Sarah E. McDonald – Cancer: How we show up for others in crisis

In Making Waves Conversations by Mark Sylvester
 / 
04/06/2023

Cancer: How we show up for others in crisis

At 44, Sarah McDonald was newly married, newly promoted, and planning pregnancy. It felt like a time of new beginnings when suddenly she was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer. Two months later, she was diagnosed with another unrelated cancer. During this struggle, her father’s cancer, ten years in remission, returned and added new challenges and a cancer buddy to her world. In this conversation, we’ll explore how we show up, especially with many challenges in the past few years.

Sarah E. McDonald

Sarah E. McDonald is a two-time cancer survivor, author, speaker, executive coach, wife, and mother. Sarah has worked in financial services, consulting, and technology. She spent the majority of her 30-year career at eBay, including the period while she was battling cancer. Sarah received her MBA from Cornell University, where she wrote a monthly food column in the school newspaper, and her love of writing was born. She received her BA in English Literature from Occidental College. Beyond cancer, Sarah is interested in everything people-related – especially when paired with food, wine, the outdoors, and/or music. Sarah lives in Mill Valley with her husband, Geoff, and daughter, Rory. The Cancer Channel is her first book. 


More Resources

Upcoming Salon Conversations

Image

Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD – The Long Road to Awareness: Breaking down barriers in long covid research

May 31, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
There is irrefutable data on the underpinnings of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (aka Long COVID). However, despite the burgeoning research on the topic, it has taken some time for the medical community and the general public to recognize the existence and severity of Long Covid.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
Image

William Skinner – California doesn’t have a water problem – it has a storage and distribution deficiency.

Jun 14, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
In recent years, California has faced severe droughts that have further highlighted the inadequacy of its water infrastructure. As a result, many experts argue that California doesn’t have a water problem per se but rather a storage and distribution deficiency.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
Image

Nelly Ortiz – Hacking the Wealth Gap with Tech

Jun 28, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
In this conversation we’ll explore topics such as the impact of emerging technologies like the Metaverse, Blockchain, and AI on wealth creation, the role of startups in driving innovation, and how individuals from developing countries can creatively use technology to overcome financial barriers.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
Image

Ceah Justice – From Ally to Co-conspirator, becoming active in the fight for social change.

July 12, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
In a world of growing complex social problems— the ongoing pandemic, war, climate change, economic inequality, and rising populism—driving lasting positive social change in communities is on the minds of social innovators and racial justice leaders everywhere.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
Image

Jill Greenbaum: Drawing the Future: Visual Storytelling for End-of-Life Choices

Aug 23, 2023 04:00 PM in Pacific Time
Through her unique visual storytelling approach and compassionate guidance, Dr. Greenbaum invites individuals to engage in deep conversations about their hopes, fears, and wishes surrounding their own mortality.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk