Local breast cancer survivor co-authors "Cancer, the Gift"

This book is a collection of eight micro-memoirs that tell stories of different women’s experiences with breast cancer.

After knowing each other for years, Saenz and Houston reconnected after learning they were both diagnosed with cancer. The two decided to create this memoir to help people feel less alone in their cancer journey.

After creating the foundation of the books, the two authors brought in eight other women to share their stories as well. “We thought this isn’t enough for readers, we want more for them to have more experience,” said Saenz.

“We wanted to find women who could possibly see the open door to calling it, ‘Cancer, the Gift’ to see a defiant joy even when things are tough,” said Houston. They thought of it as “giving these ladies an opportunity to walk a path that would give them meaning and a place to settle,” said Houston.

Houston’s diagnosis and journey with “Cancer, the Gift” was a “diving rod.” “This is my cancer story and my love story,” said Houston, who found love in the midst of her diagnosis, and moved with him to Hood River. “Letting myself believe somebody would accept me in the treatment process,” Houston said, changed her outlook on love.

“As women, [we] don’t even know if we’ll be accepted when we’re not sick,” she said, pointing to the common occurrence that Saenz spoke to of partners leaving when women have major health concerns. “It’s an opportunity to say to women, just because you may have fears beyond just illness, anything is possible, even love.”

“While the project began through our shared experiences with breast cancer, it ultimately became something much larger: a story about resilience, healing, friendship, and the human spirit,” concluded Saenz.

For more information about the book and the stories, visit cancerthegift.com. Copies can be purchased online or ordered through bookstores. There is also a waitlist open for the next cohort of women that want to share their stories which can be found on the website.