American Cancer Society More Birthdays Blog, The Official Sponsor of Birthdays

It takes just one person and one act to make a difference in the lives of others. Susan Niebur, an inflammatory breast cancer survivor, astrophysicist, mom of two boys, American Cancer Society volunteer and member of ourBlogger Advisory Council, is an inspiring woman who is truly making an impact on so many other breast cancer survivors and people who know her. For more than four years, she has been chronicling her battle with cancer on her blog, Toddler Planet, and on her Twitter handle, @WhyMommy.

Susan is currently in treatment for a recurrence of cancer, and like many other women who undergo breast cancer treatment, she is suffering from lymphedema. During a visit to her lymphedema therapist last month, a conversation started between the two about Susan’s pretty lymphedema compression sleeves, which help to reduce swelling and keep tissue from becoming stiff. Susan’s therapist mentioned that many women she treats cannot afford the sleeves, which can cost upwards of $200 for two sets and are not covered by insurance. In addition, many women also need a glove set, which can add another $100 or so in cost. Susan knew immediately that she needed to do something to help, and began researching solutions. Ultimately, she was able to unite her favorite lymphedema sleeve maker, LympheDIVAs with Crickett’s Answer to Cancer, a foundation that supports cancer patients in order to provide the sleeves to those in need.

Click here to read Susan’s full post on her work to find a way to provide lymphedema sleeves to other breast cancer survivors who need them but can’t afford the cost. And, to read how her friends have jumped in to support her and the cause, click here. Susan’s passion for helping others through their cancer journey is her way of working to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Do you have a story of an American Cancer Society survivor and volunteer that you’d like to share? Post it in the comments below, or to the More Birthdays Facebook page. We’ll spotlight inspiring stories that highlight the many ways in which the members of our movement are working hard to create more birthdays.