Join us for our Oct 25, 2012 meeting to hear Ruth Bachman speak about "Growing Through Life’s Narrow Spots"

I was a left-handed woman, wife and mother in apparent good health. I ate reasonably well, was physically active, had annual checkups, practiced meditation and yoga, attended church regularly, volunteered in the community and even read to 4 year olds weekly! There was a soft lump on my left wrist that I tried to ignore, hoping that it would go away. In March of that year, I learned that I had soft tissue sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. In June, my left hand and forearm were amputated. 

A nationally respected writer, author, educator, cancer advocate and inspirational speaker, Ruth brings a timeless message to diverse audiences about the one constant in life - change. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Ruth has served as a kindergarten teacher, children's choir director, aerobics instructor, international travel guide and volunteer coordinator. Her 25 years of public speaking experience includes work with the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. However, it was her 2003 encounter with a life changing cancer diagnosis that lead Ruth to the most demanding and rewarding role of her life—that of an advocate for integrative care for cancer survivors and a role model for managing change with resilience, courage, integrity and grace. Ruth serves as Chair of the Community Advisory Board of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, and co-conducts workshops, with well-known author Richard Leider on behalf of the Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota. She is a member of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Steering Committee, a contributor to the MN Cancer Alliance Cancer Support Network, a speaking ambassador for Community Health Charities Minnesota, a team member of Above + Beyond Cancer’s 2012 pilgrimage to Nepal, and a spokesperson for the Rein in Sarcoma Red Flags of Sarcoma Campaign. Ruth has a deep sense of gratitude for all of the support and the opportunities she has received and donates all of her speaking honoraria and book royalties to support cancer education, advocacy and research. Recipients include the Hourglass Fund at the Minnesota Medical Foundation, University of Minnesota, and The Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation (RIS).