Pearson - From Shadows to Life

From Shadows to Life: A Biography of the Cancer Survivorship Movement

Copyright 2021 by Judith L. Pearson

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Published by Lincoln Square Books

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New York, New York

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-947187-12-2

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020949323

Cover Design: Neill Fox/Foxnoggin

What the critics are saying about
From Shadows to Life

When it comes to cancer, medical education and training focus almost exclusively on diagnosis and treatment. Life beyond this immediacy of cancer itself is too often neglected. From Shadows to Life tells the stories of the heroic individuals who founded the survivorship movement and continue its vital legacy into the present. Medicine has much to learn from their advocacy.

Damon Tweedy, MD, author of the New York Times bestseller Black Man in a White Coat

Judith Pearson gives life and voice to what has been an astonishing revolution within the world of cancer. From Shadows to Life reminds us of the powerful impact of advocacy in any successful movement, whether for self or others. Imbued with hope, this previously untold history of the cancer survivorship movement should be recommended reading for all cancer survivors and those who care for and about them.

Julia H Rowland, PhD, FAPOS, Senior Strategic Advisor at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts and former Director, NCI Office of Cancer Survivorship

We cant fully understand how to tackle the future of cancer advocacy, research and development and eradication without understanding the rich history of previous generations. Judith Pearsons From Shadows to Life has done that expertly, shaping the story of cancer pioneers into a narrative that makes it a compelling read regardless of your personal connection to cancer. Particularly stirring is the section devoted to breast cancer, which chronicles and honors the everyday patients and boldfaced names whose refusal to back down transformed the way doctors treated not only the cancer in a womans body, but the woman herself.

Ali Rogin, Foreign Affairs Producer, PBS NewsHour, author of Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss

I love it! Its history, biography, science, intrigue, drama, all wrapped into one. After reading The Emperor of All Maladies I was left thinking but what about PEOPLE who actually had cancer? This is that book. While Siddhartha Mukherjees book was about cancer and science, this book is about cancer and PEOPLE, and for me that is more interesting.

Brad Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH, Professor, University of Michigan School of Social Work, cancer survivor

As an oncology nurse since 1975, reading From Shadows to Life was like walking down memory lane. Judith Pearsons storytelling is so evocative of the times she was recounting. This book should be of interest to anyone who has an interest in cancer, cancer care and the history of cancer. Her highlighted key figures such as Fitzhugh Mullan, Susie Leigh, Ellen Stovall and so many others so clearly demonstrate what Margaret Mead said long ago. Pearson shows that on every page. It would be a nice companion book to The Emperor of All Maladies.

Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN, Director of Cancer Survivorship, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of North Carolina School of Nursing, cancer survivor

Information is necessary if we want to make a difference in the cancer world and when it is combined with inspiration it changes our lives, the results of cancer treatment and its incidence. Pearsons book provides important information we need to know and understand if we are going to make a difference in the cancer world. We need to empower patients and inform medical providers so they can teach survivor behavior and not just treat a diagnosis. Reading From Shadows to Life can help the transition to prevention and healing rather than our continuing to fight wars and battles against cancer.

Bernie Siegel, MD, author of Love, Medicine & Miracles and Faith, Hope & Healing

This is a well-written and fascinating history of cancer survivorship in America. Pearson takes the reader through each decades political climate and social standing in the fight for recognition of survivorship as a part of the cancer continuum. Today, there are over 17 million cancer survivors and we are proud to be included in this group of cancer conquerors! We highly recommend this great read!

Tamara Green, LCSW, and David Dachinger, authors of Live Calm with Cancer

Judy Pearson masterfully zooms in for the personal stories and zooms out for the milestonesscientific, political, social, and culturalthat drove the history of cancer survivorship. Riveting prose shows how we got to today and inspires hope for a better tomorrow.

Wendy S. Harpham, MD, regular columnist, Oncology Times, and author of Healing Hope: Through and Beyond Cancer

For the cancer pioneersdoctors, nurses, social works, psychologists AND survivorswho have given quality of life to all who come after.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist, author, and speaker

Table of Contents

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