgery, weighted forms are not necessary. You can wear unweighted foam forms, as well as adjustable fiber-filled forms, in any size you choose; it’s up to you. Or, you may opt for silicone forms, even though weight is no longer a consideration. After partial mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstruction, you may want to choose from special hollow-back forms in either foam or silicone. These forms are lighter weight than regular forms because of the hollow back and are designed to supplement existing breast

Breast Prosthesis tissue. (*Note: Hollow-back forms should not be used after a mastectomy.) After surgery, a fitting by a trained fitter is best, if possible. If that isn’t available to you, many catalogs and online sites offer choices. When shopping online, be aware of the return policy and whether there is a restocking charge for returns or exchanges. If you are purchasing silicone forms, look for a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Silicone Forms

Silicone forms are the most popular type of form. There are several options for silicone forms, including some with self-stick adhesive. Check with your doctor about self-adhesive forms before purchasing; they aren’t appropriate for everyone. • They look and feel more natural than nonsilicone forms. • They mold to the chest wall to provide a secure fit, even if your surgical site is uneven or concave. • They are made with or without nipples in both lighter and darker shades, as well as colorless, which blends with any skin color. There are some disadvantages to silicone forms. • They are more expensive than other types. • They are heavier than foam forms, especially in larger sizes, which can cause discomfort and put a strain on the shoulders. • Silicone forms can cause you to perspire, particularly in warm weather and during exercise.

Foam Forms

Foam forms are sometimes preferred due to their lighter weight and affordability. There are several types to choose from:

Comfort-Lite Mastectomy Breast Form

An alternative to both the foam and silicone options is the Comfort-Lite Mastectomy Breast Form, which combines the naturalness of silicone gel with tiny polyurethane beads and a fabric back, making the form ultra lightweight yet soft and natural looking.

Shape

No matter what type of form you choose, you’ll also want to consider shape. Forms typically come in three shapes: asymmetrical, teardrop or triangle.

Asymmetrical Shape

The asymmetrical shape extends slightly higher on the top and extends further on one side to fill in space from lost tissue. Asymmetrical forms must be ordered by left or right side.

Teardrop Shape

The teardrop shape is often the choice for women whose surgery resulted in underarm tissue and/or lymph node removal. Teardrop shapes fill in tissue on both sides, on top, and extend further on one side to fill in space from tissue loss. Teardrop shape forms can be worn on either side.

Triangle Shape

The triangle shape fills in tissue on both sides and on top. Triangle shape forms can be worn on either side. Remember, choose what’s right for you based on where you are in your recovery, what kind of surgery you had, and personal preference. You are uniquely you.

• A contoured or hollow-back is the best choice if less tissue has been removed. • A flat back provides more fill-in when more tissue has been removed. • A built-up back is best for extensive surgeries, where a great deal of chest tissue has been lost.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Cooler than a Wig Written By: Caitlin Sweany Resident Writer

Wearing a wig is an excellent option for women in the midst of cancer treatment and hair loss, providing them with an avenue to preserve their femininity through a challenging season. Wig wearing can also come with its drawbacks though. I have witnessed first-hand how tricky wig wearing can be when summer rolls around. When I was a teenager, my mother was going through treatment for melanoma and part of that treatment was the loss of her hair. She opted to wear a wig to preserve a sense of normalcy in her routine when many other aspects had been shaken up by her diagnosis. But in that decision, she faced complications. I remember during the summer months she often overheated from the thickness and lack of breathability of her wig. The summertime weather combined with the hot flashes that accompany certain cancer treatments made it tough for her to continue wearing her wig, and I know that was incredibly hard for her. To her, hair was womanhood, and the heat made it harder for her identity to match up with her appearance; this is a struggle I know many women experiencing cancer can relate to. Summer heat poses a distinct challenge for women facing hair loss, but it’s not one without solutions. There are many great alternatives out there when it comes to head coverings for the summer months, and many emphasize a woman’s femininity without her having to don a heavy wig amid the sweltering heat.

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One great option is the classic bandana or head scarf. This type of head covering can range in thickness depending on what the wearer is looking for, and cotton bandanas/scarves are often best for keeping cool and preserving breathability. An awesome aspect of headscarves is just how wide the range of possibilities is. There is a nearly endless variety of colors, prints, and patterns to choose from, so there is truly something for everyone. Another wonderful choice is a sun hat! Sun hats provide breathability; they are most often lightweight and can come in all kinds of colors and patterns. Sun hats provide a great alternative because they are both cooling and sun-protective. They are perfect for a woman who wants to go about her day outside, whether it be at the beach, the pool, the park, or just her backyard, without being weighed down. While head scarves and hats can be amazing choices for looking cute and staying cool, sometimes a wig is what a woman really wants to wear, and that’s her prerogative! Never

“Summer heat poses a distinct challenge for women facing hair loss, but it’s not one without solutions.”

fear, because there are options for that as well! There is an abundance of options for cooling and moisture wicking caps, meant to be worn under a wig to keep a woman from getting too hot during the hotter months or during possible hot flashes. A quick Google search will yield all kinds of results! As well, many wig stores offer options for cooling materials to keep the wearer from feeling suffocated by their wig. Online platforms such as Amazon and Walmart.com also have many options to choose from if online shopping is your avenue of choice. In addition to these cooling caps, another awesome alternative for a full wig is a halo wig. If you have never heard of a halo wig, it is a partial wig with hair at the back and on the sides, but lacking hair over the top of the scalp. These halos are much cooler than their standard wig counterparts and look seamless and natural if you wear a hat or a hair scarf. They allow breathability that typical wigs just cannot provide, and sometimes during the blazing heat of July that can be necessary! Decisions when it comes to wigs and head coverings can be challenging and emotional, but there are choices available to you. Hopefully, one of these options can help a woman facing hair loss to feel just a little bit more like herself and have fun with her appearance. Beat the heat by trying out one of these options and see if it’s for you!

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TOGETHER WE WALK FOR A FUTURE WHERE NO ONE EVER LOSES THEIR LIFE TO OVARIAN CANCER

BOLD The

and the Beautiful

Shop these clothes using the QR code or visit the Baldwin Bred Boutiqe online. Start brightening your style now!

Written By: Brittany Dorr Fashion Consultant Photography By: Ashton Mitchell Summer is here, which means it’s time to embrace bright colors and patterns. Do you usually avoid wearing colors, especially bright ones? Do you think you can’t pull off bold prints? Here are some great ways to incorporate more vibrant clothing into your wardrobe.

Nia dress in orange, paired with white Carey handbag, Hoo gold hoops, and pink Fern shoe.

When you find the perfect summer dress with bright and bold colors, you can wear it with a denim jacket to tone down the color intensity. This way, you still get a pop of color without it being too overwhelming. Complete the outfit with fun-colored shoes and accessories. Do not hesitate to mix vibrant colors, especially when incorporating a timeless piece like a denim jacket. It’s a perfect balance for those looking to experiment with their style.

Back To The Basics blue bodysuit paired with Positano white handbag, Ada cranes skirt, Farah orange shoe, and small City Girl Jewel hoop

If you’re unsure how to wear a piece of clothing with a cute print, you can easily match it with colors from the print. However, if you feel like pushing your style, pair a neutral pattern with the print. For instance, a floral printed skirt that you would typically wear with a white or black top can be paired with a black and white striped top. If stripes are too bold for you, opt for a top that has more dominance of one color. I always like to wear accessories that match the colors of the print to tie it all together. If you are under the weather and that graphic tee is the only piece calling to you, elevate that look with a blazer. Pair a vibrant-colored blazer with any graphic or patterned top. This is a great use of that colored suit you adventurously bought to be trendy. To make this a causal yet stylish look, denim shorts, and white sneakers make this outfit effortlessly chic. Garcon Vintage Nova High Rise Shorts paired with brown Carey Handbag, Limone Graphic white Tee, Hoo gold hoops, and Celeste 5 Hightop Sneakers.

You don't need to be bold to wear vibrant colors or patterns; you just need to own it and wear it with confidence. Remember, style is a vibe and everyone has one!

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Green Kara Blazer paired with Kara black Handle Bag, Contrast Brand Knit Top, Eden Print Skirt, Hoo gold hoops, and black Cruz Patent Loafer.

Share Worthy Recipes

Watermelon Berry Summer Salad Written by: Chef Anjani Vasson

Watermelon Berry Summer Salad Here is a recipe that is refreshing and easy to make for those hot summer evenings.

