has online communities for survivors to connect with each other. 8. Of all the work ACS does, can you name the one closest to your heart? It would have to be our patient navigation program. Each day, our navigators meet with people and their families who have just heard the words, “You have cancer.” They are the front line to navigating the cancer journey and are able to answer the multitude of questions that come after a diagnosis. The ability to support an individual in the fight of their life, and be an unbiased ear — regardless of whether they have no one or have an incredible support system — is still something I believe makes the most personal impact in saving lives. 9. Are we getting closer to cancer being 100 percent curable? Cancer is an incredibly complex disease. It’s actually more than 100 different diseases, all with their own distinct features. A breast cancer diagnosis, for example, can be one of a variety of subsets of that disease. Because different kinds of cancer are treated differently and tend to have different outcomes, it’s not likely there will ever be one singular “cure.” However, many cancers — breast cancer, most skin cancers, testicular cancer and others — have a high cure rate through medical treatments, and improvements in prevention and early detection. ACS supports initiatives, like the HPV vaccine initiative. We educate and create awareness of the disease, while honoring cultural and generational differences. All of this will allow us to see survivorship continue to grow. 10. After nearly a decade with ACS, can you share the most inspiring story you’ve encountered? I couldn’t choose just one. Patients, caregivers and volunteers inspire me in different capacities. From the melanoma survivor who rescheduled a chemotherapy appointment so she could testify in front of lawmakers on the importance of banning tanning for minors, to the caregiver who became a Road to Recovery driver after their loved one passed away so everyone can get the treatment they need, to the countless people we meet each day who share their stories of perseverance, I’ve been taught never to take life for granted. The perspective I’ve been given through meeting cancer patients and hearing their stories helps me feel fortunate to wake up each day and accept life’s blessings, no matter how big or small. To learn more, visit cancer .org . Community members unite for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk to honor breast cancer survivors and raise awareness about steps to reduce the risk of getting the disease. 10 QUESTIONS WITH ... CONTINUED 8 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | OCTOBER 2018