Introduction

Once treatment is over, cancer survivors cope with their new life in different ways. While some prefer to put their experiences behind them, others choose to draw on them, and get involved with cancer-related activities or causes. There is a wide range of ways to help others, whether it's taking someone to a doctor's appointment, or deciding to start a Web site. Below are some inspiring stories of survivors who took what they went through with cancer and turned it into something positive. Each individual found a purpose in sharing their experience and giving back to others. Perhaps their stories will inspire you and offer hope that there is truly life after cancer.

Gary Johnson
A continuing adventure

Kelly Turner
Helping others get help

Mark Ciccarelli
Connecting people to people

Byron Dudley
A calendar of hope

Minnie Hines-Chen
Living and loving every day

Staci Wright
Helping kids regain their self image

Gary Bonacker
Biking for life

Katie Strumpf
Sharing her stories

Ben Moon
The picture of balance

Tamika Felder
Survivor and advocate

Matthew Zachary
Composing a support network for young adults

The stories on this page were first featured in the book Cancer Adventures, by Marlys Johnson (Copyright © 2008 by Marlys Johnson). Both the stories and the photographs are owned by the author and survivors and are used with permission.

For more on life after cancer, read Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment.
For more on getting involved, go to Facing Forward: Making a Difference in Cancer.