Ingredients: Salad: 2 cups washed arugula 1 cup sliced cucumber 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries ½ cup blueberries 2 cups cubed watermelon ½ cup crumbled feta (optional) ¼ cup pistachios (lightly toasted and chopped) 2 Tbsp sliced fresh mint leaves Dressing: 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tsp agave or honey Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste) 6 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions: 1) Wash arugula. 2) Cut and prepare cucumbers, berries, and watermelon. 3) Gently place in a large mixing bowl and toss together arugula with fruit. 4) Separately in a small bowl - whisk together the lime juice, agave, salt, and pepper for taste. Add the oil slowly until smooth. 5) Pour dressing over salad and mix well. 6) Chill for an hour and add feta, chopped pistachios, and mint before serving. The magazine for women affected by cancer

Fru

Summ

Written by: Chef Anjani Vasson

Summer fruits are a delicious and refreshing way to stay hydrated and healthy during the hot summer months. They are nutrient dense, have a high water content, and are full of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (plant compounds that are active in our bodies). They are fun and colorful and can add a variety of vitamins and minerals while going through treatment.

Summer fruits can be a great way to feel satiated when those sweet cravings kick in. The high water content is especially important as they will make you feel fuller along with the fiber that is naturally available in the fruits. They act as natural electrolytes and can prevent dehydration. Summer fruits are also widely available everywhere, so be sure to check out local farm stands to see what is locally available to you. They are also good to freeze or eat fresh. *Check with your doctor before adding new fruits to your diet

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uit

mer

Here are some additional health benefits:

These fruits can be prepared in a variety of ways:

Fruit

Benefits

Plain: Fruit in any form is great on its own.

• Watermelon

• High in water content, helps with hydration • Rich in antioxidants, reduces inflammation • Good source of fiber, helps lower cholesterol • High in vitamin C, supports immune system • Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties • Good source of potassium, helps regulate blood pressure • Rich in vitamin C, supports immune system • Good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

• Strawberries • Blueberries

• Raspberries • Blackberries • Cherries • Kiwi • Peaches

Grilled: Try grilling peaches and watermelon and add them to any meal.

Smoothies: Easy to add any of these to any smoothie especially if you plan on freezing some of them. Salads: Add berries or watermelon to salads for a punch of flavor and color. Frozen yogurt: Blend frozen fruit with plain yogurt for instant frozen yogurt. Infused water: Put crushed fresh berries, sliced peaches, and mint in your water pitcher overnight to lend flavor.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

How to Thrive with Back-toSchool Schedules Written By: Jayna Dave Brighter Writer

As we enter Fall, it’s also back-to-school season for many families. Classroom and extracurricular activities often force families to become more scheduled and regimented. Some families may enjoy the structure that comes with children being back in school, while the new structure in daily routines may be difficult for others.

No judgment here; change can be challenging for anyone. Here are some ways to embrace the change and make it work for you.

Plan your work around your energy levels Every person is different, so it’s important to create a schedule that works best for you. By organizing your work based on your own energy levels, you will be more efficient in your tasks. Becoming aware of your brain and body’s patterns positions you to maximize high performance when your energy levels are at their peak. You can allocate easier tasks to lowerenergy parts of the day. To plan your work, make a list of all your tasks for the day, as well as how much energy they’ll require. Then, match each task to your predicted energy levels throughout the day. Most people find that starting their day with the most challenging task is best. As you continue your day, your energy levels may fluctuate and become less predictable. You’ll also feel proud of eliminating the most difficult tasks from your to-do list!

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Y S G N

AKE YOU M T HA A H PP T

I Prioritize tasks

Remember, you can’t always do everything. It is also helpful to prioritize tasks based on their importance. For example, if you have a big project at work, it may be helpful to do a small portion of it each day to meet the deadline. It’s also extremely important to create non-negotiable habits for yourself. Often, as schedules become more hectic, we may sacrifice essential parts of our day like sleeping, eating, or exercising. Blocking out enough time for these activities is vital to maintaining regular energy levels and a good mood throughout the day.

Make time for things that make you happy In addition to prioritizing essential habits and important work, it’s also beneficial to reserve time for hobbies or fun activities. As we transition into the new school year, the busyness associated with homework, extracurriculars, and increased stress levels may cause us to dedicate less time to relaxation and fun. Doing things that make you happy increases dopamine levels, boosting your mood. Prioritizing these activities also helps to reduce stress levels, which allow you to sleep better, feel more relaxed throughout the day, and be more productive. Whether you block off time to spend with your kids, or you choose to delve into a good book, you’re helping yourself feel more relaxed and centered in your daily routine.

Schedule time for flexibility While we may hope for our day to run perfectly as scheduled, the reality is that we often face unexpected situations most days. To plan for these occurrences, it’s helpful to reserve a flexible hour within your day. Should something come up, you’ll have time to deal with it without it impacting the rest of your schedule. Moreover, it is essential to realize that things do not need to be perfect. Despite trying to stick to a routine, every day may look different for you. Accepting the ebbs and flows of your day will help you remain productive and happy, while allowing you to prioritize the activities that mean the most to you. Although returning to school can be a difficult transition for some people and families, keeping these habits in mind will help you embrace the change. Remember, every family is different, and creating a schedule that works for you is paramount to maintaining a happy, healthy lifestyle. *Talk to your doctor or human resources department. You may qualify for special benefits or accommodations at work.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Pay It Forward Written By: Anj Oto Brighter Ambassador Estrogen-Positive, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Survivor Photography Provided By: Anj Oto

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Special Deliveries Bring and Share Joy Being diagnosed with cancer or having a loved one who is can lead to feeling sad, alone, and helpless. For me, I felt like my life came to a standstill the day I was diagnosed. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who thrives on having a plan, I struggled with a loss of control; not knowing what the future held, not to mention what the next few weeks or months would bring. I found it comforting to learn as much as I could about my diagnosis and treatment plan, delving into books, blogs, and social media to try my best to prepare for each step of my cancer experience. I quickly found myself taking detailed notes and making lists of recommended products for each step of treatment. I also reached out to connections of friends and family members who had gone through treatment themselves to see what they learned and suggested. During chemotherapy, I signed up for several free care packages from nonprofits such as Unite for HER and HOPE Kit. Receiving these in the mail at a time when I felt isolated and worn down both physically and mentally, brought me joy during an otherwise dark time.

Research shows that participating in acts of kindness can scientifically increase one’s happiness. Acts of all kinds can cultivate joy for both yourself and others.

Ways to Pay It Forward Send a Check-In Text: You never know when someone’s having a rough or difficult time. Consider sending a funny GIF, video, or text that simply tells a friend or family member you’re thinking of them. Have five minutes? Make it a phone call. Donate: Consider taking a small box of items you no longer need to a local donation site or shelter. Did you finish cancer treatment and no longer need certain items? Some cancer centers or local cancer nonprofit organizations will provide donations such as headscarves, port-friendly clothing, or other items to give to other patients. Give a Genuine Compliment: The next time you’re at an appointment, in line at the store, or ordering at your favorite restaurant, consider giving a random stranger a genuine compliment. It could make their day.

Towards the end of my chemotherapy treatments, I Follow Anj on social media! started an Instagram page (@anjscancerjourney) to share the knowledge I gathered, along with tips from my own experience. Encourage Self-Checks: Whether through one-on-one conversations After meeting fellow pre-vivors, survivors, and thrivers online, I with others or sharing it on social media, encouraging people to started reaching out to a few of those I interacted with for their mailing complete regular self-checks, such as monthly self-breast exams or annual physicals can be as impactful as saving a life. addresses. For those who were comfortable sharing their addresses, I began sending out my own special deliveries, preparing care packages with items that I myself had found helpful since being diagnosed. Each package has been a little different and customized to the interests of the recipient, but some of my favorite items to include are a handwritten note, local candies or snacks from Hawai‘i (where I live), herbal tea and ginger chews for nausea, lip balm, face masks, comfy socks, Calm Strips (sensory stickers that help with anxiety), and friendship bracelets. So far, I’ve sent out about twenty of these happy mail packages, and while they’ve been well received, I’ve also found that by sending them and receiving notes of thanks, I too feel more connected and grateful for this community. While survivorship presents its own fair share of challenges and my mental health is still on the mend, I can wholeheartedly say that I’m in a much better place now than I was during chemotherapy. Having friends that I can lean on and relate to has made such a big difference, and this activity allows me to express that gratitude in a tangible way.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Living in a DeathDenying Culture Written by: Meredith R. Mitstifer, Psy.D Licensed Clinical Psychologist Ovarian Cancer Survivor & Advocate In the previous edition of Brighter Magazine, the notion of living in a death denying culture was explored, and various coping and support strategies were shared. This edition takes another step into the conversation that can be quite difficult for many. Despite death being a natural part of the human condition, we spend a considerable amount of time distancing ourselves from it. Why? We avoid these conversations because they are hard. Perhaps we hold on to the belief that if we don’t talk about it, we can keep death or fate away. Perhaps we avoid difficult conversations out of fear our loved one will lose hope and not “fight.” Perhaps the deepest reality is that we don’t talk about death because it ignites our own existential crisis via a raw confrontation with our own mortality. This past week that raw confrontation happened to me, personally. I helped a very dear friend drive to one of her clinical trial appointments several hours away from her home. She has been diagnosed with latestage ovarian cancer, has endured reoccurrences, and is now platinum resistant (which means there are no “standard” treatments available to her anymore). Her only options are clinical trials. The treatment and side effects, driving distance, bloodwork, tests, hotels, and time

