This post is part of our SWOG Stories series, a collection of diverse perspectives from doctors, recruiters, members, patient advocates, and others across the Group. You can listen to all of these wonderful conversations here.


“It’s like my brain used to be a Prius and now it’s a Hummer, but the gas tank is the same size.”

– Amy Geschwender

Life after cancer brings unique challenges – changed relationships, increased anxiety, physical disabilities, and financial stress, to name a few. SWOG Cancer Research Network researchers study these issues to help ensure that people with a medical history of cancer live not only longer, but better.

In a conversation captured by StoryCorps, patient advocate Amy Geschwender shares her cancer story with SWOG communications manager Wendy Lawton. As a brain cancer survivor, Amy has learned extensively about her condition, including the long-term physical changes it’s caused, the strain it put on her family, and her determination to beat difficult odds. Here she shares many unique insights gained in the years since her diagnosis.

Amy Geschwender is one of SWOG’s many amazing patient advocates. She currently serves on the Symptom Control and Quality of Life committee. The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research supports the important work of Group advocates by providing annual funding for professional development and training.

Give to The Hope Foundation today, knowing that your generous gift helps fund the work of patient advocates like Amy.

Recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. www.storycorps.org.