I’m Olivia Clarke and I’m a cancer survivor and cancer patient.

 

Cancer story in a nutshell: In 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation and several reconstruction surgeries I was considered cancer-free. When going through treatment, I learned the importance of finding little ways to experience joy and laughter. I also realized that being a cancer patient under age 40 brought unique perspective and challenges, but there weren't a lot of avenues for this group to bond and share stories. That's why this online community was created. In November 2021, I learned that my cancer had returned and I was now considered stage 4 because the breast cancer had come back in various organs. I am currently undergoing treatment while also working full-time and running Humor Beats Cancer. 

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My back story: My day job is as a public relations director for a global law firm where I handle media relations and communications for the lawyers I work with and for.
I worked as a reporter and editor for 13 years and the best part of that profession was learning and sharing people's stories. I learned nothing is black and white. We really operate in the gray and the best thing we can do is empathize with our neighbors. 

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After dealing with cancer the first time I realized I had not left a positive enough impact on people's lives. I took my volunteering up to a new level and raised money and awareness through social media and communications for a school and food pantry on the South Side of Chicago. It fed my soul and I hopefully made a positive impact on this community. But I needed to create this nonprofit organization to give back and help bring all the different parts of me together -- the journalist, communicator, volunteer and cancer survivor.

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I hope you enjoy Humor Beats Cancer.