From Shadows to Life: A Biography of the Cancer Survivorship Movement

In 1986, twenty-three men and women—all with a personal connection to cancer—came together for a weekend summit. Their goal was not to cure the disease, but to destroy its myths. The creation of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) that weekend launched the cancer survivorship movement, and forever changed the definition of what it means to be a “survivor.”
Twelve years later it led to a march on Washington, D.C., of more than 200,000 people. Part medical history, part inspirational biography, From Shadows to Life is the story of a social movement that continues to improve life for millions.

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“When it comes to cancer, medical education and training focus almost exclusively on diagnosis and treatment. Life beyond this immediacy of cancer itself is too often neglected. From Shadows to Life tells the stories of the heroic individuals who founded the survivorship movement and continue its vital legacy into the present. Medicine has much to learn from their advocacy.”
—Damon Tweedy, MD, author of the New York Times bestseller Black Man in a White Coat

“Gives life and voice to what has been an astonishing revolution within the world of cancer. . . . Imbued with hope, this previously untold history of the cancer survivorship movement should be recommended reading for all cancer survivors and those who care for and about them.”
—Julia H Rowland, PhD, FAPOS, Senior Strategic Advisor at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, former Director, NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship

“We can't fully understand how to tackle the future of cancer advocacy, research and development and eradication without understanding the rich history of previous generations. Judith Pearson's From Shadows to Life has done that expertly, shaping the story of cancer pioneers into a narrative that makes it a compelling read regardless of your personal connection to cancer. ”
—Ali Rogin, Foreign Affairs Producer, PBS NewsHour, author of Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss

“As an oncology nurse since 1975, reading From Shadows to Life was like walking down memory lane. Judith Pearson’s storytelling is so evocative of the times she was recounting. This book should be of interest to anyone who has an interest in cancer, cancer care and the history of cancer.”
—Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN, Director of Cancer Survivorship Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer and University of North Carolina School of Nursing

“Information is necessary if we want to make a difference in the cancer world and when it is combined with inspiration it changes our lives, the results of cancer treatment and its incidence. Pearson's book provides important information we need to know and understand if we are going to make a difference in the cancer world.”
—Bernie Siegel MD, author of Love, Medicine & Miracles and Faith, Hope & Healing

“I love it! It’s history, biography, science, intrigue, drama, all wrapped into one. After reading The Emperor of All Maladies I was left thinking ‘but what about PEOPLE who actually had cancer?’ This is that book. While Siddhartha Mukherjee’s book was about cancer and science, this book is about cancer and PEOPLE, and for me that is more interesting.”
—Brad Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH, Professor, University of Michigan School of Social Work, cancer survivor

“This is a well-written and fascinating history of cancer survivorship in America. . . . We highly recommend this great read!”
—Tamara Green, LCSW and David Dachinger, authors of Live Calm with Cancer

“Masterfully zooms in for the personal stories and zooms out for the milestones—scientific, political, social, and cultural—that drove the history of cancer survivorship. Riveting prose shows how we got to today and inspires hope for a better tomorrow.”
—Wendy S. Harpham, MD, columnist, author of Healing Hope: Through and Beyond Cancer