Lisa Burnett Clovis
Early on in her journey with cancer, Lisa Burnett decided on a motto that her family would follow: "There's always hope, and miracles happen all the time." Once she began chemotherapy, she added, "Suck it up and tough it out." Today, Lisa is toughing it out as she continues treatment for ovarian cancer. She has an incredible support system in her husband, children and inner circle of friends. Lisa believes that exercising and staying in shape are a great help not only for her, but also in helping her children's mental and emotional well-being.

Beth Blackstone Santa Cruz
Beth Blackstone ran her second marathon in December 2008, four years after her breast cancer diagnosis. She runs for a good cause: to raise money for cancer research. During treatment, Beth received great support from the doctors and chemotherapy nurses, as well as her family, friends, pets and bible study groups. The Peer Navigator Program at Stanford University, which pairs cancer patients with survivors, also was a tremendous help to her. Beth understands firsthand how the journey with cancer can help you appreciate what you do have in your life: friends, family and life itself.

Dan Murray Turlock
While Dan Murray wouldn't wish his treatment for prostate cancer on anyone, he believes that cancer has provided him with more blessings than he ever thought possible. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2004, Dan received treatment for about 30 months and relied on his support team including his wife, family, friends, medical team and the complimentary therapy programs at Memorial Medical Center. Dan encourages those faced with a cancer diagnosis to never give up, educate themselves about the disease and share their story with anyone who will listen. Most importantly, Dan says, "Realize that you have cancer. It doesn't have you. Life is still worth living, maybe more so now." Dan exemplifies that. He's learned new skills, discovered new talents and made a host of new friends.

Deanna Mete Atascadero
Deanna Mete was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2007. While it was a bump in the road, she continued her life as she planned it. For example, Deanna continued to train for a triathlon during her treatments and completed the Wildflower event eight days after her last treatment, and she followed her dream to join the Paso Robles Police Department. Deanna's support system helped her through. Her family's love allowed her to heal and remain positive, and her friends took care of her family with carpools, meals and constant emotional support. Deanna's coworkers continually amazed her with their kindness and thoughtful gestures, including shaving their heads in support.

Blaine Mauldin Mountain View
"Cancer survivors do amazing things every single day," explains testicular cancer survivor Blaine Mauldin. In October 2006, after about one week of abdominal pain, Blaine went to the emergency room. He received an ultrasound and blood work, and was told, on the spot, that he had a 95 percent chance of having testicular cancer. The next day he saw an oncologist and the following day Blaine had surgery, which was followed by chemotherapy. By February 2007, Blaine was in remission. From the day he was diagnosed, to the day he began remission, Blaine had very little time and energy to reflect on what was happening. To this day, the depth of his experience is still sinking in, and he enjoys being involved in fundraisers and initiatives such as Breakaway from Cancer ^® and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Blaine enjoys the fellow cancer survivors he meets through these activities and is amazed by the immediate powerful bond and mutual respect between them.

Travis Hagen Sacramento
In May 2002, 27-year-old Travis Hagen was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Over the next year, Travis underwent two surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy before completing treatment. Today, Travis is an active recreational cyclist and father to two young children. He calls his wife Carrie "the rock that I needed, and the motivation to keep going," and he also credits the support he received from his employer, family, friends and doctors. Travis encourages those who are facing cancer to talk to experts, get many opinions, learn about the disease, be active in their treatment and speak to other survivors who faced the same cancer.

Charyl Benton Santa Ynez
During the last three-and-a-half years Charyl Benton has undergone full bilateral mastectomies, two complete rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and she began a third round this January. In addition, she's had many surgeries for breast reconstruction. Through all this, Charyl has never felt alone. She says, "I genuinely felt the hand of God in transforming my life from one of unhappiness to one of joy at being alive and realizing that quality relationships are the greatest gift that God has given us on this planet."

Mary Barth Paso Robles
The strength provided by her family, friends and her faith, as well as a strong will to live and a positive attitude, helped Mary Barth face an ovarian cancer diagnosis. She feels fortunate to be here and appreciates each day. Mary suggests that others faced with a cancer diagnosis, "first listen to your heart and get through the sadness, anger and fear." On a practical level, she recommends taking someone along to doctor appointments, and listen and learn from your professional staff. She also stresses the importance of staying focused, taking one day at a time and not giving up without a fight.

