Press Releases
ATLANTA— November 26, 2012— Cancer survivors from all walks of life responded to a New York Times request to send in a photo and answer the question, “how is your life different after cancer?” The responses make up a powerful new book from The Times and the American Cancer Society titled Picture Your Life After Cancer.
In the 96-page book, edited by Karen Barrow, web producer for the science desk of The New York Times, more than 200 people share their responses and photos. Picture Your Life After Cancer speaks to a reality that is at times frightening and lonely, joyful and beautiful, and filled with possibility.
“We received well over 1,000 stories from our readers who have had a cancer diagnosis and come out the other side,” remarked Karen Barrow. “We hope Picture Your Life After Cancer represents the truth and the amazing possibilities for life after cancer.”
“I am not among those who ascribe to the belief that cancer is some sort of gift, in any form,” writes Tara Parker-Pope, columnist and blogger for The New York Times in the foreword to the book. “It is a terrible disease. But I do believe that we can learn from the people who have experienced it. And that is essentially what this book is about.”
The stories shared are from adults, children, parents, siblings, partners, lovers and friends. What they share is their “new normal”—the reality of facing life after cancer. By turns inspiring, celebratory and surprising, this book explores the honest truth of life after cancer.
“Life is much more vibrant. Words have more meaning. Actions have more meaning,” said Robin B. Katz, a cancer survivor who is featured. “Butterflies, coffee, and bright blue skies seem so much more important than petty disagreements. Relationships are more important than how many hours a week I have worked. And every day is truly a gift.”
Complete with a section of information from the American Cancer Society about surviving and thriving after cancer and a resource guide for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, this book serves as a reminder that there is in fact life after cancer.
Picture Your Life After Cancer (ISBN-13: 978-1-60443-063-9, $19.95) is available for purchase at www.cancer.org/bookstore, by calling 1-800-227-2345, or at any online or retail bookseller.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end cancer for good. As a global grassroots force of three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping you stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early, helping you get well by being there for you during and after a diagnosis, by finding cures through groundbreaking discovery and fighting back through public policy. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.8 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, an estimated 13.7 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
About The New York Times Company
The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading global, multimedia news and information company with 2011 revenues of $2.3 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, NYTimes.com, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com and related properties. The Company’s core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Claire Greenwell
American Cancer Society
Phone: (404) 417- 5883
Email: claire.greenwell@cancer.org
Danielle Rhoades Ha
The New York Times Company
Phone: (212) 556-8719
Email: Danielle.rhoades-ha@nytimes.com