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commitments are eye-opening. Sitting in the massive waiting room, surrounded by others there for the same reason provoked so many thoughts. This room was filled with people who are living with hope and determination, but with fear silently sitting in a side car. When I asked my friend how she was doing in the midst of all this that’s so overwhelming, her answer was clear: she is hopeful. She feels good about the trial. She admits fear and anxiety creep in at times. Overall, she prays the trial is effective, but if not, she finds comfort that it may contribute to better research and possibly saving a life after hers. I am speechless, and again my friend gives me great pause. She has always been giving and incredibly selfless, so I shouldn’t be surprised. However, this situation felt so different in my mind and heart. And, as the opportunity obviously presented itself, we were able to continue what others might find a difficult conversation about dying, death, and legacy into the wee hours of the night. Research suggests when we confront our end-of-life processes through inquiry, conversation, exploration, and acknowledgment of our own mortality, we can articulate what we want to avoid. Becoming an active participant in our own care ensures we live and die in a manner that is consistent with our values and priorities. Is this conversation uncomfortable? Perhaps. It can feel frightening, sad, and emotionally

daunting. However, there is something far more damaging. Avoiding the talk – never knowing, never sharing, never listening – has proven to be far worse. Bearing witness to those that were grieving, in addition to not knowing what their loved one’s wishes were, only complicated the already complicated grief process. It’s imperative we find the courage to have the talk as survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Finding ways to bring such conversations around the table is critical and will have an impact on all involved. Humbly inquiring about what is most important to our loved ones as they age or are faced with a chronic/terminal illness is associated with reducing stress and increases liberation to fully live. Resources are available to help us share our health care priorities, wishes, and personal legacy. Viewing examples of advanced directives can help facilitate a conversation. Another recommendation is to visit fivewishes.org which covers personal, spiritual, medical, and legal wishes all in one document (and is legally valid in nearly every state). My personal favorite recommendation is to visit theconversationproject.org via the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. There, you’ll find step-bystep conversation starters.

Having open and honest conversations about death and dying allow the opportunity for end-of-life wishes to be known and respected. Talking about end-of-life wishes can relieve anxiety for all involved. Having frank and candid conversations allows awareness of what is wanted, rather than a focus on avoiding the inevitable. As you think about end-of-life decisions, are you prepared to share your own and /or aware of your loved ones wishes? Simply stated, have the talk. It may just be an unexpected gift for you and them. An article on terminal illness and living in a death denying culture cannot be fully encompassed in one or two editions, and Brighter would love to incorporate what you need most. What questions, concerns, wishes, or thoughts resonate with you? Is there something specific you would like others to know or find helpful? What topics on grief, loss, and/or living with chronic/terminal illness would benefit you? Please send your comments to: livelearnshine@brightermagazine.org and we will be sure to share/reflect or discuss them in future issues.

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Cancer Survivor, Speaker and Author

How are you? As the shock of my diagnosis wore off and my chemotherapy began taking a toll, I came to dread an inescapable question: “How are you?” People kept inquiring, and I kept fumbling to answer—even when things were going well. Sick of it, I decided to explore why their asking upset me. Insights led to cool answers for that hot-button question. Part of the problem is that “How are you?” can mean different things, from a breezy “Hello!” to an earnest inquiry. Paying attention to what people intend is a start. The key to minimizing my stress, though, is preparing answers that best help me. In response to people who want a medical update, whether out of compassion or curiosity, a life-enhancing answer depends on the category of the person asking, as well as my physical and emotional needs at that moment.

Casual Acquantances, Friends, Colleagues A liberating lesson about responding in social settings to “How are you?” is that if I don’t want to talk about my condition, I don’t have to. I take a store clerks’ question as a rote greeting and enjoy the lift of responding “Great!” even when I’m anything but. When asked by casual or professional acquaintances during rough patches, I usually answer “No complaints” or “Good”. If needed, I redirect to another topic.

We Don’t Need Scans to Know How We Are A friend lovingly asks, “How are you?” I want to snap, “I’ll find out after my next scans.” Before cancer, I always answered “How are you?” without hesitation. Back then, I didn’t need to know what the coming week might bring. My answer depended on what I wanted or needed to share. Why should now be any different? I know how I feel at the moment. I can usually tell what I want or need to share. I don’t need blood tests or scans to know how I am. I can continue to answer “How are you?” whichever way works for me.

Graphic and excerpt taken from “Healing Hope-Through and Beyond Cancer”

Cool Answers for a Hot-Button Question 22

Written By: Wendy Harpham, MD, FACP

HOW ARE YOU?

My Circle of Close Friends and Family

After explaining my problem with “How are you?”, I requested each of them to instead ask, “How are things?” This question puts me in control of the conversation. If I want support or advice, I update them. On those occasions that I realize I’ve screwed up by launching into a deeper discussion than the person wanted, I quickly conclude and let my goof go. If I want to signal that “being there” for me at that moment means talking about anything but my health, I provide a pithy status update—“No major problems” or “Dealing with a new issue”—along with a firm promise: “I’ll update you later, not now”. That preserves our connection while taking care of my immediate need for escape.

My Heathcare Teams

In medical settings, I answer every question candidly because doctor’s visits are not social visits. If I’m dealing with symptoms or concerns, a cheery response to “How are you?” might unwittingly hamper their ability to provide the best care. Answers that signal I’m managing problems include: “Good, all things considered—and there’s a lot to consider”; “As well as can be under the circumstances”; and “Not well, but good enough”. If I’m feeling distressed but hopeful, my go-to responses include, “Glad I’m here today” and “Ready for whatever we need to do to help”. If I’m struggling to cope, I respond quietly, “Trying to hang in there”. After a cancer diagnosis, some people feel stressed by what used to be a simple question: “How are you?” While there are no universal “right” answers, there are best answers for you and for each situation. Regain control and strengthen relationships by preparing respectful answers that serve you well.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act Written by: Lyn Haddad Breast Cancer Survivor & Advocate Breast Cancer Recovery in Action Board Memeber When I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer just over seven years ago, I felt powerless. I am immensely thankful that my treatment plan appears to have been successful. Nonetheless, I still remember so clearly the fear of what would happen to my young sons, me, and my whole family if I didn’t have a good outcome. I’ve channeled those memories into a dedication to the breast cancer community. I recently was privileged to travel to Washington DC to attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit. The Summit included two-and-a-half days of advocate educational training and concluded with Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. The whole experience was amazing. I learned so much and met tremendous people doing incredible work.

off, that’s a crushing statement to hear from a young woman who’s sitting next to you wearing a chemo beanie. Secondly, I thought to myself, I’ll bet there are a lot of women around the country who feel like Congress doesn’t care about them. That’s a huge reason that I and approximately 120 other women and men have gathered in Washington DC, from as far as California and Alaska, to ask their elected officials to support the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.

The afternoon before Lobby Day, I went to a session to learn what to expect when we went to the Hill the next day. We would be talking to our state’s Senators and House Representatives about supporting the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. Sarah* was sitting in the row in front of me. We had been casually chatting throughout the weekend. During one of those conversations, I learned that she was diagnosed with localized breast cancer at 24-years-old. Now approaching 40, Sarah had progressed to metastatic breast cancer just a few years prior.

Fast forward after many conversations, and it was decided that Sarah would lobby with the Maryland delegation due to her family’s residency in the state. Whichever state she had lobbied with, her fears are undeniable. Sarah is far below the age of social security. She is working while in active treatment. She has insurance coverage through her employer. What happens the day that Sarah can’t work any more, and she has to wait 29 months for full-access to Medicare and Social Security? Should a woman who has been diagnosed with an incurable disease so early in life have this on her list of things to worry about? Here’s the good news. I saw Sarah a couple times during Lobby Day, and I saw several pictures of her that were taken when I wasn’t with her. She had a big smile every time - I could see that she was invigorated. As was I. That’s the power of advocacy. Using our voice to share our experiences, as well as our thoughts about what we want and need from our government is incredibly empowering.

I asked Sarah what state she would be representing in the meetings. She answered that she lives in Washington DC, so nobody in Congress cares about her. In case you haven’t brushed up on civics lately, since the District of Columbia is not a state, it only gets a non-voting delegate, unlike state Senators and House Representatives who can vote. First

Fortunately, we don’t have to all go to Washington, DC to be advocates. We have the power of our votes. We have the power of letters and emails. We have the power of social media. We have the power of visiting district offices. We have the power of attending town hall meetings. You get to choose how to use your power!

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I sincerely do hope you choose to support the women and men who have been dealt the awful blow of being diagnosed with incurable, metastatic breast cancer.

What are Your Next Steps?