Joe Ferrara Santa Cruz
Joe Ferrara offers this advice to those faced with cancer: 1) Join a support group, because cancer is a better journey shared; 2) Realize that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence; and 3) Be your own best advocate: ask questions and get information. Through his prostate cancer journey, Joe received support from his local urologist and the oncology staff at U.C. San Francisco, both during and after his diagnosis, and the staff at his comic bookstore Atlantis Fantasyworld, who held the business together while he recovered from surgery. At home, his wife Dottie was a tremendous source of emotional and day-to-day support. Most important, by attending the monthly meetings of the Santa Cruz Prostate Support Group, Joe learned that education is key, especially for men who do not like to go to the doctor.

Michele Fortes Sacramento
Diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2006, cycling helped Michele Fortes stay strong and positive through her battle with cancer. Michele underwent multiple treatments to battler her cancer, including two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Her bicycle club and cycling friends were there for her, whether sitting with her during chemotherapy or riding the distance and pace she could handle. Now, actively involved with the Sacramento Breast Cancer Resource Center to help local women, Michele encourages cancer patients to stay active, stay positive, find situations that make them laugh and keep living life.

Janet Robertson Visalia
In January 2005, Janet Robertson was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a cancer that both her mother and brother also fought. Janet had her thyroid gland removed and underwent a nuclear treatment called radioactive iodine. During the treatment, she had to be isolated and joked with her family and friends that they should look for the "green glow in the sky." On the serious slide, Janet is thankful for modern medicine because she has been cancer free for three years. In addition, Janet, an avid cyclist, believes that physical fitness greatly improves a person's odds to fight cancer or any physical ailment.

Virginia Rasmussen Burbank
Each week Virginia Rasmussen finds strength from the heroes she encounters during her support group meetings at The Wellness Community in Pasadena. Virginia believes they're heroes because they have found strength to help themselves and others adjust and prevail, whether they are facing the most serious forms of cancer, are in recovery or facing a terminal diagnosis. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2007, Virginia had no prior experience with groups or any sort of counseling, and today she receives great strength and a deep level of understanding from The Wellness Community. She encourages those faced with a cancer diagnosis to try a support group even if they don't think they need it!

Jere Carpentier San Jose
Jere Carpentier was recently diagnosed with her third primary cancer - colon cancer. She's been through the fight before, beginning in 1997 with Hodgkins and in 2003 with Lymphoma. In addition, after the second cancer, she experienced heart failure from chemo. But, she says she is ready to fight! With her first two cancer diagnoses, Jere felt there was limited support and information about battling a blood cancer. She connected with the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and became part of a group that helped her learn about cancer survival and also provided her with the opportunity to help and give back, regardless of her type of cancer. Jere values her support system of family, friends, other survivors, doctors and LAF. She says, "Previous survivors are invaluable, doctors are the people you need to trust and family needs to be there for you."

Deborah Dunham Davis
While Deborah Dunham wishes she had never been diagnosed with breast cancer, she is grateful for a new appreciation of life. Specifically, she now enjoys more intimate relationships with family and friends, a deeper appreciation for laughter and play, a willingness to be more curious and to try new things and an ever- increasing spirituality. Deborah found strength from Lance Armstrong's inspiring stories and books, and her support system consisting of her husband, children, mother, siblings, friends, co-workers and her treatment team from Sutter Health. For those facing a cancer diagnosis, Deborah recommends finding a treatment team that you can trust and maintaining your normal activities as much as possible.

Sonia Cortez Alhambra
Sonia Cortez received a special 30th birthday present. She completed treatment for thyroid cancer in March 2008 - a few days after her special day. She began attending a support group at The Wellness Community in Pasadena just a few weeks after her diagnosis and valued the support and information received there. Sonia stresses that it's important to realize that you can have cancer at any age, and you are not alone. She says that it's okay to be angry or sad and to ask a lot of questions, but never forget to surround yourself with positive people, and laugh until your stomach hurts.

Sandy Worth Santa Clarita
Sandy Worth's cancer journey really begins with two people. She couldn't imagine battling this disease without her husband, Jack. The diagnosis was hers but the eight months of treatment they shared. At the age of forty-five, shortly before Christmas 2002, they heard the words together. After biopsies, ultrasounds and second opinions the reality of the news was starting to sink in. The cancer originally found in her breast was already moving, and she had a pea size lump under her right arm. Sandy felt that her healthy body had betrayed her, and they discovered that cancer is too quiet. Sandy felt relief when they finally had a game plan: mastectomy in January 2003 followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy, then 31 days of radiation. The battle was just beginning. March was a difficult month. Sandy had contracted a headcold between chemo treatments. Struggling with nausea and mouth sores, she was now battling a fever and coughing her brains out. She was going to beat cancer but she felt that her cold was going to kill her! She was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Like most challenges in life, she got through it. Chemotherapy ended in July and 31 days of radiation was a cakewalk. The end of summer meant having her life back, hair was just a bonus. It's been 6 years since Sandy's diagnosis and every morning she wakes up and feels like she's won the lottery of life. She hugs her kids a little longer and her friends a little closer. Sandy's doctors treated her cancer, but her husband healed her and for that she will be forever grateful.

