Contributors

Kim Johnson

Kim was a caregiver for her sister while she battled stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma for nearly five years, from diagnosis through an autologous transplant. She turned her experience into change and has since become an activist in finding a cure for cancer. Kim has worked in politics and assisted in the passing of numerous legislative pieces impacting patients with cancer and their families. She is an activist in the field of oncology, nursing and beyond. Additionally, she is a volunteer and champion for a cure with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Campaign. Kim has shared her experiences with cancer as a contributor with Cure and through public speaking engagements throughout the United States.

Danielle Ripley-Burgess

Danielle Ripley-Burgess is a 20+ year colon cancer survivor first diagnosed at age 17, an award-winning communications professional and the author of Blush: How I barely survived 17. She writes and speaks to encourage others that faith can survive. Also, she bakes a really good chocolate chip cookie. Follow her blog at DanielleRipleyBurgess.com or connect on social media at @DanielleisB.

Stephanie Hammonds

Stephanie Hammonds is a survivor of ovarian cancer and was first diagnosed in 2009. She is involved with various cancer-related speaking engagements, including with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's Survivors Teaching Students Program®. She is a life-long artist, freelance writer, lover of Italian cooking, mom and grandmom.

Donna Short

Donna Short is a corporate executive at MJH Life Sciences, CURE's parent company. In her role, she works with partners and thought leaders in the oncology space. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dana Stewart

Dana Stewart was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 32. She is the co-founder of a cancer survivorship organization called The Dragonfly Angel Society. She volunteers as an advocate and mentor, focusing on young adults surviving cancer. She enjoys writing about life as a cancer survivor, as well as connecting survivors to the resources, inspirations and stories that have helped her continue to live her best life, available at www.dragonflyangelsociety.com.

Gogs Gagnon

Gogs Gagnon followed an early passion for computers by becoming a programmer and an independent technology consultant. He has developed software for Apple, IBM and the government of British Columbia, where he was the lead programmer analyst and data architect. Now retired, Gogs is a cancer survivor, author and patient advocate who is passionate about sharing his experience and lessons learned. His book, “Prostate Cancer Strikes: Navigating the Storm,” is available on Amazon and distributed free across Canada to everyone newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Barbara Chernow

Barbara A. Chernow, PhD (Columbia University), is the founder of Chernow Editorial Services, Inc., a company that produces medical and professional books for publishers worldwide. She has also edited many reference projects, including the Columbia Encyclopedia, is the author of Beyond the Internet, and has taught at NYU and the New School. She published an article, The Other Side of Grief, in the Brooklyn Quarterly

Gregory Carroll, PhD

As a psychologist specializing in clinician-patient communication, Greg has worn a few hats: university professor, associate dean, foundation executive and independent consultant. Diagnosed in January 2014 with high-grade carcinoma of the head and neck, he underwent extensive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment over the next five months. He and his wife Suzanne reside in Connecticut and are profoundly grateful to all the oncology professionals, staff and survivors who treat and support them.

Doris Cardwell

Doris Cardwell received a life-changing diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer in 2007. While undergoing treatment, she co-founded a mentor program for the cancer center treating her. She also created community events to educate, encourage and empower people regarding cancer. Doris was the first Survivorship Community Outreach Liaison for her local cancer center. She is an advocate, educator and encourager on issues facing cancer survivors. Doris is a wife, mother, empty nester, survivor of life and lover of all things coffee. An avid speaker and blogger, she is available at