Look up your Congressional Representatives and Senators here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member Call or email each of them, whichever way you prefer. Ask them to please support the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. Please don’t wait. Cancer doesn’t wait. *Sarah’s name has been changed to preserve her privacy.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act

This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare. Source: Congress.gov

CONTRIBUTOR’S BIO: Lyn is a founding board member of Nashville based nonprofit, Breast Cancer Recovery in Action. She also actively supports the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s advocacy agenda.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

T A Y L O R J O N E S

Written By: Maya Harpavat Photography By: Rachel Williams

Taylor’s Journey from Cancer Survivor to Aspiring Oncologist Surround yourself with positive people. Eat to live. Be conscious of what you put into your body. Be optimistic, and celebrate how far you’ve already come in your journey to recovery. Taylor Jones serves many roles in her community. She is a daughter and a student. She was a patient, who is now a researcher studying to cure the very disease she once had: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She is a smiling face and an advocate in the face of adversity. Twelve-year-old Taylor lived a full and exuberant life. She was class president, a player on the basketball team, an honor roll student, and a healthy pre-teen. One day, as she was playing basketball, she remembered feeling especially winded. She continued, but when it was time for a break, she could barely catch her breath. Symptoms of itching, fatigue, and night sweats followed soon after, and she recalls feeling that something was wrong. When she went to the doctor, though, they kept telling her everything was fine. Then, one morning when she woke up with a tumor the size of a baseball on the side of her neck. She was rushed to Children’s Medical Hospital in Dallas and was diagnosed with cancer: Stage 2b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “My heart dropped. All I had ever known up to that point was that my grandparents, cousins, and family members died from cancer,” she recalls. “I remember everything just froze. My parents hugged

“Wake up every day focused on being the brightest you can be.”

me, told me I was going to get through this, and assured me that everything was going to be ok. But all I could think about was how much I would have to give up. I would exchange therapy for basketball and hospitals for student council meetings, where I was president at the time.” Her doctors assured her, “Of all the cancers to have, you can do this. There’s a 90% success rate; a lot of people survive this. It will be hard, but you will too.”

Food as Medicine For Taylor, treatment was the hardest thing she had ever endured. “After a while, I didn’t want to do chemotherapy treatments. I wanted to give up, but my parents encouraged me to keep going. They cooked for me, so I only ate healthy food. No sugars, no processed foods, nothing like that.” Taylor knew it would be even harder with chemo cravings, but with the support and encouragement of her family around her, she kept going. “I soon realized that you shouldn’t live to eat, you should eat to live. Think about how nutritious the food is and how it will benefit you, especially when you are undergoing treatment for such a ruthless disease like cancer,” Taylor asserts. She also talked about fasting for 17 hours before eating. “When you’re fasting, your body is in survival mode. It gets rid of anything foreign that’s using energy,” she explained. “Cancer has twice as many glucose receptors, which use the energy you consume through food. So it’s possible that fasting may help your body recognize cancer cells as foreign and something to destroy.”

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Taylor’s projected treatment time was twelve months, but she finished in just six. “You lose a lot of things, including yourself… and you see a side of you that you never expected to see,” she reflects. When the doctor told her that she had completed radiation, the first thing she wanted to do was get back to school and basketball. She wanted a normal life. And ever since then, now more than ten years later, she lives like she’s been given a second chance.

Course of Study Today, Taylor is a recent graduate of the University of Houston, where she studied Biology and Spanish. After having gone through cancer treatment, she wanted to understand how everything happened on a molecular level. She studied mutations, DNA repair, and tumor suppressor genes. She is especially interested in new techniques for gene editing and how that specifically connects to cancer treatment, possibly offering new and more effective treatments for patients. Taylor chose to minor in Spanish, because when she was going through chemotherapy, she remembers seeing patients struggle to understand their complex diagnoses due to language barriers. Now bilingual, her goal is to bridge the gap between Spanish and English speaking doctors and patients, making healthcare more accessible for all. Above all, Taylor believes that many people take health for granted, as she did, until she was diagnosed and treated for cancer. She wants to become a doctor that has once been in the same shoes as her patients, so she can truly understand what they are going through and respond with genuine compassion, connection, and empathy. “I want to take my experience and maximize it to the fullest, to see how many people I can help and understand what they are feeling through connection and shared experience,” she says. “I’m a walking testimony to show others that this is possible, and my goal is to give others hope that it can be done.”

Research and Advocacy When she is not studying in school, Taylor is a researcher and advocate. She has been involved in a project focused on Nanotechnology-enabled water treatment at Rice University, where she was able to travel to Tanzania as part of her work. She also advocates for cancer prevention, specifically ovarian cancer, through Dr. Merchant’s HEALTH-RMCI lab at the University of Houston. In this project, she was able to take a 3-D image of the cell to understand how ovarian cancer attacks the endothelial lining and invades other surrounding tissues. She also researched how to mitigate cancer rates in underserved communities, especially in the 3rd Ward of Houston, where she talked to individual people and planned events catered to them. As a community health worker, she

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spread information about access to healthcare and free resources. She encourages people to listen to their body, note when symptoms start, and see a primary care physician immediately, because they can get scans and access more resources.

Taylor graduated from the University of Houston on May 11th and is looking forward to applying to medical school in the coming year to become an oncologist.

“There are so many places now offering free preventative care, such as mammograms, bloodwork, and more that people can leverage to stay healthy,” she explained.

*note: these are just a couple of the many resources that are available!

(Some in the area that I compiled after listening to Taylor’s amazing story are linked below)

In Memory of Her Mother When Taylor was an undergraduate in college, her mom, Theresa was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. “She was so positive,” Taylor reminisced. “You couldn’t tell that the doctors said she only had 18 more months to live, because she really never gave cancer the last say.” Theresa was an optimistic, energetic woman that easily connected with those around her to make them feel happy. She was an advocate and someone Taylor would always talk to about new ideas. “One of my favorite memories with my mom was during Covid. She wanted to be vegetarian, so every day we’d try to create new meals. We made a steak without meat, we went to the farmer’s market… we just tried new recipes and had fun with them,” Taylor remembers. “They might not have tasted very good,” she says, laughing. “But we definitely had fun being creative together.”

Links to Free Preventative Care: (PROJECT VALET)- offers free Mammograms and education through their mobile clinics program, an initiative headed by MD Anderson. (www.mdanderson.org/about-md-anderson/business-legal/ office-of-health-policy/project-valet.html) (THE ROSE)- offers lots of information and accessible resources for women undergoing treatment. (www.therose.org) (CANCER CARE SERVICES)- lists free/subsidized financial, mental health, and care resources for women going through treatment (www.cancercareservices.org)

“I want to take my experience and maximize it to the fullest, to see how many people I can help and understand what they are feeling through connection and shared experience.”

“Your body heals from within. Health is wealth, so feed your body the most healthy foods you can give it,” Taylor says. “And don’t let this journey be one-sided, you also have to focus on healing yourself.” Theresa passed away in June of last year, and Taylor misses her every day. She says that her mom continues to inspire her to bring her best foot forward regardless of circumstances. And she modeled how to stay positive, optimistic, and brighten other people’s days. “Her spirit drives many things I’m passionate about today. I want to take on her torch, her light, and lead a brighter day and a brighter life,” Taylor said emotionally.

Advice Almost eleven years after the day of her diagnosis, Taylor offered two pieces of advice for anyone going through treatment: 1) accept that beating cancer is never one-sided; and 2) keep a countdown of the days, with a goal in mind, and high hopes for the future. She says to count down the days of treatment, surrounding yourself with high hopes, faith, family, and friends as much as possible. “Put yourself in situations where you will laugh and people will lift you up, build a positive community around you, and wake up every day focused on being the brightest you can be.”

The magazine for women affected by cancer

BRIGHTER Brighter needs your help! We at Brighter rely on supporters like you to continue reaching survivors everyday. One way you can help is by filling out a survey. Your feedback is crucial to accurately report critical impact for potential funding, as well as to understand how we can better serve you. You can also contribute and spread awareness by connecting us with your medical team and survivor network, allowing us to put Brighter in the hands of women who need it most. Another great way to help us continue our mission is through donations! A donation of $50 provides our publication to a survivor free-of-charge for an entire year, so survivors can focus their resources on treatment and healing.

Respond.Connect.Donate. Scan for survey!

Scan to donate!

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Dog collar: Blue to red

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Frisbee: Yellow to purple

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

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Man’s paddle board paddle: Red to brown

Humorous Anecdotes From the Frontlines of Survivorship

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Woman’s skirt: Blue to pink

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Woman’s hair playing tennis: Light blue to dark blue

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Woman’s shorts throwing a frisbee: Grey to yellow

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Man’s shirt playing volleyball: Red to grey

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Woman’s paddle board: Brown to orange

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Beach blanket: Yellow to red

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Umbrella stripe: Dark yellow to green

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Sun hat on chair: Yellow with blue to orange with black

Activity Page Answers: Find the Color Differences: (11)

Trivia •

“Sometimes, while you’re waiting forever to be called back for your chemo or infusion, it seems like the extra-long delays are only so you’re actually excited when you hear your name. It feels like you’re the winner who finally got called up to be in the gameshow: “You’re the next contestant on the Price is Right!” - Submitted by Carolyn B. Brighter Board Member

C, C, A, C, B

*Keep the web page bookmarked, as it will be updated with our latest finds!

