Meghan McCallum (she/her)
Cancer support writer
I’m passionate about writing for the cancer community because I know firsthand what a difference support services and shared experiences can make for anyone facing cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship.
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As a breast cancer survivor, I have a special interest in writing for cancer-related support groups, organizations, and publications. I write features on events and organizations serving the cancer community, newsletter and blog articles, and personal essays for the cancer community and general public.
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As part of the cancer community myself, I know just how important it is to feel represented, empowered, and supported through the cancer experience. I strive to help various groups spread their message and connect with the people who need their services. I also enjoy sharing my own experience and empowering others impacted by cancer.
My publications for the cancer community:
From the publisher:
Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor is a collection of essays from the first six years of Wildfire Magazine. Organized by age at diagnosis -- breast cancer arriving in their 20s, 30s, and 40s -- these stories will make you laugh, cry, and feel like you’re sitting with a best friend, hearing every aspect of how cancer has impacted their lives, for better or worse. Whether you have been diagnosed with breast cancer yourself, are a caregiver to someone else, or just want to read stories about having hope on the darkest days, this is the book for you. We believe in stories of transformation to heal ourselves and others in the face of cancer, and that's what these personal essays each bring to this book. Each writer gets vulnerable and really shows how to take a difficult circumstance and live with it -- not just survive.
Uncommon Path (REI blog)
A cancer survivor heads to Yellowstone with True North Treks, in search of the life that the disease put on pause.
Personal essay
WILDFIRE magazine
April/May 2023
As the employer of someone who’s just been diagnosed, there are a few ways you can make their life a little less complicated and stressful during this time.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free program, operating in 42 states, that helps cancer survivors find and maintain an active lifestyle.
MyUzima Health & Wellness works to improve health outcomes for Black communities.
The National LGBT Cancer Network breaks down health disparities for the queer community.
Base2Summit adventure camp provides grounding and growth for young adult cancer survivors.
From chemo, surgery and radiation to swim, bike and run, the Team Phoenix triathlon training program redefines cancer survivorship.
Recovery on Water takes on breast cancer on the Chicago River.
Cancer is already a challenging experience, and being explicitly ghosted by friends can make this even worse. As the friend of someone going through cancer, it’s important that you take stock of your commitment to the relationship and identify how you can support them.
Both physically and mentally, a cancer diagnosis is hardly something you can prepare for. However, you do have certain choices that can help alleviate some of the burden and tailor the experience to your own individual needs and preferences.
Boundaries are a form of self-care, and self-care isn’t selfish.
Through its Breathe Now Wellness Retreats, Dear Jack Foundation helps bring couples closer together after cancer treatment.
Personal essay
WILDFIRE magazine
February 2022
Obi “Obisoulstar” Uwakwe’s photography shows breast cancer warriors in a new light.
GVCC 2021 offered informative sessions, resources, clinical trial information and social opportunities for over 2,000 cancer thrivers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates and others in the greater cancer community.
Cheers to a good cause! Tasting Stars, a premier champagne event, held its 19th annual elegant evening of bubbly delight virtually to benefit A Silver Lining Foundation’s breast cancer screening initiatives.
Recap: A virtual spa day hosted by Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Center for Health and Wellness featuring meditation, yoga, music and more.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s virtual wellness summit offers expert advice on nutrition, exercise and more to help you go from surviving to thriving after diagnosis.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition left no stone unturned during its virtual weekend Wellness Retreat this past spring that led participants in finding support, spreading awareness and taking action.
Project Koru is helping cancer warriors ride the waves of survivorship through its outdoor adventure camps.
Young Survival Coalition’s annual summit may have gone virtual this year, but there was no shortage of making connections and fostering community for young women warriors.
How to actually show up for your loved one with cancer.
Personal essay
WILDFIRE magazine
June 2022
Finding meaning with Cancer Support Community Los Angeles.
Young Survival Coalition’s Tour de Pink raises funds for young adult breast cancer support.
The Ruth Cheatham Foundation helps students succeed beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Preview of Young Adult Cancer Camp, hosted by Elephants & Tea and Young Adult Survivors United.
Renee Ridgeley pushed for the inclusion of “The Simpsons” uniboob character Dr. Wendy Sage, but her breast cancer advocacy goes even further than that.
Gryt Health demystifies integrative oncology to reap the rewards of a mind-body approach toward cancer treatment.
Through physical therapy treatments and educational videos, cancer rehabilitation specialist Dr. Leslie Waltke, PT, DPT helps individuals at all phases of recovery.
Gryt Health demystifies integrative oncology practices to reap the rewards of a mind-body approach.
How to manage scanxiety and take good care of yourself around scan time.
Gilda’s Club Madison offers a safe space to discuss death and dying in the cancer context.
A weekend dedicated to education, connections
and self-care.
Founded by a cervical cancer survivor, nonprofit organization Cervivor is smashing the stigma of the disease.
December 21, 2018. Winter solstice. It was the darkest day of the year, and also turned out to be one of the darkest days of my life. The day I was told I had breast cancer.
The Chick Mission educates, assists and advocates for women seeking cancer-related fertility preservation.
Flat Closure NOW advocates and educates in support of aesthetic flat closure.
The young adult cancer community came together virtually to learn, share experiences and bond at the second annual YA Cancer Gabfest.
YSC offers educational materials, social opportunities and more for a younger subset of the breast cancer community.
The MACC Fund is supporting the next frontier in pediatric cancer research.
Personal Ink empowers women to reclaim their bodies post-mastectomy with decorative tattoos.
Cal’s Angels’ annual event has people both young and old sporting new hairstyles to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
Just published! Check out my piece in the new Wildfire anthology: Igniting the Fire Within: Stories of Healing, Hope & Humor