Cancer and Careers (www.cancerandcareers) rocks!
I have been fortunate to be involved with Cancer and Careers over the last six years as a career coach, presenter and writer. Cancer and Careers is CEW’s (Cosmetic Executive Women) foundation and their mission is dedicated to empowering and educating people with cancer to thrive in their workplace.
On June 12th, I participated in a Beauty of Caring event at the gorgeous One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa in Miami, FL. Attendees were people with varying stages of cancer who were treated to makeovers by Shiseido beauty experts, a relaxation session sponsored by SELF magazine and yours truly doling out career advice.
Last week, Cancer and Careers held its’ 2nd annual national conference in NYC. The day was filled with speakers and panel presentations on legal, health and career topics. I gave two presentations on tips for easing back to work after being out because of treatment and the nuts and bolts of job search and career change.
Here are some comments from participants:
“I got so much out of hearing from the different speakers. I didn’t feel as alone as I struggle daily at work with Chemo-brain.”
“I valued the information presented and being in a room with so many other people who are, and have successfully, faced this journey. Any job search is a challenge without the added issues of a huge gap in my work history and the need to change careers at this stage in my life. I am grateful to know that the issues are only as big as I make them, and can be handled professionally and smoothly with a little practice.”
“The 2012 Cancer and Careers Conference can be described in two words, Fantastic Empowerment! Having Cancer is one issue, but having cancer and attempting to continue working is a completely different topic. It is at times daunting, and I have often felt like the leopard with no spots because many people, including health care professionals expect you to crawl into a ball and die once diagnosed. It was nice to be around others with similar hearts and like minds. There is strength in numbers and knowledge is power.”
“I am very impressed with this conference: the content, the presenters and the attendees. Thank you and please continue your good work. I also find your website to be easy to use and full of good info. Thanks also to everyone who worked at this conference from Cancer and Careers.”
I also must plug the amazing staff at Cancer and Careers – Executive director Kate Sweeney, Rebecca Nellis, Alice McKenney, Eva LaManna, Melissa DeLeo and Andrew Jacob.
If you haven’t checked out their incredible website, please do so. You never know when you or someone you care about can use career, financial, insurance, legal or advice while dealing with cancer.
Happy 4th of July!