Brian O'Sullivan’s Post

It's not often you hear that a cancer journey is a "gift," but that's how Liya Shuster-Bier (she/her), WG'17, views her diagnosis. Her experience and that of her mother inspired the cancer-care startup, Alula, an online marketplace for cancer care products. Wharton Magazine talks with Liya about her journey and the clinical component she's adding to the business. https://lnkd.in/eS7cDy2p

🎗️ "Empower, Inspire, and Advocate: Standing Strong Against Breast Cancer! 💪💖 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the fighters. We stand united in the fight against breast cancer. 🌸🕊️ 👩🎤 Fight Like a Girl: Strength knows no gender. To the warriors who show unmatched courage in this battle, we salute you. You're the embodiment of determination. 🦋 Be Your Own Hero: Early detection and self-care are your superpowers. Be vigilant, be your own hero, and inspire others to do the same. 💗 Together We Advocate: Breast cancer awareness is a cause we champion. Share this post, spread the word, and consider supporting breast cancer organizations. Together, we can make a difference. At Devyar, we're more than technology; we're a compassionate community. Let's join hands in the fight against breast cancer, support those affected, and work toward a world free of this disease. Share your messages of support and hope in the comments. Together, we are stronger! 💬🎗️ 💡 Ready to innovate with us? Connect at [email protected] and let's craft a digital strategy that propels your business into the future. 🚀 Explore our innovation stories at www.devyar.com and be inspired to lead, not follow. #Devyar #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineer #allitsolution #websitedevelopment #DevyarIT #TechnologySolutions #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #SoftwareAgency #InnovationUnleashed #WebDevelopment #MobileApps #CustomSoftware #SoftwareSolutions #BusinessGrowth #FutureReady #EmpowerSuccess #SoftwareExpertise #DigitalEmpowerment #InnovateWithDevyar #BusinessTransformation #UnlockPotential #ClientSuccess

Cancer, Metastasis and Other Things We Don't Talk About **the news that changes everything but actually changes nothing** Hello, it's likely you don't even know this but I received this diagnosis, of **cancer with neck metastasis**, in March 2022.  So what? But why does this **matter**?  Well, it's news that changes **everything** yet in fact changes **nothing**.  Let me try to explain with an example, my long-term plan was to make my company, [Quave](https://quave.dev), strong and to have my long-term friends working there with me but I had **all the time in the world** so along the way I became the CTO of a startup with great potential where one of the founders had a great match with me and still in the sector I have been directly and indirectly involved for many years: education.  Now let's analyze the situation: the cancer, or rather, **the news of the cancer**. The news changed nothing. It was a lie that I had **all the time in the world**, I could die at any moment, in various ways, as I still can and so can you.  But the news of cancer changes everything because it makes death and our finitude **tangible**. Besides, it demands daily responses from us. Let's go for more examples:  - Are you really going to work on **that**? On Saturday? In the morning?   - If today was your last day of life, would you do **that**?   - Are you really going to say you're **busy** to your friend?   - Are you really going to miss dinner on **a special day** with your wife?  All these questions went through my head daily but the news of cancer is bizarre, it amplifies the power of these questions to an absurd proportion and everything becomes questionable.  But in the end, what practical things has this news brought me?  

As a story teller in the cancer space, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of singular narratives about cancer. Every individual's journey is unique, and relying on a single narrative can be detrimental, especially for those newly diagnosed or undergoing cancer screening. A singular story may create undue fear, confusion, misinformation, or unrealistic expectations. As storytellers in the cancer space, it is crucial to offer a range of experiences, perspectives, and resources to empower individuals to make informed decisions and navigate their journey with confidence. Let's champion inclusivity and complexity in our discussions to support and uplift those impacted by cancer. Let's also challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, ensure everyone facing cancer feels seen, heard, and supported. Together, let's make our stories educate, and uplift, rather than misinform or frighten. #Storyteller #CancerAwareness #CancerCareAdvocate

