Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul

by Jack Canfield

  Who Is Jack Canfield?

  Jack Canfield is the co-creator and editor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, which Time magazine has called “the publishing phenomenon of the decade.” The series now has 105 titles with over 100 million copies in print in forty-one languages. Jack is also the coauthor of eight other bestselling books including The Success Principles™ : How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Dare to Win, The Aladdin Factor, You’ve Got to Read This Book, The Power of Focus: How to Hit Your Business, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty.

  Jack has recently developed a telephone coaching program and an online coaching program based on his most recent book The Success Principles. He also offers a seven-day Breakthrough to Success seminar every summer, which attracts 400 people from fifteen countries around the world.

  Jack is the CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises and the Canfield Training Group in Santa Barbara, California, and Founder of the Foundation for Self-Esteem in Culver City, California. He has conducted intensive personal and professional development seminars on the principles of success for over 900,000 people in twenty-one countries around the world. He has spoken to hundreds of thousands of others at numerous conferences and conventions and has been seen by millions of viewers on national television shows such as The Today Show, Fox and Friends, Inside Edition, Hard Copy, CNN’s Talk Back Live, 20/20, Eye to Eye, and the NBC Nightly News and the CBS Evening News.

  Jack is the recipient of many awards and honors, including three honorary doctorates and a Guinness World Records Certificate for having seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books appearing on the New York Times bestseller list on May 24, 1998.

  To write to Jack or for inquiries about Jack as a speaker, his coaching programs or his seminars, use the following contact information:

  Jack Canfield

  The Canfield Companies

  P.O. Box 30880

  Santa Barbara, CA 93130

  Phone: 805-563-2935; Fax: 805-563-2945

  E-mail: info@jackcanfield.com

  Web site: www.jackcanfield.com

  Who Is Mark Victor Hansen?

  In the area of human potential, no one is more respected than Mark Victor Hansen. For more than thirty years, Mark has focused solely on helping people from all walks of life reshape their personal vision of what’s possible. His powerful messages of possibility, opportunity and action have created powerful change in thousands of organizations and millions of individuals worldwide.

  He is a sought-after keynote speaker, bestselling author and marketing maven. Mark’s credentials include a lifetime of entrepreneurial success and an extensive academic background. He is a prolific writer with many bestselling books, such as The One Minute Millionaire, The Power of Focus, The Aladdin Factor and Dare to Win, in addition to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Mark has made a profound influence through his library of audios, videos and articles in the areas of big thinking, sales achievement, wealth building, publishing success, and personal and professional development.

  Mark is the founder of the MEGA Seminar Series. MEGA Book Marketing University and Building Your MEGA Speaking Empire are annual conferences where Mark coaches and teaches new and aspiring authors, speakers and experts on building lucrative publishing and speaking careers. Other MEGA events include MEGA Marketing Magic and My MEGA Life.

  He has appeared on Oprah, CNN and The Today Show, he has been quoted in Time, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, New York Times and Entrepreneur and had countless radio interviews, assuring our planet’s people that “You can easily create the life you deserve.”

  As a philanthropist and humanitarian, Mark works tirelessly for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Childhelp USA and many others. He is the recipient of numerous awards that honor his entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic heart and business acumen. He is a lifetime member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, an organization that honored Mark with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award for his extraordinary life achievements.

  Mark Victor Hansen is an enthusiastic crusader of what’s possible and is driven to make the world a better place.

  Mark Victor Hansen & Associates, Inc.

  P.O. Box 7665

  Newport Beach, CA 92658

  phone: 949-764-2640

  fax: 949-722-6912

  Web site: www.markvictorhansen.com

  Who Is Mary Olsen Kelly?

  Mary Olsen Kelly is an author, business owner, public speaker and breast-cancer survivor. Her books include Path of the Pearl: Discover Your Treasures Within (Beyond Words Publishing), The #1 Best Tools and Tips from the Trenches of Breast Cancer (Books Beyond Borders), Finding Each Other and Treasury of Light: An Anthology of the Best in New Age Literature (both published by Simon and Schuster).

