Soul sisters live perks of having cancer

How often do you hear the words “healthy, “happy,” and “cancer” mentioned in the same sentence? That is precisely what gives the book 100 Perks of Having Cancer (Plus 100 Health Tips for Surviving It) its unique character – not to mention its immense bravery. 

The authors, Florence Strang and Susan Gonzales, both survivors of cancer not only “talk the talk” of living a healthy lifestyle with a positive attitude on the cancer journey – they also continue to “walk the walk.” Strang’s perks, which are a combination of inspirational and humorous anecdotes, have made her audiences laugh and cry.  Gonzales’ tips are sought after because of their educational content with a witty twist. Together they provide a valuable resource, which will inspire and motivate their readers, while keeping them smiling.

Six months after being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, Strang found herself faced with a life altering choice.  With just over a 50 percent prognosis of survival, she realized that she had a difficult journey ahead. She could choose to face this journey by focusing on the harsh, ugly realities of cancer, or she could choose to confront it with a positive attitude. She chose the path of pure strength.

As a psychologist, she was acutely aware of the mind-body connection and the health promoting benefits of a positive attitude.  Although under attack from a difficult chemotherapy treatment, she convinced herself that cancer was not that bad.  In fact, it even had its perks.  Yes, perks, and a lot of them.

So she issued herself a challenge to find 100 perks of having cancer and to honor this commitment she decided to blog her efforts (www.perksofcancer.com).  Little did she know at that time that thousands of people would be helped in the months that followed the blog’s debut.

While Strang was well educated on the psychological aspects of cancer, she found herself overwhelmed by the amount of information out there regarding the health aspects of it.  She soon discovered fellow Stage 3 breast cancer survivor and registered nurse, Gonzalez, who truly lived up to her blog persona of “The Savvy Sister.”  She seemed to know all the latest do’s and don’ts regarding cancer and could assimilate and summarize large amounts of information into articles that were not only immensely educational, but also entertaining.

While Strang found herself tuning in to Gonzales blog for healthy living tips on exercise, nutrition, medication and supplements, Strang would visit Gonzales’ blog for its humor and inspiration.
As Strang neared the end of her perks challenge, she invited Gonzales to join her in writing a book, which would address the needs of body, mind and spirit.  Together they share a vision of promoting the message that cancer does not have to be viewed as a death sentence.  Whether you are a cancer warrior who is actively battling the disease, a cancer survivor, or a cancer avoider, this book has something for you.

And if two savvy sisters can have this incredible attitude about cancer, imagine how the rest of us can adjust our attitudes when we're having a bad day? Now let's get busy living.

To read more about their incredible journey, go to www.perksofcancer.com. To buy the book, go to www.basichealthpub.com or www.amazon.com