I am an ovarian cancer survivor, retired registered nurse with a master's degree in human development, and author of the book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, and co-author of the nursing article, "The Living Tree of Nursing Theories." I continue my writing career with one completed novel and another in progress. I have experience in public speaking, leading seminars and teaching classes. I volunteer for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida and Women for Hospice.

Though I am a nurse I did not recognize my bloating stomach as a symptom of cancer. I just thought it was a typical post-menopausal symptom. Since 70% of women diagnosed die within five years, my mission is to do everything I can to provide information and inspiration to women and their families. Proceeds from the book go to ovarian cancer research.

I faced the challenge of this diagnosis with the same tools I used when I dealt with abuse, alcoholic parents, divorce, and untimely deaths. My philosophy is that "the beauty of the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation." We can outshine any challenge.