American Cancer Society editors recently collected 10 of this year’s most inspiring accounts about cancer survivors. | File image
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Carol Ostrow | Jan 1, 2017

American Cancer Society shares 2016's inspiring stories

American Cancer Society (ACS) editors recently collected 10 of 2016’s most inspiring accounts about cancer survivors in the hope that those struggling with illness find the stories a source of solace, support and strength.

To cope with childhood leukemia, sixth-grader Sophia Anagnostou created a song and shared it online.

After Vicky Davis reached out to the ACS to deal with breast cancer, she launched her own support group based on her “deep desire to help others.”

Chrissy Dunn was told she was unlikely to survive Stage III pancreatic cancer, but beat the odds and now appreciates everyday “blessings” formerly taken for granted.

Julie Genovesi — a physically fit, asymptomatic non-smoker — couldn’t fathom how she had lung cancer but confronted the disease, followed an aggressive treatment plan and gained a new lease on life.

Overcoming a case of male breast cancer, Aubrey Glencamp looks forward to resuming an active lifestyle with no looking back, citing the birth of his first child as extra incentive to beat the odds.

Paying it forward, Jane Johnson underwent colon cancer treatment while simultaneously working a second job to donate back to the ACS — supporting both research and advocacy.

“Cancer can go wherever it wants,” said melanoma patient Rosemary Manbachi, facing the disease head-on even when treatment failed to reverse her illness for nearly a year. “I can’t stop it, but it can’t take my attitude and it can’t take my faith. I was determined to stay strong and fight.”

Ravinnia Miles sought out ACS for financial guidance when she was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and was forced to stop working. Referred to an organization that helped her stabilize financially, Miles wanted her family to avoid worry and see her strength.

Olympic gymnastic medalist Shannon Miller survived ovarian cancer to become an advocate for other victims, traveling nationwide to inspire others.

Michael Veltri, stricken with testicular cancer in 2003, is now a speaker, author and leadership professional.

"It took a life threatening disease for me to slow down, stop, and get the clarity I needed to see what I wanted out of life,” Veltri said, echoing other survivors’ sentiments. “You don't have to suffer like I did to realize that."

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