  Books Beyond Borders has recently contracted with Mary to write three more Tips from the Trenches books: Chemotherapy, Eating to Beat Cancer and Complementary and Alternative Healing Techniques for Cancer.

  She is an advocate for breast-cancer funding and research, and is the director of Breast Wishes Institute, an educational nonprofit foundation that hosts the Web site BreastWishes.org. The organization distributes educational information about breast cancer and is dedicated to educating, inspiring and supporting people with breast cancer. Breast Wishes Puppetry Company is currently researching, writing and producing “My Mommy’s Bald,” a puppet production that will be made into a film.

  Mary is a dynamic and entertaining speaker who enthralls audiences with her lectures on healing. She loves speaking to breast-cancer organizations, medical organizations and women’s groups of all kinds. She has been a featured lecturer on Holland America and Princess Cruise Ships.

  With her husband, Don Kelly, she owns the Black Pearl Gallery fine jewelry stores in Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii, and Balboa Island, California.

  To schedule Mary for a speech, contact:

  Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul

  575 Cooke St., Suite A, Box 3013

  Honolulu, HI 96813

  E-mail: CS4BCSoul@aol.com

  Web sites: BreastWishes.org and PathofthePearl.com

  Contributors

  Donna Andres lives in Branford, Connecticut, with her husband and children.

  Pam Arciero is a puppeteer, director and actress for television, stage and film. Her credits include Sesame Street, Between the Lions, and numerous commercials, films and off-Broadway shows. She holds degrees from the University of Hawaii and the University of Connecticut.

  Jami Bernard is a film critic for the New York Daily News and a breast cancer survivor. She is the author of seven books, including Breast Cancer: There & Back (Warner Books, 2001).

  Jennifer Basye Sander is a New York Times bestselling author and an Emmy-award winning television producer. A popular public speaker, she lives in Granite Bay, California, with her husband, writer Peter Sander, and their sons Julian and Jonathan. You can reach her at basyesander@yahoo.com.

  Denise Blunk is the manager of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grand Rapids Affiliate. She is active in local support groups such as Gilda’s Club and a Breast Health Coalition. Denise resides in Caledonia, Michigan, with her husband, Jim, and daughter, Adrianna. She enjoys reading, volleyball and shopping! Please reach her at grkomen@unitedwaycares.com.

  Sharon Bomgaars is a wife, mother, nana and former reading teacher. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband of thirty-nine years, spending time with her family, teaching an ESL class and working in her church. Her dream is to someday write a children’s book for her beautiful grandchildren.

  Arlette Braman is a freelance writer with many articles to her credit and the author of six nonfiction children’s books. When not writing, she indulges in her passion—sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. Arlette lives in Maryland and enjoys quality time with her two teenagers, family and friends. She is a four-time breast-cancer survivor. Arlette may
be contacted via e-mail at arlnb@mac.com or on her Web site at www.arlettebraman.com.

  Mary Anne Breen—Former Miss Colorado USA, model, cruise line DSM, mortgage L/O—finally found her Legacy as an Independent Business Owner with her husband, John, and son, Connor. She credits God’s grace, her Christian community, family, friends, business mentors—all who helped her breeze through eight chemo and thrity three radiation treatments. If she thought her breast would one day get her published, she wasn’t thinking cancer or book! She now cherishes all her titles: Christian, Wife, Mother, Survivor. Contact her at heart2hand@convad.net.

  Anthony Burton received his bachelor of arts in exercise and sports science from the UNC-Chapel Hill in 1998. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he works as a project manager and a personal trainer. He aspires to be an author of children’s books. Please e-mail him at anthonyb235@yahoo.com.

  Ellen Ann Callahan received her law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1977. She practices adoption law. Ellen enjoys being married, raising her two children, gardening, writing, playing poker and traveling on cruise ships. She also dances whenever she hears a beat. Please e-mail her at calla-hanea@comcast.net.