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Take the Plunge,

But Know What to Ask First Written By: Helen Bowles, CPT, CES USA Triathlon Coach Founder of Brighter Magazine Skin Cancer Survivor

Summer is upon us, and it’s likely that the refreshing waters of a swimming pool will be luring you. Whether you’ve been a competitive swimmer or are simply seeking the water for pleasure, here are some things to consider before jumping in.

What are the benefits of water activity?

Swimming provides great strength training for the upper and lower body while also improving lung capacity and endurance. Specifically for the cancer survivor, activities in the pool can improve mobility and alleviate pain and fatigue from bones, joints, and muscles by reducing the amount of gravity affecting the body.

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Many women come out of treatment with their bodies feeling somewhat foreign to them. The body you have now may look and function differently from the body you had going into treatment. “The water provides a supportive and gentle environment for muscles that need to move more frequently but are not ready for weight-bearing exercises” says Ammie Silvestri, personal trainer and cancer exercise program leader for the Frisco Family YMCA in Texas.

Do I have to swim laps?

There are all kinds of fun activities to engage in while in the pool. If you want to test the waters, start by walking in the shallow end of the pool. Add a float belt and get a little deeper to add pressure on your

“The water provides a supportive and gentle environment for muscles that need to move more frequently but are not ready for weight-bearing exercises.” - Ammie Silvestri lungs, allowing you to work a little harder. Have you ever seen an active older adult or water aerobics class? Did it seem silly? Are they really benefiting from what they are doing? I wondered those same things until I attended a class. It’s a great workout! Water running with a float belt may seem like you are just floating around, but it really works, and you’ll likely have muscle soreness the next day to prove it! Check out your community center or local YMCA to join a water exercise class, and enjoy the added benefit of community!

What if I can’t go that far?

If you are looking to swim a proper stroke, start small and build. You can stay close to the wall, swim a few strokes and flip to your back to recover, or get to the end of the pool and rest before returning. Do it a couple times a week and you will be surprised how quickly you will see improvements! If you have never swam before, your local YMCA or community center might have adult lessons. These were some of my favorite classes to teach as a teenager. Unlike children, adult swimmers already possess the motor skills to swim. If you can get over any fear you might have, learning and improvement happen quickly.

What if I don’t feel comfortable in a swimsuit?

First of all, don’t feel bad. You are not alone. Many people, even the most fit, don’t feel confident in a swimsuit. The more time you spend around a pool, you will notice that swimmers come in all shapes and sizes. You will also observe that most swimmers are inclusive and part of a welcoming community. If you are hesitant to reveal your new body, check out companies like Coolibar and Cabana Life for less revealing options in SPF swimwear. I even found swim capris as an option!

Is it safe to swim while going through treatment?

While swimming has amazing benefits like improved mood, self esteem, and sleep, there are some things to consider when contemplating swimming as your summer activity. We at Brighter strongly suggest you talk to your doctor about starting any new activities but particularly before you begin swimming. Here are a few things to bring up in your next appointment. (Note: Some pools are now saline or bromine which can be less harsh than a chlorine pool. This may or may not make a difference to your doctor, so you might want to find out what type of pool you have access to before you go.)

PICC lines

PICC lines allow the delivery of medications and other treatments directly to the large central veins near your heart. PICC lines are used for cancer treatment, liquid nutrition, infection treatments, and other medications. Due to the nature of the PICC line, you want to avoid submerging the PICC line in water. Though there are water resistant PICC devices, we recommend speaking to your doctor before using them. Often, doctors will strongly advise against swimming with a PICC line, due to the increased risk of infection.

Chemotherapy and Radiation

Chemotherapy, as well as some forms of cancer, have the ability to weaken your immune system. Your skin could also be quite sensitive. Since your body is less equipped to fight off infection, you may be more susceptible to the bacteria and germs typically found in most pools. Radiation often leaves your skin fragile and sensitive, which can cause it to be easily irritated by harsh pool chemicals. As well, these pool additives can often leave skin feeling dry and dehydrated, which may exacerbate any dry and cracking skin issues you may already be experiencing from treatment.

Chlorine Gas

Indoor pools contain higher levels of chlorine in the air around the pool and can increase your risk of breathing issues. Gasses in the air can cause your bronchial tubes to become irritated, so when spending time in a pool, consider the location of the pool and choose one that has good circulation or is located outdoors.

Sun Exposure

Even with a good base tan, the sun can still cause skin damage that may later result in skin cancer. As always, with any outdoor activity, don’t forget to apply a good waterproof sunscreen before you make a splash. Or even better, make use of quality SPF swimwear. We love our friends at Cabana Life. They have darling styles, from bikinis to full-sleeve coverage, providing you a sense of peace while you enjoy being outside in the water. As the daughter of two swimmers, I have utilized the pool for leisure, competition, and rehab. The benefits of time spent in the pool are too numerous to count, but it is incredibly important that you understand the risks and how to mitigate them, so you can keep progressing in your treatment and healing.

The magazine for women affected by cancer

Color Correcting

Using makeup to offset jaundice, ashen, and ruddy skin tones Written By: Jamie Hess Esthetician and Makeup Artist

Examples of how this can be used with make up is: • Areas of rosiness (red often found on the cheeks or nose) - Use a green to neutralize • Blue/brown darkness (often under the eyes or in dark spots) - Use a peach or orange to neutralize • Purple darkness (often under the eyes) - Use a yellow to neutralize • An over all sallowness or grayness to the skin - Use a lavender, pink, or red to neutralize

Do you ever notice even on the brightest days your skin can sometimes look and feel a bit dull? This can be caused from a multitude of factors (lack of sleep, stress, treatment side effects, etc). I know we’ve all experienced it. Thankfully with a little color theory and some beautiful make up products, this can be easily corrected. Often color theory is used to emphasize complementary colors (red and green, yellow and purple, orange and blue), but when those same complementary colors are placed on top of each other they neutralize.

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Often neutralizing an unwanted color automatically brings a brightness to the area that a foundation or concealer alone cannot do.

Prime the skin Embryolisse Radiant Complexion Cream - In two universally flattering shades, Pink or Apricot Glow, this innovative product plumps the skin, reducing dark circles and puffiness, while giving a healthy luminosity to the skin. Use it alone or as a primer.

By Terry Brightening CC Serum - With a multitude of shades from a soft lavender to a deep peach, this gives an instant glow from within. Prime your skin before your foundation by gently buffing in the serum in circular motions or add a few drops to your body lotion for a glow on the arms, legs, and décolletage. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Color Corrector - Six versatile shades color correct and neutralize while providing 24 hours of hydration. These primers are good for all skin types as they instantly brighten and illuminate while providing a long lasting radiant complexion.

Conceal Ben Nye Total Corrector Wheel - A concealer wheel with every neutralizing shade. These colors can be used directly on the skin or mixed with foundation and/or concealer to custom blend and adjust the shade as needed. Nars Radiant Creamy Color Corrector - Four custom blended shades of red-tone pigments neutralize blue and purple tone skin imperfections. This light weight concealer wears for 24-hours and is crease resistant and sweat proof. It’s easily worn on its own or under foundation and concealer. On days when you feel your skin is lacking luster, experimenting with some color theory and color correction can help you shine in the brightest season of the year! *Disclaimer - Some of these products may contain fragrance. If the skin barrier is compromised, always speak with your medical professional when choosing a product to use.

Be happy in your own skin! The magazine for women affected by cancer

Hair Hopes and Happenings My hair is coming back! Written By: Jeanna Doyle Licensed Cosmetologist and Trained Medical Aesthetic Provider

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This series was designed to provide you with practical information about your hair, including tips and tricks to help you navigate the changes before, during, and after treatment. This is the final installment of “Hair Hopes and Happenings,” and we are finally at the point to discuss grow-back strategies. If treatment is over and your hair is returning, you likely have some questions about managing your new hair. Here are ten frequently asked questions:

Can I take hair growth serums to speed up hair regrowth?

During the course of your treatment, it is advisable to avoid using any follicle stimulating hormones or substances that promote cell turnover, including lash and brow growth serums. After completing your treatment, consult with your oncology team regarding the usage of any growth products. Each doctor’s approach may vary, and because they are well-acquainted with your unique situation, it is best to seek their approval before proceeding with any such products.

My hair is coming back differently. What can I do?

