WINTER 2022
GEN Z & THE BIG C UNIQUE WAYS ZOOMERS COPE WITH CANCER
A MODERN FAMILY THE POWER OF SURROGACY POST-CANCER
US $10.00
AS I AM BIANCA MUÑIZ SINGS THROUGH SURVIVORSHIP
Photo by John Khuu
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s we embark on a new year, I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Editor-in-Chief at cW. To oversee the innovative ways in which the magazine will continue bringing hope and awareness to our warriors, thrivers and supporters in the new cancer community is a great honor. On the topic of supporters, our winter issue is filled with people and organizations sharing their time, experience and hearts to further help those battling cancer. This issue also features an exciting new column highlighting Gen Z’s brushes with cancer and exploring what the generation goes through when it comes to fighting cancer alongside growing up (p. 33). Some of the inspiring organizations that we are focusing on this winter include Look Good Feel Better (p. 28), a free program providing renewed hope to cancer warriors by giving them the tools they need to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer, and Latinas Contra Cancer (p. 37), an organization addressing the health disparities between Latinx cancer communities and their non-Hispanic white counterparts.
But these wonderful organizations would not be here without the people who bring them into existence, who come from all different walks of life. Take, for example, Obi “Obisoulstar” Uwakwe’s photography exhibit highlighting five breast cancer survivors who bared their souls for the camera and for all of us. Uwakwe uses his photography to send a message about the power and beauty that is still there, even after cancer treatment (p. 30). I n fact, Liz Tuckwell’s latest column (p. 25) brings to the surface an excellent point for this issue: If given the opportunity, healing can serve as one of the greatest equalizers among us. Cancer Wellness means so much to me, not only because it provides a platform that encourages hope, love and confidence through even the toughest of cancer journeys, but also because I have the BRCA gene, and I truly know what it means to be inspired by the many amazing cancer warriors that never take a single day for granted— even the coldest ones this season.
Natalia Espinosa Cancer Wellness
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Curing lung cancer is a team effort, and you are the MVP! Your support brings critical seed funding to the best and brightest investigators.
They simply couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for supporting lung cancer research. Because of you, we have seen unprecedented progress in the field of lung cancer research, changing what it means to face a lung cancer diagnosis. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail our momentum. But lung cancer doesn’t stop for anything, and neither do we. Together we are working to fund lifesaving research and improve outcomes for patients and families.
Here’s how you can help: Find out what you can do to support research: P LCRF.org/GetInvolved
Learn about lung cancer risk factors and screening: P LCRF.org/KnowYourRisk
Join our community and get the latest news! P LCRF.org/Connect
Visit LCRF.org for the latest lung cancer news, free resource materials, and more
WINTER 2022 24
HAVE HOPE Changing the hope discourse could make a vital difference in survivorship and quality of life.
BEAUTY 28
LOOKING GOOD, FEELING BETTER A free program managing the appearance effects of cancer provides renewed hope and confidence to warriors.
AROUND TOWN 30
A POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE Obi “Obisoulstar” Uwakwe’s photography shows breast cancer warriors in a new light.
AROUND THE WORLD 33
GEN Z & THE BIG C cW’s newest series dives into the unique ways Gen Z is coping with cancer.
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RISING UP Black Women Rising advocates for Black warriors to receive the resources they deserve.
ENTERTAINMENT 49
39 AS I AM
NUTRITION 14
SHARING IS CARING Get your fair share of good cookin’ with these manageable hearty recipes fit for blustery days.
A DELICATE DANCE One mother’s cancer journey teaches others to trust Black women fighting for their health— and their lives.
MIND & BODY 22
A MODERN FAMILY Pregnancy may be harder or even impossible post-cancer, but surrogacy can aid in growing your family.