  Leah Cano holds a master’s degree in education and has worked as an elementary-school teacher. She has written for MAMM Magazine, The Desert Woman Magazine and Transitions Abroad Magazine. She has a deep love of travel and languages. She resides in Laguna Beach, California, where she continues to pursue a writing career.

  Sue Caruso has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past thirty-seven years. In addition to being a swimmer, she is an artist, voracious reader and community volunteer. Her sense of humor has no boundaries. Please e-mail her at sbcaruso42@yahoo.com.

  Kathy Cawthon and her husband, Roger, were diagnosed with cancer at the same time. They are now ten-year survivors! Kathy graduated from the College of William & Mary, and she is the author of Medicine, Marathons and Miracles: Turning a Diagnosis of Cancer into Personal Victory. Please e-mail her at kcawthon@cox.net.

  Kathy Chamberlin received her bachelor of science with honors in 1980. Her poetry has been published internationally. She has successfully fought breast cancer three times and can be reached at P.O. Box 1052, LaGrange Park, IL 60526.

  A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Ida Chipman, a prize-winning journalist, is the wife of attorney and retired Appellate and Marshall County Judge Eugene Chipman. She has been a correspondent for the South Bend Tribune for the past eleven years and has had stories published in twenty-seven newspapers and several magazines and trade journals.

  Donna St. Jean Conti is a breast-cancer survivor and cocreator of Next Level Survivor, an exercise program designed to address the special needs of post-surgery breast-cancer patients. She is a marketing communications professional and owner of St. Conti Communications in Mission Viejo, California. Contact her at stconti@cox.net.

  Barbara Curtis obtained a bachelor of arts from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, in 1977. She’s owned three businesses, two with her sister (custom clothing shops in Walnut Creek, California, and Lahaina, Maui) and an international book sales and consulting venture called Books Beyond Borders/Curtis Int’l. She enjoys cooking, traveling, most outdoor activities, and the company of her good friends and wonderful family. She’s very happily married to Chuck Curtis, with her twenty-year wedding anniversary approaching.

  Susan Darke is the director of human resources for an IT company in Virginia. She is a volunteer with the Y-ME Breast Cancer Support Group, serving as a match for newly diagnosed women. She enjoys reading, dancing, singing, sunny days and long walks on the beach.

  John de Strakosch is an author who lives in southern California with his wife and their two dogs. His book, Healing Sword: Creating and Maintaining an Exquisite Life, is an inspiration to many and is available from the author. Please e-mail him at mindbody@mindspring.com.

  Teri Reath D’Ignazio is a career travel agent (thirty years). During her breast cancer treatment, she took a work sabbatical and became very involved in her community, particularly environmental issues. Teri is married and has one daughter, Curry. She enjoys quilting, traveling and ran for local office in November 2005. Please contact her at teri_myworld@yahoo.com.

  Regina Dodson is a teaching assistant at a local school. She is thankful for her husband, Tom, and sons, Michael and Tom, for their love and support. She plans on retiring at her lake home where she can watch the sun dance on the water, giving her peace and hope.

  Carol Ross Edmonston received her B.S. from the University of Southern California in 1970. She is now an international inspirational speaker and offers creative workshops on the Magic and Wisdom of Doodling. She is an ardent student of meditation and enjoys hiking, fishing and traveling. Please e-mail her at Carol@SacredDoodles.com.

  T. Suzanne Eller is an author and freelance speaker from Oklahoma. She has been featured on numerous national media programs, including Focus on the Family and Aspiring Women. She ministers to teens and families and can be reached at http://realteenfaith.com or tseller@daretobelieve.org.

  Sally Fouché lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband and three children. This story’s subject, Chris Helmholz, continues to inspire all. Sally graduated from the University of Puget Sound, with honors in economics, and worked in the computer and banking industry. She can be reached at sallyfouche@yahoo.com.

  Lowell Gere is a nine-year breast-cancer survivor. He is retired and lives in the northwest with his wife Betty. They enjoy travel and their grandchildren. He enjoys playing golf and is an active volunteer in organizations related to cancer and breast cancer. He can be reached at lagere@earthlink.net.

