Speaking Events

My dream has always been to tell my story by ultimately becoming an Inspirational Speaker.

If you are interested in helping me achieve my dream, email me at faithhopecancer@gmail.com

I learned at a very young age that my life had a purpose; I survived cancer for a reason. I am looking for opportunities to share my story and make a difference in the world.

A glimpse into my story:

I became a survivor 27 years ago when I won my battle against childhood cancer. My story begins with being rushed to the E.R. due to intense back pain and finding out I had 99+ leukemia cells in my bone marrow just five days before my 14th birthday.

I survived chemotherapy, radiation, starting high school bald, losing friends, and a major medical mistake.  I view my cancer as a blessing and a curse; I often thank God for the wonderful opportunities I have had and the people I have met because of it, and I dealt with depression in 2007 due to all the things cancer had taken away.

Topics include:

Topics will be based on the need of the audience:

  • What was like surviving cancer at 14 years old.
  • Surviving cancer only to lose all your friends – being an outsider.
  • Finding a meaningful life at a young age – Knowing life has a purpose.
  • How cancer affects the family.
  • Survivor guilt.
  • Depression – Suicide – Peace.
  • Overcoming obstacles.
  • Cherishing life. Living in the now.
  • Knowing what it is like to face death head-on.
  • Trusting God. Finding your faith.
  • The importance of having hope.
  • How you can help when someone you know is diagnosed with cancer.
  • How animals, music, humor, and art can help improve one’s health but also help one cope with illness.

Public Speaking Experience:

CHILDHOOD CANCER TALK RADIO (7/2022)
Radio Show with Janet Demeter

HOPE AND HELP HAPPENS HERE (2/2022)
Podcast with Mark Levine
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1218635/10048568

ANNUAL RECREATIONAL THERAPY WORKSHOP – Toledo, OH (4/2014)
Presenter – A Recreational Therapist’s Role in Meeting the Needs of Chronically Ill Children
• 60-minute presentation focusing on how children cognitively develop and play, utilizing that knowledge to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with chronically ill children while creating and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment for that child.
• A case study of a 20-month-old child diagnosed with Leukemia was examined – treatment goals, interventions, and outcomes.

BISHOP HARTLEY HIGH SCHOOL – Columbus, OH (11/2013)
Speaker
• 30 minutes talk sharing my story. What it was like to have cancer in high school and how God and my faith guided me through life after treatment.

BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVORSHIP CONFERENCE – Columbus, OH (4/2013)
Co-Presenter – How to Help Child Cope with a Family Members Cancer Diagnosis
• 30-minute presentation on how to help children understand and cope with a family member’s cancer diagnosis.

UNC HOSPITALS RECREATIONAL THERAPY LUNCH AND LEARN – Chapel Hill, NC (7/2008)
Presenter – Assisting with patients’ new diagnoses (and the corresponding family dynamics)
• 60-minute presentation focusing on steps to talking with the patient, sibling, and parents when a child is newly diagnosed. Exploring a variety of goals that can be utilized to help the child cope with their diagnosis.

NORTH CAROLINA SURVIVORSHIP SUMMIT– Raleigh, NC (2008)
Co-Presenter – Traveling the Road to Maturity: Issues of Adolescents and Young Adults
• 60-minute presentation focusing on the variety of issues Adolescents and Young Adults may face, such as Relationships, Careers, Follow-Up Healthcare, Insurance, and Fertility.

CANCER PATIENT EDUCATION NETWORK CONFERENCE – Greensboro, NC (11/2006)
Presenter – A Velvet Touch – A Guide to Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy (AAA/T) and How It Can Benefit Cancer Patients
• 30-minute presentation on the benefits of AAA/T with cancer patients, precautions for infection control, and how to start a pet therapy program.