RESOURCES 54
CATCHING UP Cancer care can feel more like a barrier than a benefit for people with disabilities. Cancer Wellness
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CAYLEI VOGELZANG Founder NATALIA ESPINOSA
Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director FEATURES Senior Editor TAYLOR NOVAK Editor-at-Large MIRELA KOPIER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REV. JEN BAILEY, SARAH DIMURO, SERENA HU, MAURA KELLER, MEGHAN KONKOL, ALEX MANAA, SARA QUIRICONI, MARIA TRIPODIS, ELIZABETH TUCKWELL, ERIKA R. WHITEHEAD
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER JASMINE HOPE VERIDIANO
MARKETING SPECIALIST ERIKA R. WHITEHEAD
INTERNS FRANCESCA HALIKIAS, ALEX MANAA
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD NATALIE CRAIG, DENA DODD PERRY, SHIKHA JAIN, GAIL PRINS, GLEN STEVENS, MARIA TRIPODIS
OPERATIONS MANAGER ISABEL GARCIA
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR JACK SAXE-STARAL
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ANTONIJA ROGIC
DISTRIBUTION Cancer Wellness is distributed nationally through hospitals, support networks, select nurse navigators, subscriptions, and other outlets. If you would like to know more about distributing Cancer Wellness in your facility or group, please email: info@cancerwellness.com
ADVERTISING For advertising, advertorial, and special project opportunities, please email: ads@cancerwellness.com
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@cancerwellmag
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN CANCER WELLNESS ARE THOSE OF THE RESPECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY CANCER WELLNESS AND ITS STAFF.
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Cancer Wellness
Photo provided by Brianne Cannon
#cW MANTRA
“NEVER STOP LIVING, PLANNING AND BEING AS NORMAL AS YOU CAN BE BECAUSE IT’S THE ONLY WAY TO SURVIVE IT.”
– Rhonda Meckstroth
Cancer Wellness
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cW Online
WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED LEARNING TO LIVE
CW PLAYLIST SELFHOOD
Rhonda Meckstroth knows all too well how important it is to receive a second opinion—it saved her husband Jeff during his unexpected lung cancer diagnosis.
One of the best things you can do during the cancer journey is becoming your own biggest supporter. Issue 13’s tracklist provides all the inspo for the sweet solace of self-love. To instantly access the playlist, open the Spotify app. Tap Search then the camera icon to scan Spotify code.
JUST A PAUSE
TRACKLIST • GET WELL SOON - ARIANA GRANDE • I AM LIGHT - INDIA.ARIE • GOOD DAYS - SZA • MIDNIGHT SKY - MILEY CYRUS • YOU’VE GOT THE LOVE - FLORENCE + THE MACHINE • UNWRITTEN - NATASHA BEDINGFIELD
Freshly 21, Alexis Mencos had all the symptoms of pregnancy—but it turned out to actually be ovarian cancer. She was determined to not let it stop her from living.
• DIDN’T CHA KNOW - ERYKAH BADU • OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR - MAC MILLER • I’M LIKE A BIRD - ALESSIA CARA • HARD TO KILL - BLEACHED • ARMY OF ME - JULIA JACKLIN, RVG • THIS IS ME TRYING - TAYLOR SWIFT • STILL IN MOTION - TURNOVER • TRYING - LUNA LI • FEEL THE WAY I WANT - CAROLINE ROSE • FRONTLINE - KELELA • DIFFERENT LIGHT - BEST COAST • FROM THIS POINT ON - SOFT KILL • TOUGH ON MYSELF - KING PRINCESS • AS YOU ARE - BIANCA MUÑIZ
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Cancer Wellness
More stories at CancerWellness.com ON @CANCERWELLMAG, WE REMEMBERED TO MAKE THE MOST OF TODAY
The cW Agenda
ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW SIGNS OF THE TIMES
LOGGING ON
TAKE A SHOT
A new study involving over 24,000 pancreatic cancer patients identified previously unknown symptoms like thirst and dark urine may appear a year before diagnosis.
LUNGevity Foundation has launched Lung Cancer Patient Gateways, six platforms focused on various lung cancer types that allow warriors to locate resources for treatment and community. Access them at gateway.lungevity.org.
