Best of Insight: Our 10 Favorite Posts from 2012

Asking an editor to pick his or her favorite story is like asking a kid to pick out just one piece of candy. It’s a tough task. Luckily, we’re not bound by the one-piece rule. So here are a few stories that you might have missed, or might want to view again.

From Patient to Caregiver: Alyssa Ywuc’s story

Alyssa Ywuc

After spending much of her senior year getting chemotherapy, this nursing student decided to specialize in cancer care. We loved this story, not just for Alyssa’s choice of occupation, but also for her spirit and for her graduation party and picture!

Nine Tips for Talking to Kids About Their Cancer
No parent wants to be in this situation, but if you are, the best approach is follow your child’s lead.

Five Reasons to be Optimistic
We were reassured to hear one of our leading breast oncologists outline why cancer research and treatment is the best it’s ever been.

The Cutter family turned the day before chemo into a regular party

Truth About Melanoma
You’d be surprised at the number of misunderstandings about how to prevent a deadly skin cancer. This post, and the comments it inspired, dispels some of the common myths.

Making a Party Out of Cancer
What’s not to love about a story where the family turns the occasion of treatment for a regular celebration of life known as chemofeast?

Seven Tips To Remember When Visiting Cancer Patients
A practical list of tips combined with a wonderful family story to make this post about the Hale family one of our favorites.

What Do You Say When A Friend Has Cancer
We’ve gone back this post again and again for advice, especially:  “Remember that as hard as it is for you to hear a loved one say ‘I have cancer,’ it may be even harder for them to tell you.”

Charlie Rider

A Cancer Survivor at Age Nine
Charlie Rider is an amazing kid with an amazing family. This inspirational post, and the related video series really highlights that.

Dating Again: Tips for Cancer Survivors
This post stood out for us, in part because of the good advice, and in part because it reminds us that as patients go through treatment, cancer is not the only important part of their lives.

AT/RT: How My Son Faced a Rare Cancer and Beat the Odds
How could anyone bear to hear the word “cancer” applied to a baby, let alone a very rare and often fatal type? We remain astonished by this family’s courage and wisdom.

If you had a favorite post, let us know. We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2013.