Heather Jose is the author of “Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer” and a contributing writer for the Breast Cancer Wellness magazine. Her column, Girl Talk for Survivors, addresses the issues unique to younger survivors. Heather also speaks frequently to audiences of both health care providers and cancer patients.

After receiving the devastating diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer at the age of 26, Heather decided to fight the cancer head on. Using nutrition, exercise, visualization, and prayer to complement conventional treatment which included chemotherapy, a double stem cell transplant, surgery and radiation, Heather put together a comprehensive plan to battle cancer on a daily basis.

Now, over ten years later Heather is healthy and passionate about encouraging healthcare providers and patients to make a difference everyday to achieve outstanding outcomes. She knows that the relationship between the patient and the provider can impact the patient’s ability to fight in a positive and negative way. Jose believes in empowering patients to play an active role in their treatment. This can be accomplished through positive actions and words. Jose, an occupational therapist, is familiar with healthcare from both sides of the coin, helping her to bridge the gap between patient and provider.

Heather lives in Michigan with her husband, Larry, and two children, Sydney, born before the cancer, and Ty, adopted from India after the cancer.

My Favorite Things

Check out what inspires Heather every day!

The Elegant Gown by Spirited Sisters

She Beads - Hand rolled clay bead jewelry and the cool thing is you can add a pink ribbon bead to any of their stuff.

Breast Cancer awareness tee from The Pink Ribbon Shop.

My favorite hat from the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Live Strong.

A cool Paisley pin from Pink Wings 4 Breast Cancer.