Cleveland Clinic researchers have started a phase I trial for a triple-negative breast cancer vaccine, the first of its kind.
BOOSTED, BABY
GETTING PERSONAL
OPERATION CATCH-UP
A study by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is emphasizing the importance of blood cancer warriors getting more than two COVID-19 vaccines.
QUAD-DEMIC
Plan for virtual visits and preventative measures this winter for what health experts deem the “quad-demic” of the flu, COVID-19, RSV and rhinoviruses—especially if you’re immunocompromised from cancer treatment.
A $2.1 million gift to UC San Diego Health initiative has paved the way for a comprehensive breast cancer database that will translate clinical data into novel personalized therapies for breast cancer warriors.
WEAR AND TEAR
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have also shown that chronic stress can negatively impact treatment completion and survival for Black high-risk breast cancer warriors, and it may be a useful measurement to predict chemotherapy effectiveness.
A University of Birmingham study revealed that one in seven patients miss cancer surgery during COVID-19 lockdowns, leading researchers to urge for more resilient elective surgery systems.
HOT SPOTS
Ever wondered if you live in or near a cancer hot spot? Pro Publica’s “Poison in the Air” report utilizes data from the Environmental Protection Agency to create a new tox map searchable by location or ZIP code. Take a look at projects.propublica.org/toxmap.
Cancer Wellness
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the supporter
RANA BITAR AS TOLD TO FRANCESCA HALIKIAS
I really did not want a patient’s story to die between the four walls of exam rooms.
Photo provided by Rana Bitar
[ The book] started as gathered stories over the years. I initially didn’t have an intention to publish the stories—I just wrote them for myself. Over time, I decided to put them together and publish them as solely patient stories. Then I was advised that maybe I should put my experiences in the story—the way I met these patients and how they affected me is as important to get these stories across and resonate. I started writing when I was 10 years old, and at the same time I was interested in science and medicine so they kind of go together: my passion for writing and my ambition to be a doctor. I think a lot of people think that science does not go with art, but for me I think one complements the other. Writing after a long day of seeing patients is a kind of meditation to me. I wrote [the book] for my patients. There was something nagging inside me. I really did not want a patient’s story to die between the four walls of exam rooms. I felt that these [stories] are so powerful and so life-changing, they need to get out of that office, out of the exam room and be heard and create ripples for other people to be exposed to such a struggle. A lot of people are so distant and [don’t know what]
cancer patients go through or their families go through. I think it’s important to keep these stories alive and out there for other people to hear what type of struggle a person could go through and how it might change their vision of life. The book, when you put your thoughts on paper, it gives you a chance to re-examine it, live it again, and I think the most important thing you get out of it is how important empathy is, how important it is to listen to people and put yourself in their shoes and fight to understand their circumstances and not be judgmental. I think when people go through these struggles, it helps that they talk about their feelings and their fears. I think what we can do for them is to tell them that we will listen, that their fears are not unimportant or not justified. [Writing the book] showed me how important it is to stop and listen, be compassionate and help people understand why they feel this way. It is OK to feel this way.
To hear more from Rana, visit cancerwellness.com Cancer Wellness
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Habits I’ve Embodied Post-Cancer Author, actress, model and 17-year cancer warrior Sara Quiriconi shares her tips for a fulfilling life during and after cancer. BY SARA QUIRICONI
NEVER SETTLE Mediocre is a word that I’m only OK with when it comes to a breakfast buffet—mainly because I intermittently fast and usually skip it. If you were to rate your job, a close relationship, your environment and even your daily schedule on a scale from one to 10, with one being empty and 10 being utterly fulfilling, where would you rate those aspects of your life? If it’s below a five, I ask you then: What life are you waiting for? Why settle? Live it now. Or, at least take the first step to move upward on that scale.