  Judy Hague is currently on disability for her cancer. She enjoys reading, scrap-booking and writing. Her real love is writing poetry, and she has been published twice. Judy is currently writing a small book about her experience with cancer and hopes to be able to share it with others. E-mail her at judyh-ague@bellsouth.net.

  Heather Haldeman began writing professionally six years ago. She has been married to her husband, Hank, for twenty-six years and has three children. She has published several personal essays and is currently writing a book on growing up in Los Angeles. Please reach her at Heathheh@aol.com.

  Susan R. Harris is a professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. A breast cancer researcher, Susan was one of the original members of Abreast in a Boat, the world’s first Dragon Boat team comprised entirely of women living with breast cancer.

  Jonny Hawkins loves creating cartoons. Over the last twenty years, his work has appeared in over 300 publications and in over 100 books. He has several books out including Laughter From the Pearly Gates and The Awesome Book of Heavenly Humor. He can be reached at jonnyhawkins2nz.@yahoo.com.

  Judith Averitt Hayes is a three-time breast-cancer survivor. She started a support group for survivors in her hometown of Winchester, Kentucky, in 1995. Judith is very active in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and a participant in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She and her husband, Walter, have been married for forty-six years. They have two daughters and five wonderful grandchildren.

  Jacqueline M. Hickey lives, runs and writes in Rockport, Massachusetts. You can contact her at Roxie01966@yahoo.com.

  Allan Hirsh, M.A. is a psychotherapist, trainer and cartoonist. His latest book, Relax For the Fun of It: A Cartoon & Audio Guide to Releasing Stress, is available at www.xaramal.com. Contact Allan at relax@allanhirsh.com or 705-476-2219 (North Bay, Ontario). Web site www.allanhirsh.com.

  Leigh Anne Jasheway is a freelance humor writer who won the Erma Bombeck Humor Writing competition with this article. She believes in a previous lifetime she may have left the iron on. E-mail her at www.accidentalcomic.com.

  Don Kelly is the owner of the Black Pearl Gallery stores on Maui, Oahu, and Balboa Island, California. He loves to travel the world finding inspiration for his unique and exotic jewelry designs.
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br />   Ruth Kotler received her BS in Biology from Stonehill College and her Physician Associate Degree from Yale School of Medicine. She is a Physician Associate at the University of Connecticut Health Center. She resides in Avon, Connecticut with her husband, David, and children Nathan and Hannah.

  Pandora Kurth lives in Maui, Hawaii. Pandora has been a licensed massage therapist for sixteen years. She has been writing since her early years. Her first published story was in 1969. Her passions include working in the Healing Arts, writing, collecting vintage Hawaiiana and living “Aloha.”

  Mary Ellen “Barney” LaFavers is a retired nurse who lives in Somerset, Kentucky. She was diagnosed with breast cancer over thirty years ago. Mary Ellen is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Her nickname, “Barney,” was an affectionate derivation from her maiden name during nurse’s training and has stuck ever since.

  Ryan Matthew Landis is an elementary-school teacher in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He’s written two books, including The Pink Ribbon Boys, a children’s book about two brothers whose football season takes a turn after their mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. More information and his e-mail address can be found at www.pinkribbonboys.com.

  Ron Lando-Brown and his wife Micki live on the island of Maui. Their vacation rental business brings them people and stories from all over the world.

  Betsy Ludwig is originally from San Francisco, California. She has a son and family in San Jose and a daughter and family in San Mateo. She moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, twenty-five years ago. Betsy loved teaching in California and Hawaii and is now in her tenth year of retirement. Her volunteer work fills a great space in her life. You can e-mail Betsy at betsylu30@aol.com.

  Charles Markman has been in the art business since high school. He operated a graphic desing studio in the Chicago area and freelanced as a cartoonist for many years. Stil drawing cartoons and very involved in watercolors painting and pen and ink drawings, Charles can be reached by e-mail at cngmarkman@aol.com.