Lisa Lakey Interview (Part 2)
For many, there comes a de?ning moment in our lives that shapes who we are and who we will become. These moments, often arising unexpectedly, force us to discover deeper parts of ourselves that we had no idea laid dormant underneath the identities that we’d spent decades creating and curating.
Sam McKinnon Interview (Part 2)
Though now cancer-free, Sam McKinnon, 32, still struggles with infections and other health-related issues. This is common among many cancer survivors, despite it often not being widely known among those who have not personally battled or known someone else who has battled cancer.
Caregiving and Compassion: Kim Bernakevitch
When you find a true friend, it’s wise to hold on to them forever. As adults with hectic schedules, it’s hard enough carving out time for ourselves, let alone for others. So, when I spent an hour talking with Sam McKinnon about her cervical cancer journey and she began to tell me stories about how incredibly supportive her dear friend Kim has been throughout her entire cancer journey, I knew that I had to meet her for myself. Who is this incredible woman and what compels her to provide caregiving and compassion to others in a world that seems to lack it so deeply now?
Cervical Cancer Story: Lisa Lakey
Lisa Lakey’s ?rst diagnosis was received in a Planned Parenthood at 18 years old. It was HPV, and with research discoveries of the virus still being relatively new, there were unfortunately no treatment plans o?ered or vaccines available.
August 2021 #PullUpASeat – Addressing Trauma and Changing Patient Outcomes
The Tigerlily Foundation and Guiding Researchers and Advocates for Scientific Partnerships (GRASP) launched a monthly conversation series, #KnowMoreDisparities and #PullUpASeat. Our August conversation focused on “Addressing Trauma and Changing Patient…
Chemo to Double Mastectomy in 6 Weeks
With chemotherapy done, I now had to face my next hurdle, a double mastectomy. I was given 6 weeks in between chemo and my surgery to heal and regain some strength. It was such a strange feeling to have nowhere to be. No doctors to poke and prod me. No labs to be drawn.
Why me, why cancer can happen to anyone
My oncologist recommended genetic testing. Most have heard of the BRCA genes. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie have tested positive and opted for a preventative mastectomy. I heard those stories. What I didn’t know was there were other genes that also went hand and hand with breast cancer and caused things like ovarian cancer. I agreed to the testing.
it rolls off the tongue…
By 35 and a half, I became an ANGEL advocate for the Tigerlily Foundation because I believe in their mission to educate, advocate for, empower, and support young women, before, during and after breast cancer, and their vision we seeking to educate and empower women of all backgrounds, including those at heightened risk, those facing health disparities, and those with less access to care. (tigerlilyfoundation.org) It rolls off the tongue.
Pandemic Chemo
Chemotherapy for 12 weeks, once a week. Three months of treatment to save my life. I told myself that I carried twins for 9 months and was sick for the entire time. This would be a piece of cake.
Cervical Cancer Story: Sam McKinnon
Sam McKinnon’s life prior to her diagnosis is one that most would describe as normal. She
worked for years as a nuclear medicine technician in the diagnostic imaging wing of her
hospital. She’s married with a four-year-old son and lives in a rural part of Canada.