Author's Biography

 

Deborah J. Cornwall has been associated with the American Cancer Society and its Cancer Action Network as a volunteer leader since 1994, performing a variety of local, regional, and national roles and serving as a media spokesperson before audiences ranging from 16 to 30,000. Her passion to write this book was ignited by her interaction with cancer patients and caregivers at the Society’s AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston. Professionally she consults with boards of directors and CEOs on leadership, CEO succession, governance, and change issues as Managing Director of The Corlund Group LLC.

A Personal Message From The Author:
Why I Wrote This Book

I had been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for years before my own cancer diagnosis. My cancer was minimal and easily treated, unlike that of many others whom I've met along the way. Gradually my involvement with the Society migrated from board policy and fund-raising work to community-based work where contacts are very personal.

In my own community and at the Society’s AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, I came in contact with people whose cancer survival and caregiving stories were much more trying than my own. Generous with their stories, they wanted to share the lessons they had learned (often the hard way). I realized I could use my proven interviewing and writing skills to help them do that. These ingredients hatched a dream that made Things I Wish I'd Known a reality.