About

Hi! My name is Mary Jo. In 2022 I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. What was expected to be a routine new patient “well check” with a small town doctor turned out to be a major life event. Suddenly I found myself navigating the maze of the MD Anderson Cancer Center – and grappling with fear. Cancer is a lonely journey, even when you are surrounded by people who love you. Thankfully, though my tumor bore certain characteristics that increased the risk of metastasis, the lymph node biopsy revealed that it had not spread, and the surgical excision was successful. But I realized: the way I was living was killing me. I had to change. At the time, my surgical oncologist was conducting a study that tracked patients’ diets while undergoing immunotherapy for their cancer. That and other studies have shown that diet does matter. Not surprisingly, a healthy diet helps the body heal. I had so much to learn (and still do!) At first it feels overwhelming, but little by little, change adds up, and over time, you notice the difference in energy, mood, and well-being. Now, four years in, my health goals have evolved to include maintaining brain function. I don’t do everything perfectly. I just keep trying to learn, do what I can to optimize my health, and entrust the rest to God.