RESPONSIBILITY = FREEDOM From the moment of diagnosis through treatment and even after, cancer can give the feeling of being powerless. It’s not like we elected to invite such a disease into our lives, but we were forced to take action towards minimizing or removing it. When I started looking back on my cancer as a wake-up call and took some responsibility in its formation rather than feeling like a victim, it gave me the power to be able to change what I had been doing on a day-to-day basis. It empowered me with making healthier, more informed decisions and habits for living cleaner and abundantly. 12
Cancer Wellness
SEE THE LIGHT, OR BECOME THE LIGHT Cancer presents some dark tunnels ahead, whether you’re in it now or post-treatment in remission and beyond. And let’s face it: Life does too. When we can see the light in those tunnels, rather than focusing on the dark, more often than not we start to attract more life into our lives. Even on the darkest days, see a flower and the life it spawns. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and be present with each warming sip. Eventually, with a more mindful approach, you’ll see light in more places than expected. THE BIG C ISN’T CANCER, IT’S CHOICE The phrase “the big C” can get a bad rap. Rather than seeing cancer as the “C,” what if we redefined it as a big choice? It’s the choice to choose a different mindset; choose a different lifestyle; choose to meditate five minutes a day; choose to move our bodies for 20 minutes.; choose a new life plan that creates joy, life and fulfillment. I say, why not? It’s your choice.
Photo provided by Sara Quiriconi
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n my autobiography “Living Cancer Free,” I write, “We could say ‘could have, would have, should have’ and kick ourselves in our own butts for decades on end—or, take a hard lesson, reflect on it and learn to share it with the world.” Traditionally, I’ve never taken the easy route, so instead I bring you to my hard lessons learned. I was diagnosed with stage IIA Hodgkin lymphoma. While any cancer diagnosis is no sunny walk in the park, I am grateful for some of the habits it awakened me to that ensure I live my life more fully and freely today.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY I had four main people in my life when I was going through treatment. Four. I had plenty of friends that were off in college or doing their own life thing, but just four who were actually there in the trenches with me. And I’m alive and well to this day. Friends. Clients. Vacations. Family interactions. Calorie consumption. The quality of what you’re taking in is far greater than the quantity. Make each one count.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU.
Diagnosed With A Blood Cancer? We offer services and support for patients and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma, myelodyplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasm. • Educational Programs & Materials • Support Groups • Peer-to-Peer Support • Caregiver Support • Patient Financial Assistance Programs • Nutrition Services • Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators Patients and families can contact us at 800.955.4572 or go to www.LLS.org/patient-support.
Sharing is Caring
Get your fair share of good cookin’ with these manageable hearty recipes fit for blustery days. BY MARIA TRIPODIS
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Cancer Wellness
CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PINE NUTS AND SAGE Yield: 4 servings 1 head of cauliflower, florets only 3/4 cup cassava flour 1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed 1/4 cup pine nuts 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
PREPARATION: 1. Fill a medium saucepan with 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. NOTE: Use a steamer basket if you have one. 2. Once water is boiling, add cauliflower florets and cover. Steam cauliflower for 10–12 minutes or until fork tender. 3. Add cauliflower to the center of a dish towel. Bring corners together and twist
to squeeze florets, drawing out as much moisture as possible. 4. Add cauliflower to a food processor, along with the cassava flour, salt and pepper. Combine until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough begins to form a ball around the blade. 5. Transfer dough onto a floured surface and cut into 4 equal parts. Roll each quarter into a log about 2 inches thick. Once all of the logs are rolled, slice into 1-inch pieces. 6. In a medium sauté pat, heat olive oil on medium. Once oil is heated, add garlic, butternut squash and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté until squash begins to brown and become tender, about 8–10 minutes. Remove squash from pan and set aside. 7. In the heated pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and carefully add gnocchi using tongs. Let sit untouched until gnocchi begins to brown, and flip to brown the other side for about 4–5 minutes. 8. Once both sides are browned, add butternut squash back into the pan. Add pine nuts, sage, red pepper flakes, lemon juice and salt to taste. Serve hot. Cancer Wellness
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