I recommend incorporating a regular dry brushing routine for both your skin and scalp. There is a wealth of information readily available on this topic with a simple online search. The basic idea is to use a boar bristle brush that is firm but not too hard, with uniform bristle length. You can do this in the shower or before taking a bath to gently brush your body, effectively removing dead skin cells and naturally stimulating your hair follicles. This process leaves your skin feeling exceptionally smooth and naturally exfoliated. When it comes to dry brushing your scalp, it can be a fun activity to share with a young one. They can do it to you while you are reading them a story, creating a bonding experience that both of you will enjoy. Additionally, for styling newly grown hair, I recommend using a flexible hair product to manage your hair and regularly trimming the ends until you achieve your desired length.

My hair is not as thick as it once was. What can I do?

The thickness of your hair can be affected by the course maintenance therapies. In this case, it’s advisable to consider a hairstyle that can create the illusion of more volume. For example, you might want to opt for layers instead of maintaining a uniform length. Alternatively, it could be that you simply haven’t given your hair enough time to recover before trying to gain length. Consider keeping your hair trimmed and shorter for a few months following treatment. You can still achieve a deliberate and stylish appearance

by letting the front grow slightly longer than the back and sides. Style it with a pliable product, such as molding cream, to give it an upward lift, while keeping the sides and top smooth. This approach will give your hair a more dimensional look.

My hair is at an awkward stage. What can I do?

Keep it trimmed to maintain a neat appearance. Lean in to some short styles; this can help you wait out some of the different stages it will go through before you regain length. Continue your dry brushing routine even when you have full scalp coverage. If your hair is coming in curly, but only in spots, you may need to adjust the products you are using to help manage these areas. You can ask your hairstylist for best practices. Your licensed hairdresser can also help you map out a grow-out strategy. Use this time to imagine a new hair style that may suit your life better at this time. You can always wear a wig or hat, even with your own hair underneath, for special occasions or until you are happy with the length and style of your new hair.

When can I color my hair?

Many women experience hair changes following treatment, including the appearance of gray hair. Interestingly, this has contributed to the recent popularity of embracing gray hair. A quick online search reveals individuals of all ages, from the young to the young at heart, either dying their hair gray or opting for gray wigs. However, if embracing gray hair is not part of your plan, it’s essential to consult with your oncology team to determine when it’s safe to resume any chemical hair services. Each doctor has their own set of guidelines for when you can resume chemical processes such as coloring, relaxing, or perming your hair. Once you receive the green light, it’s advisable to perform a test patch, as the changes in your hair’s condition following treatment may affect how your hair “typically” has responded in the past.

How long until I have good hair coverage? Your hair will grow at approximately one half inch per month, so as a general rule, in one year you will have about six inches of hair. With this as a guideline you can look for scalp coverage around three months, although I recommend you keep it trimmed to help the hair look and feel its best while you are growing it out. Many women opt to go without their wig once they have enough coverage of their own hair, and this is when they experiment with headbands and short styles they would not have otherwise considered.

Can I put oil on my hair/scalp when it’s growing back?

You can continue to enjoy your scalp care routine even after your hair has regrown, but it’s important not to apply oil to your hair or scalp during the day, especially when you’ll be exposed to direct

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sunlight. (This includes being outdoors, in your car, or in proximity to the sun.) The reason for this precaution is that the oil can make your hair and scalp more susceptible to sunburn. Instead, it’s advisable to use oil at nighttime. You can generously apply it to your scalp and work any remaining oil into your hair. To prevent any mess as you sleep, consider using a plastic hair cap, which you can find online or at a beauty supply store. Alternatively, you can wear the oil at night while at home and then shower before bedtime.

What shampoo is safe for my hair?

Look for a shampoo that is free of parabens and sulfates, opting for one that is gentle and mild on your hair. Many personal care products now proudly advertise their paraben and sulfate-free formulations, simplifying your search for the right products to meet your needs. These shampoos

can be readily found in salons, drugstores, or online. Be cautious of shampoos that promise to enhance volume or thickness, as the ingredients often employed to achieve these results can potentially have adverse effects on your hair growth. It’s advisable to stick with simpler, more basic options.

Should I cut my hair if I used cold caps to even out the length as it grows back? Your hair regrowth goal will determine the extent and duration of hair trimming required before blending it with your new growth. In some cases, even with long hair, layers may be incorporated to enhance shape and styling options. Specific hair goals provide a way to collaborate with your stylist in coming up with regrowth strategies, allowing you to maximize the potential of your hair’s varying lengths, which are a result of both new growth and your existing hair. As your new growth comes down around to the crown of your head, it opens up more styling possibilities, with natural settling on the sides due to the added weight of increased length.

Can I get extensions?

If waiting for your hair’s length and thickness to naturally return is not in your wheelhouse, you might consider exploring hair extensions. Like anything new, there is a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never taken this route before. As long as you have enough hair beyond the crown of your head, where the sides of your head begin, you should be able to enjoy various types of extensions. You have the option to purchase extensions either online or at beauty supply stores. Apply them at home for daily use, inserting them during the day and removing them each night. Alternatively, you can choose to have a licensed hairstylist professionally apply the extensions, which will typically last for about 4 to 6 weeks before needing adjustments. When going the professional route, it’s important to ensure that they use a bonding method such as glue, sewing, or tape-in techniques, rather than metal clamps. Using metal clamps may lead to complications, requiring professional removal and incompatibility with follow-up MRI scans as part of your post-treatment care, as metal is not compatible with MRI scans. This concludes the three-part series on Hair Hopes and Happenings - before, during, and after treatment. I hope you have enjoyed this series and found it helpful. I wish you all the best with your new life after treatment.

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Racing For Our Lives Written By: Roger Jones Neuroendocrine Cancer Survivor and Author

I was sitting in a narrow, wooden forty-eight-foot-long dragon boat surrounded by nineteen other cancer survivors, ready for the race of our lives. As the sole cancer-survivor team in our division, our challenge to win would be a steep uphill battle. And as with my brave teammates, my own body was weak from recent high-dose radiation treatment. We were a group of normal ordinary people attempting to accomplish something extraordinary. We didn’t come to win; we came to survive. I was a successful businessman and an ex-jock. To my unfathomable surprise, this audacious crew of men and women had become my new family. The heat index in the balmy city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was a hundred plus. As I looked up the boat at my teammates, I witnessed sheer determination. But I was scared. Had I pushed myself too hard? My body was weakened by malignant tumors and abhorrent treatments. Three full days of racing? A year earlier, we’d lost a teammate to this mad disease— cancer. Our grief was still raw. Some of us sensed the walls of death closing in, and this competition could well be our final effort for a victory among the tribulations of our lives. Our year-long training had been intense, and we were determined to win. Like the other dragon boat teams, we were trying to find the perfect combination of timing, power, and stamina. But unlike our competition, our training was interspersed with radiation and chemotherapy, so I prayed for strength. I was competitive by nature and training. My personally prescribed therapy was to turn to the calming waters of the Charleston rivers. I felt lucky to wake each morning to a stunning view of the Cooper River and the spectacular cable-stayed bridge with its diamond-shaped towers that, for many Charlestonians, defined our hometown. Maybe it came about with my life-threatening diagnosis, but somehow my tumors made me more aware of the intricacies of my body, and I looked at things in a new way. The river, with its mighty current and ever-changing tides, seemed to connect my teammates like arteries connecting the body’s organs and muscles; when I paddled it momentarily freed me and my teammates from our terrible illnesses. Could a river bring healing? I hoped and prayed so.

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Dragon boat racing is a two-thousand-year-old sport that originated among the fishing communities in southern-central China along the Yangtze River. The sport boomed as an international sport in the 1980s, with thousands of cancer patients becoming participants during the 1990s, as the sport was recognized for improving healing from the vile cancer treatments through physical exercise and team camaraderie. Our crew of twenty cancer-ridden paddlers sat knee-to-knee in ten rows in this lengthy, slender canoe, ten paddlers extending their bodies heavily over the boat’s starboard side and ten over the port. A drummer sat on a small wooden seat at the bow, banging a cadence to synchronize and motivate the paddlers. A steersperson stood at the stern, using a twenty-foot oar to guide the canoe, finding the straightest possible path along the racecourse. The weekend’s festival was a colorful celebration of life. Thousands of spectators lined the Tennessee River to watch. The boats were made of teak, imported from the Far East, and decorated with a mythical Chinese dragon head and tail. Red-and-gold decorative scales were delicately painted along the hull. Our team was competing for the over-fifty mixed men’s and women’s national championship. Eight women and twelve men would paddle as one. We’d learned to feel the surge and the glide of the boat. We’d tapped into the canoe’s innate rhythm. The winners would earn the privilege of representing the United States at the International Dragon Boat Races in Hong Kong, China. Twenty anxious paddlers crouched over the canoe’s gunwale with the blades of our paddles buried deep in the water. Our emotions dangled in suspense as we anticipated the starter’s horn. Three additional boats, in lanes separated by buoys, also intently awaited the signal. There’s probably nothing scarier than sitting at the starting line of

