Anna after Finishing the Soldier Field 10-Miler

 Anna’s Story
After being diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer in August 2008, I felt shock and anger.

Why would I, a healthy fit woman in her early 40s who doesn’t smoke and has no family history of cancer, be stricken with a life threatening disease? Through faith, support of family and friends and the gift of a skilled surgeon, I not only survived a radical cystectomy and construction of a neobladder, but came out as healthy as ever.

Anna’s silver lining in this journey:
Life gives you unexpected challenges and the way you deal with them is the true test of character. Over the past year, I have learned to appreciate the small things in life and realized that the journey is more important than the destination. In that vein, I have taken up running. I have completed a half marathon and will be competing in the Chicago Marathon in October.
 

Anna’s non-medical secret to survival?
My interaction with others who are facing the effects and aftereffects of bladder cancer has reinforced my opinion that positive thinking and taking care of one’s body are the keys to a healthy life.