Parker Allan Fritsch Fresno
Parker Allan Fritsch was diagnosed with cancer one month before his third birthday. Now, an active nine-year-old involved with ongoing treatment, he's undergone a bone marrow transplant, more than three years of chemotherapy and full-body radiation. Along the way, Parker has had the incredible support of his family, cycling team, church congregation and friends. In fact, the local charity cycling team that raises funds for charities in Parker's honor even changed its name to "Parker's Team" in 2005. An inspiration to those who meet him, Parker and his family know how important it is to treat each day as special and never wait for tomorrow to do what you can do today!

Karen Card Santa Cruz
Karen Card will never forget the outpouring of love and support she received from her friends and family - especially her daughter and future son-in-law who lived with her during her battle with cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005, Karen underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation for 10 months. The meals, rides to appointments, and phone call and notes of support helped her continue looking forward. Karen is especially thankful to her sister and aunt who helped make her birthday special when she felt so fragile. Karen suggests those faced with cancer stay positive and get as many foot rubs, hugs and gentle massages as possible.

Jack Webb Lompoc
Webb was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2007 and lung cancer in September 2008. He's gone through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and is thankful for the support team around him, including his wife, three adult children and six doctors. Jack suggests that other cancer survivors seek out second opinions, participate in group meetings and have faith.

Nadine Spertus San Diego
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Nadine Spertus has a great sense of humor. She had the support of an amazing team of friends - overwhelmingly generous with their love and friendship. They continue to join her in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in San Diego on her "Nadine's New Knockers" team. Nadine says, "Cancer may have turned my life upside down, but it made me into a far better person than I ever thought possible."

Michael Ruel Lake Sherwood
Mike Ruel's favorite activity is to get up each day, look in the mirror and say, "It's good to see you." Diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and tonsils in January 2007, he underwent simultaneous radiation and chemotherapy (41 radiation treatments with weekly chemotherapy). Mike knows that support is a valuable component for successful treatment. He received strength to endure the treatments and believe in success from the positive energy of his wife and children, relatives, friends and his medical team. Mike's wife and best friend, Deana was always by his side. Whether it was researching therapeutic options and making decisions about approach and timing, making certain that Mike received the nourishment needed to survive through a feeding tube, or providing the emotional support to keep Mike's mental attitude focused on a positive outcome one day at a time, Deana was there for Mike.

Carol Scurich Scotts Valley
Carol Scurich feels that breast cancer was her destiny. Diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2001, she had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation, and completed treatment in January 2002. During this time, Carol's family and friends, as well as her extended family at work, were her main support system. Her sons gave her a reason to be hopeful and positive, and they kept her laughing. Carol feels cancer was destiny because it provided her an amazing level of understanding to help support her sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years after her own diagnosis.

Lori Romig Thousand Oaks
"We have come to know that our lives are blessed, and each day, no matter what, is worth living," explains cancer survivor Lori Romig. Diagnosed with cancer when her now seven-year-old daughter was just a baby, Lori underwent treatment for five years. She expresses tremendous gratitude for those who supported her, including her husband, daughter, parents, sister and friends. Lori's husband was a pillar of strength. He guided her and took care of things that she couldn't handle, and her daughter gave her hope and filled her life and heart with joy. Today, Lori says, "Life is full of joy and I am truly blessed in so many ways. Life is good!"

Nanci Navarro Modesto
Nanci Navarro feels united with other cancer survivors and finds strength from Lance Armstrong's words, "In the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything." Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005, Nanci says, "If he can do it, I can do it," and she approaches each day with a smile. Nanci is thankful for her tremendous support system that enables her to focus on beating cancer and staying positive. She hopes that her positive attitude gives others hope in the face of what can be a very scary diagnosis. Nanci says, "I have cancer, cancer doesn't have me! Life is a journey and I'm loving every step!"

Linda Martins Modesto
Many new doors have opened for Linda Martins and she cherishes the wonderful things that have resulted from something as tragic as her cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2007, Linda underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She believes that a good support system is extremely important, and she's thankful for Memorial Medical Center's Triumph Program, which helped give her a purpose without pressure. Linda says that her husband, children and Cheryl from Memorial Medical Center are her guardian angels.