a national championship race. A voice shouted, “Ready, ready. We have alignment.” The words vibrated like a tsunami across the smooth water. The muscles in my shoulders contracted with tension. The horn finally blew, and twenty paddles forced through the water in perfect unison. Our drummer pounded hard to create the rhythm for our stroke and screamed, “Up, up, up!” Each paddler’s blade entered and exited the water like the melody of a great orchestra. The water boiled all around the sides of our highly decorated red-and-gold canoe. I saw Mark, two seats ahead, a tall, slender man with stage four colon cancer. He paddled with a custom-made belt that secured the pouch containing his colostomy and ileostomy. In front of him sat Linda, an ovarian cancer patient who’d long outlived her doctor’s prognosis. In front of the boat was Laurie, a courageous breast cancer survivor. She paddled with a passion to represent all breast cancer patients. Bob, who sat in front of me, had disfiguring neck surgery for jaw cancer. Bob paddled with a feeding tube and a patch over his tracheotomy. Their courage inspired me. The intensity of my stroke increased as I watched the faces of my friends scowl in pain. My teammates had learned the power of teamwork and the perseverance of pressing through our physical obstacles. But mostly we’d learned to forgive. To forgive ourselves and others. We’d learned forgiveness was the foundation for all miracles. We prayed for miracles. Miracles for healing…yes, but mostly to survive…no, thrive with our disease. Cancer had stolen my teammates’ mastery of their bodies. But the dragon boat had restored our hope as the rulers of our lives. We were learning that perfect harmony can be made out of broken things and broken people. It would be the lesson of our lives.

Scan the QR code to start reading “The Final Victory”

CONTRIBUTOR’S BIO: Roger Jones, businessman, philanthropist, humanitarian, and avid athlete has founded numerous business and community organizations. In 1996, he started Companion Associates, Inc., one of South Carolina’s largest privately held real estate development firms.

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Brighter Reads

Book Recommendations from the Brighter Team

How High the Moon By Karyn Parsons

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

Based in the Jim Crow south, the book follows the life of an eleven-year-old girl, her cousins, and friends. Karyn Parsons writes with a unique style from the perspective of the three main characters – Ella, who is waiting for her mom to send for her; Henry – her cousin; and Myrna – the oldest of the three children living with Ella & Henry’s grandparents.

This book was so fascinating. It discusses the concept that ideas are just ideas, and it is the thinking that results from those ideas that causes our stress and anxiety. Joseph Nguyen proposes a theory that allows one to let go of anxiety, to break free from negative thought loops, and to be okay when lacking knowledge and dealing with the uncertain. I think I may have to listen to this one again to really get my head around its unique approach. Though the author writes with a perspective of enlightenment, he relates it to other beliefs as well. I am still figuring out how it falls in line with my personal faith, but I find it highly intriguing and will continue to ponder it.

The book is an interesting look at a historical time in the south with mainly fictional characters. There is an interesting twist – one of the characters is a real person, and his story is real. A great quick read. Very eye opening to what went on during the Jim Crow time period. I highly recommend this read for your summer list. - Debbie Norris Ovarian Cancer Survivor Brighter Writer

- Helen Bowles Skin Cancer Survivor Brighter Founder

Brighter’s Second Annual Charity Pickleball Tournament Scan the QR code to watch this year’s pickleball video!

On March 23rd, we hosted our second annual pickleball tournament at Chicken N Pickle. We are very grateful for the support we received from our sponsors and participants for raising paddles and funds! Because of this successful event, we have been able to provide more women with the resources they need. Don’t forget to check out our event video by scanning the QR code above to see all the pickleball fun, raffle items, and more!

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Her New Hobby Creative Journaling

Written By: Jennifer Cabrera Uterine Cancer Survivor Brighter Ambassador Photography Provided By: Jennifer Cabrera I’m sure most of you who have been affected by cancer will understand my frustration when I say that I had a lot of plans before my diagnosis, and cancer canceled them all. For me, I’ve always been a planner. Always had my agenda in my bag, ready to mark down dinner dates, outings with friends, or even just daily reminders. When I got my diagnosis, my planner and I were ready to handle all the appointments with ease. But while planning took care of where I needed to be and when, it didn’t take care of the “how.” How was I feeling? How was I dealing with everything going on? How was I changing? This is where I stepped away from the guided boxes of the traditional planners and went into more “creative journaling.” With a blank notebook, I could write down my plans, yes, but, I could also write down my symptoms, thoughts, and anything else that popped into my head. Creative journaling became a hobby that I could do no matter how I was feeling. I could pull out my supplies and do this in the waiting room, the chemo chair, or even laying on the couch.

Gratitude

Let’s face it, cancer can definitely make us feel like everything is going wrong sometimes. When getting bad news or having tough

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side effects, it’s easy to lose track of the good things in our life. That’s where a daily gratitude practice can help to lift your spirits and your mood. Simply listing what you’re thankful for, even if it’s just one thing - like a sunny day or a note from a friend - can help put a positive spin on even the toughest of days.

Trackers

When you’re going through treatment and tough seasons, it can seem like every day is exactly the same. And when you have doctor’s appointments, it can be easy to forget which symptom happened on what day, how long it lasted, or even how bad it was. I use my journal to track everything. From how much water I’m drinking, to how bad I was hurting and where. In my journal, I have a page or two for each month that I use for questions and notes for my doctor. I also use a color coded system on each day to detail my pain and nausea levels each day (green dot for a good day, yellow for an okay day, and red for the bad days).

Clearing Your Mind

Cancer is something that not only takes its toll on our physical well being, but also our mental wellbeing. Our brain can get pretty full with all the information being thrown at us and the emotions that

come with it. Sometimes, we just need a place to put it all. That’s when I would grab my journal and begin writing. I write everything I’m feeling and thinking. Whether it’s a list of things I want to get done in the next week, or how I’m feeling about treatment and my diagnosis; simply getting it out of my brain and onto paper helps. If I’m being really honest, sometimes it’s just a giant expletive written across the page because that's how I’m feeling that day. Studies have proven that holding on to negative emotions and feelings can be damaging to both your mental status, as well as even your physical status, and some studies have shown that writing down your feelings can be just as healing as talking with a good friend.

Supplies

Getting started with creative journaling is easy and takes minimal supplies to start. You may not even have to buy anything new as most of us already have basic supplies around our house - paper and something to write with. If you’re looking to get some tools specific to this hobby, here are my recommendations: A notebook: You can use any notebook you have around the house. I’ve used everything from a plain spiral notebook from the Dollar Store, to a really nice custom notebook. If you’re looking to get something special just for this hobby, I recommend a dot grid notebook because it helps keep lines straight but is usually printed lightly so you still have creative freedom. I also recommend a portable size so it’s easy to use at home

and also take with you to your treatments. The Leuchtturm1917 Notebook found on Amazon is a great size and has nice thick paper so you can use whatever writing utensil you want without worrying about the ink bleeding through to the next page. Writing utensils: Use your favorite pens and highlighters in colors that make you happy. I recommend Paper Mate Flair pens and Crayola SuperTips markers - both are easy to find on Amazon, as well as Target and Walmart. They come in a wide variety of colors, and as a bonus, some are even scented! Crayons and colored pencils are also great. Other supplies: This could be anything you want to add to make your pages bright and interesting to you. Stickers or decorative tape are easy to find and can add some fun to your journaling hobby. At the end of the day, creative journaling is what you want it to be. Whether it's keeping your plans in one place so you can keep it all straight, or a place for you to clear your mind of everything you’re feeling.

Everyone needs a good list of JAMS for a chemo session, a car ride, a walk, or maybe a run. Check these out.

Go High - Kelly Clarkson Hey Mr Blue Sky - ELO Upside Down - Jack Johnson

If you’d like to submit your idea for a future JAM list, go to www.brightermagazine.org or scan the QR code and submit your favorite songs.

Meet My Friend

Jean in 2019

Helen and Jean in 2016

(and the Inspiration for Brighter!) Written By: Helen Bowles Skin Cancer Survivor Founder of Brighter Magazine Photography Provided By: Helen Bowles It was somewhere around 2001. I was recruiting for the YMCA and we were looking for a Membership Associate VP. She was originally from Connecticut but was currently working at the ChinaTown YMCA in Boston. During her interview, she clicked with everyone. She was professional, kind and friendly, and her creativity was obviously endless. She received a resounding “YES” from all of us in the room that day. When Jean moved from Boston to Dallas, she was in her early thirties, and I was in my late twenties. We instantly hit it off and decided to take up the hobby of running. Our first race was the Dallas Jingle Bell Run, and I will never forget that evening. The route started at the old Reunion Arena and traversed across the Trinity River and back. As one might guess, we all fastened bells to our shoes, and that night, in the midst of the jingles, surrounded by the glow of the street lights,

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and under the unusual light dusting of snow, we built what would become more like a sisterhood than a friendship. Over the next handful of years, we would run the 5K jogger series, a weekly 5K around Dallas’ Bachman Lake. We would follow it with a dinner of crab legs and wine margaritas (they didn’t have a liquor license) at a place where you ordered at the counter and paid on your honor as you left. Many ingenious YMCA programs were born during those evenings; ideas scribbled on cocktail napkins only to be put into practice the next morning when we arrived in the office. As the years passed, our relationship deepened. In 2003, I was pregnant with my first child while my mom was very sick with pancreatic cancer. A mom-to-be, I left my job a few months early to join my sister in care of my mom. Jean moved on to take jobs in California and

“The present is a present.” -Jean Maday

Chicago, but she always prioritized regular trips to visit her “family” in Dallas. She was present for the death of my mother, as well as the birth of my two boys. This meant so much to me, since by this time, she was one of the few people in my life who really knew my mom at the time of her passing. At holidays and for birthdays, Jean would visit. Always requesting my husband Ryan’s margaritas and Central Market queso as soon as the plane touched down, she sported flip flops so she could enjoy the Texas sun (and make her colleagues jealous). Over the years, she became “Aunt Jean” to my kids. I was in the passenger seat of our family vehicle on our summer drive back from Colorado when she called. I could hear it in her voice. Something was wrong. I don’t remember the conversation really, but I remember the words “I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage 3C.” I knew deep within my soul that our future memories together would be shortened.

