February 2003
I was a left-handed woman, wife and mother in apparent good health. I ate reasonably well, was physically active, had annual checkups, practiced meditation and yoga, attended church regularly, volunteered in the community and even read to 4 year olds weekly!
There was a soft lump on my left wrist that I tried to ignore, hoping that it would go away. In March of that year, I learned that I had soft tissue sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. In June, my left hand and forearm were amputated.
Today
I am a right-handed woman, wife, mother and grandmother in apparent good health. I eat reasonably well, am physically active, have annual checkups, practice meditation and yoga, attend church regularly, volunteer in the community and read to my grandchildren as often as possible.
To share a message equipping individuals with the perspective and resources necessary to navigate the inevitable changes that occur in life, by design or by happenstance, while recognizing the powerful potential for transformation by embracing “what is”.
- To develop and execute a strategy that will reach and engage significant and varied stakeholders.
- To affect positive change in individuals, organizational cultures and policy.
- To foster collaborative research that explores the intersection between cancer and integrative healing practices that will result in enhancement of evidence-based, patient-centered care.
- To raise awareness about sarcoma.
A nationally respected writer, author, educator, cancer advocate and inspirational speaker, Ruth contributes her time, her resources and her talents, bringing a timeless message to diverse audiences, about the one constant in life -- change.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Ruth has served as a kindergarten teacher, children's choir director, aerobics instructor, international travel guide and volunteer coordinator. Her 25+ years of public speaking experience includes work with the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Encountering a life changing cancer diagnosis in 2003 lead Ruth to the most demanding role of her life—that of an advocate for cancer research, integrative cancer care for patients and role model for managing change with integrity and grace. Today, Ruth shares her unique and profound story of faith and courage in facing all of the change that life brings.
Ruth serves as Chair of the Community Advisory Board of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, and conducts Healing on Purpose workshops for the Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota. She is a member of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Steering Committee, a contributor to the MN Cancer Alliance Cancer Support Network, a speaking ambassador for Community Health Charities Minnesota, and the Angel Foundation and a spokesperson for the Rein in Sarcoma Red Flags of Sarcoma Campaign. In her role as a cancer advocate, Ruth attended the 6th Biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference in Washington, DC. And, finally, she participated in a remarkable trip to Nepal where she climbed 2 2/3 mountains with Above and Beyond Cancer. The only 64 year old in the group to make it to 19,200 feet!
Out of a deep sense of gratitude, Ruth donates all speaking fees and proceeds from the sale of her book and other Hourglass merchandise to support cancer research, awareness and advocacy. Read more.