Insights from Cancer Patients: 4️⃣ Cancer's Impact: Stories of Resilience, Joy, and Courageous Transformation I recently participated in a compelling panel discussion and I was asked about the transformative stories of cancer patients and survivors. These individuals, inspired by their experiences, have embraced radical life changes, gaining a unique perspective on what truly matters. Cancer has become a catalyst for a profound shift, empowering them to prioritize joy and contentment, fostering courage for actions they might not have taken otherwise. Truly inspiring to witness the resilience and power within these narratives. CARER - Personalised Cancer Care #CancerSurvivors #PerspectiveShift #CourageousSteps

🎙️✨ New Episode Alert! Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of breast cancer survivor, Tara Ehlert. In this upcoming episode, Tara bravely shares her story of facing breast cancer not once, but twice. Diagnosed at the age of 30, Tara thought she had conquered cancer, only to have it return, metastasized and more aggressive. In our conversation, Tara highlights the challenges she faced navigating through various support and resource platforms. She candidly discusses her initial disappointment with a breast cancer group and the pivotal moment when she discovered the Cancer Community Clubhouse—a resource that proved to be a lifeline during her battle with metastatic breast cancer. Join us as we delve into the critical role of support systems, the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, and the empowering journey of finding hope amidst adversity. Tara's experience emphasizes the necessity of early detection, aggressive treatment, and the courage to ask questions. Her story is not just about battling breast cancer; it's about resilience, empowerment, and living beyond the diagnosis. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to inspire, empower, and offer valuable advice to those navigating their own breast cancer journey. Stay tuned for the release of this episode, where strength and courage take center stage. 🌸💪 . . #BreastCancerAwareness #SurvivorStory #HealthEmpowerment #NewEpisodeComingSoon #BreastCancerSupport #SupportMatters #CancerJourney #TogetherStronger #HealthcareInsights #applepodcast #spotifypodcast

This month is breast cancer awareness month and the third anniversary of when they removed the tumor. ( quick update- I’m genuinely ok- just a bit grumpy- but the picture and writing below is certainly this disease at its most intense!) It was an aggressive, fast growing tumor that was 2.5 x the size that they had expected. I still had a year of treatment ahead of me. If I had had the same cancer before 2010 my prognosis would have been poor. Science and early detection saved my life. But, I’ll admit, I’m in a funk this anniversary. I am one of the lucky ones. I know of multiple people who have not made it out the other side or are dealing with mets. Since recovery( after a year of treatment and another 6 months recovering from the heart failure induced by treatment) I have done a triathlon, started a new job, celebrated 50 noisily, climbed Mount Fuji ,sent a kid off to college, and had my nose pierced! So, I’m thriving. In theory. And mostly I am. But this month is kicking my ass. Every headache and back pain is sending me into a spiral, ( I have known too many people with bone & brain progression) the long term meds are making me sluggish and grumpy. My usual ability to stare down the world and say ‘ you won’t beat me’ is muted, and the things that are hard, both at work and in life seem exponentially harder. And I am resentful of the extra effort I have had to put in to get my life and career back on track after having the rug pulled out from under me. But, here’s what I’ve learned. I’m not special. Not in anyway. All around us are colleagues that are showing up with grit and positivity- while going through hard stuff, and feeling vulnerable. And that’s why community and humanity in the workplace matters. While this month cancer might be casting a big shadow over me, making me question everything, others will have my back. And next month I’ll have yours. Posting a dark moment in my journey- to remind myself how far I have come- in case you know someone else on this journey! https://lnkd.in/eJiXiuQZ Oh- and I know y’all are really busy- but go get screened!

Now is your time! It's time to take a break from the world of code, business plans, and tech meetups.  Today, we urge you to focus on something equally important – your health. Breast cancer is a global concern, and early detection is crucial. So, while you're busy disrupting industries and pioneering new ventures, don't forget to disrupt the statistics on breast cancer too. Take a moment to schedule that mammogram or self-exam. Encourage your fellow women to do the same. Together, we can create a healthier future. 💪💼🔬 For more details about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit: https://lnkd.in/dNqretqY