Jean was not just creative, her ideas always benefited others. Jean believed “the present is a present” and she often gifted her time to the support and care of others. When she registered for races, she would always run in someone’s honor. Jean’s family originates from Connecticut, and after the shooting in Sandy Hook, she ran 26 running races for the children who died. Each race was in honor of a child lost that day, and she chose races that shared something in common with a particular child. She competed in one race because the event medal was a horseshoe, and one of the little girls liked horses. At another race, the race theme color was green, a favorite color of a certain little boy. She ended the year running a marathon, 26.2 miles, one mile for each child. Her compassion and generosity was absolutely endless. Let’s return to her idea of the lifestyle magazine. It seemed to make so much sense; cancer has affected people for centuries. Why wouldn’t someone have already created a resourceful publication that equips women to thrive in daily living, specifically while navigating treatment and all that cancer impacts? Surely some publication was exposing

From left to right: Jean Maday, Xander Bowles, and Gavin Bowles in 2019

Over the next few years, I had the privilege of caring for Jean through some of her treatments; the two of us, snuggly residing in her one bedroom apartment. Not having ever really lived away from home, Chicago became my town; the place that I learned to navigate on my own. Long periods of time together caused frayed nerves, as she so desperately needed support but also wanted some semblance of normal life and independence. As a result, I picked up yoga classes at a studio nearby, grew to adore running the Lake Michigan shore (even when the icy cold water was blown up directly into my face), and discovered new and favorite shops - like the funny, little one around the corner owned by Joan Kusak.

One trip, when Jean was feeling rather energetic, we joined another YMCA friend for a relocated repeat of Mexican and margaritas, just like we had so often enjoyed together in Dallas. In the thick of treatment, without hair, makeup, or a clue how to navigate all cancer had thrown her way, Jean confided in us. She loved to travel and always had a lifestyle magazine in her bag when she did. Those magazines had always offered her excitement for the upcoming seasons - that is, until now. These publications she once loved and looked forward to now made her feel isolated, alone, and even more uncertain of her future. And in one of her incredibly creative moments, she mentioned her vision for a lifestyle magazine just like these, but for women like her.

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the often-avoided topic of life after treatment. Someone must already be identifying with and encouraging the woman who feels like she must remain on high alert, even when the world says life “goes back to normal”...right? What woman doesn’t want to remain attractive and feel confident in her approach to all of the other areas of her life. Who doesn’t want to know how to respond before her hair starts to fall out or have the supplies she needs to change her oral care routine before her smile is affected beyond repair? What working woman shouldn’t be armed with the knowledge of disability qualifications due to the toll that cancer takes on her ability to perform in the workplace? A decent bit of research turned up results that the cancer community, indeed, has many wonderful publications, each one valuable in their own right. But no one was addressing these challenging experiences all in one place or through a positive lens. Women were not being educated on the lifestyle changes that can make a huge impact on their mental health. No one was offering the resources Jean needed. Jean passed away in January before the pandemic. As a woman with such an incredible heart and need to engage with and care for others, she likely would have been devastated by the shutdown. The beauty of that solitary time, however, is that I had a whole lot of time on my hands while my children sat through zoom classes and my husband conducted business virtually. I dusted off my decade-old graphic design skills and got to work, with the help of others, to create what had never been done before. As a result of knowledgeable and talented women, Brighter Magazine was born. The names and faces in the pages of our publication are not people making excellent money for their contributions, nor are they seeking accolades for themselves. They are doctors, makeup artists, mental health professionals, survivors, and friends who, like Jean, have chosen to selflessly give of themselves with a goal to impact your confidence, wellbeing, and perseverance. Brighter is a community of people who want to see you feel supported, cared for, and equipped as you navigate each portion of the cancer road you are traveling. We do it because we want you to know you’re not alone. We do it because we know it’s needed. And we do it because we learned from Jean the immeasurable impact these kinds of resources have on a woman. Today, Brighter Magazine is thriving. In just three short years, we are now providing quarterly encouragement to over 1,300 women across the globe through magazine subscriptions. With a desire to engage on a more personal

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level, we have also launched “Social Survivors” gatherings. At these events, women can learn from professionals and other survivors in a light-hearted, casual, and non-medical setting about life postdiagnosis. In addition, we are impacting the lives of more women on social media platforms through our Ambassador Program, and the next generation of women is being equipped and educated through our Summer Program. Brighter Magazine is thriving as a result of generous donations from supporters, partners, and survivors, as well as those who love them. If you would like to donate to Brighter, you can at give.brightermagazine. org/donate We hope you will pass this issue on to another woman who can benefit, or subscribe online at www.brightermagazine.org. We’ve been working for you, and we’re so honored to walk alongside you. Helen and Jean in 2015

This Issue’s Cancer Awareness Months: July, August, September Scan the QR code to learn more about each cancer type and its treatment options.

DONORS, SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS We are grateful to all those who have donated funds to Brighter Magazine in order to equip, empower, and educate women affected by cancer. With your generous donations, survivors from around the world are being supported in a way they have never been before. Scan the QR code to donate now to Brighter Magazine!

Amanda Yang

Chris Baker

Jon Celum

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Shanin Wilburn

Amy Weber

Christopher Gaines

Julie Parolisi

Nicole Householder

Sonia Kakkar

Amy Zicarelli

Cindy Baker

Karen Lobdell

Nicole Russel

Stanely Henderson

Baldwin Bred Boutique

Dana Dunbar

Larry Young

Paige Steele

Steffani Bailin

Barret Ball

Dawna Walsh

Lindsay Bunkenhoefer

Pamela Steele

Suzanne Goswick

Ben Adams

Don Bowles

Lucy Huo

Ryan Bowles Family

Suzen Stewart

Carey Moseley

Ed Schreyer Family

Lupe Mora

Robyn Freese

Tricia Graft

Carolyn Brown

Erin Morgan

Marsh & McLennan Agency

Sandra Hardie

University Kia

Carol Margolis

George Steele

Mary Eakin

Sandy Morander

Carol Sieber

Holly Lemons

Megan Sun

Sarah Byrom

Casey Mitchell

Jason Pounds Family

Melinda Johnson

Sewell

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PAS SING TIM E Stuck in a waiting room, at home recovering, or just need to exercise your brain for a bit? Try playing these games! Hint: all answers are related to content within this issue. Have fun and good luck! (Answers can be found on page 31)

Word Search

Trivia What are some of the benefits of swimming, especially for cancer survivors? A) Only helps improve lung capacity B) Swimming solely helps in reducing weight C) Improves strength, mobility, alleviates pain and fatigue, and provides a supportive environment for muscles D) Only beneficial for those without any medical conditions What is a recommended hair care practice for managing new hair growth after treatment? A) Using metal clamps for hair extensions B) Applying oil to your scalp during the day C) Dry brushing the scalp with a boar bristle brush D) Avoiding haircuts to let the hair grow naturally Health benefits of eating this fruit are: a good source of fiber and helps lower cholesterol. A) Blueberries B) Strawberries C) Kiwi D) Peaches

Embrace Swim Hydration Serum Journal Package Healing Colors

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Heat Summer Hobby Fruit Race Gift Skin

What is a suggested way to neutralize areas of rosiness, such as redness on the cheeks or nose? A) Use a peach or orange color corrector B) Use a yellow color corrector C) Use a green color corrector D) Use a lavender, pink, or red color corrector Which of the following accurately describes the purpose of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act? A) Aims to provide free healthcare services for breast cancer patients regardless of their stage B) Seeks to expedite access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer C) Focuses on raising awareness about breast cancer among elected officials D) Aims to provide financial support for breast cancer patients during their treatment journey

Find the Color Differences (11)

Before:

Carefully examine both images to identify and mark all the differences between two similar images.

After:

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