My cancer coaching has evolved over 28 years, and I started sharing education. I attended Brain Tumor Support Groups at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, DC, in 1998 or 1999. I remember sharing knowledge about brain tumors, such as getting multiple opinions, finding hospitals and oncologists, tracking clinical trials, and being eager to find self-care strategies.
After leaving my job at the U.S. Congress, motivated by a deep passion for the cancer field, I began to gain new insights. In 2000, while working at a prominent cancer non-profit, I heard frustrations about pharmaceutical and biotech companies prioritizing expensive, short-term cancer drugs for profit. It was clear that patients needed more comprehensive and humane approaches. As I lobbied Congress concurrently for the non-profit, a prominent cancer organization for research, education, and patient care, and pharma companies, and played other roles, I felt compelled to seek better solutions against cancer.
This realization led me to a pivotal shift, both professionally and personally. I understood that I couldn’t focus solely on cancer—I needed to focus on the whole person. That awakening became the core foundation of my work: a commitment to well-being and a broader awareness of what is possible in cancer care and healthcare overall.
As I continued supporting cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, I recognized the value of sharing information and resources. Looking back, I saw that cancer treatments often consumed significant time and demanded lengthy recovery periods. In contrast, integrative cancer care—which addresses the physical body, mind-body connection, spiritual vitality, social support, and environmental well-being—offered powerful solutions.
- Research shows that integrative approaches for cancer patients and cancer survivors can improve quality of life, cancer survival rates, and aid in cancer prevention.
- These strategies can be practiced daily, empowering people to feel better and potentially live longer.
- Many body, mind, spirit, social, and environmental interventions are low-cost or even free, especially compared to conventional treatments.
As my sense of purpose crystallized, I realized that cancer coaching involves many dynamic elements. Having experienced both conventional cancer treatments and integrative clinics and holistic clinics in the U.S. and Europe, I dove deeply into self-care strategies. Even as I endured close to the edge of mortality, the darkness provided new answers to cancer.
Cancer coaching is unique. Some people dealing with cancer want to become a cancer coach. Sometimes they try to build it or take training. My expert skills are shaped by living with cancer since 1998, working professionally in the cancer community, researching cancer and integrative cancer strategies, witnessing the journeys of countless patients and caregivers, and many other aspects. This experience has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, insight, and motivation.
My personal journey includes three awake brain surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and clinical trials—including immunotherapy with a dendritic cell-based vaccine. My focus has always been on whole-person, integrative care. Yet, when a colonoscopy revealed numerous large polyps and genetic testing uncovered a genetic mutation from family history, I was reminded of the unexpected turns in a cancer journey. Research shows that over 10–15% of cancers stem from genetic mutations.
In my cancer coaching practice, I use many strategies to support people as unique individuals. Clients complete a detailed questionnaire, followed by one-on-one conversations—sometimes including caregivers—where we explore ways to enhance their cancer journey. More information is always available for those interested in working with a cancer coach.
Wishing you optimal health and healing.