In an interview March 16, 2006 on Health Talk Radio Suzanne Lindley, nine year colon cancer survivor said about her cancer journey, "Never ever give up. A lot of people call it a roller coaster ride. There are always lots of dips and turns, and sometimes it moves faster, sometimes slower. And you just want to keep the roller coaster going. As long as it doesn't stop, the ride is good."

This upbeat, fast talking Texan is today a highly effective advocate for living long, being outspoken about cancer, and helping buddies along the way. Lindley was diagnosed September 17, 1998 and her experiences with myriads of doctors, clinics, and treatments have made her an expert at self-advocacy. She was told that she had only a few months to live and was sent home to get her affairs in order. Once home she searched the internet and sent a plea to an online listserv for others who had colorectal cancer. She caught the attention of Shelly Weiler who was going through the same experience and he told her that there were treatment options out there and not to give up. He threw her a lifeline of hope and encouraged her to research all the possibilities for treatment. Lindley took his advice found an oncologist who recommended options and she changed the course of her fate. Right then and there she became a fierce advocate -- for herself, then for others --  and now, in Washington, D.C.. She refers to Shelly as her guardian angel who encouraged her to take a proactive approach to her own treatment. Reaching out to others who suffered from the same illness, Lindley learned the power of speaking your mind and getting yourself heard.

Although she was a natural at advocating for herself, speaking with policymakers and celebrities was a totally new ballgame for her, and she admits being nervous at the beginning.  But now she speaks with authority, "Don't be afraid to pick up the phone. Ideas make a difference." Being a cancer survivor and volunteering with Colon Cancer Support landed her on the Today show two years ago where Katie Couric called her a "Medical Matchmaker" because of her belief in the buddy system while fighting this disease. She has established a network of over 200 people who reach out to each other sharing survivor stories and wisdom. This positive reinforcement has led Lindley to learn how to approach our lawmakers. She went to a training session in DC led by One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC). There she got instructions on how to contact her legislators. Along with two other Texans who attended the meeting she made plans to contact the Texas legislators. Once they met with Representative Jeb Hensarling, Lindley was so inspired with confidence and with the enormity of her mission that she has become hooked on speaking with everyone she can to improve cancer care in the US. She has met with countless members of Congress, not just the ones from Texas. She has had a private tour of the West Wing of the White House and had the opportunity to speak with Vice-President Cheney on the importance of quality cancer care. She tells anyone who asks that just walking through Congress inspires her and impresses her with her own power and the enormity of her mission.

Lindley gives wise advice. Start small. Reach out to a buddy, someone going through the same thing, support and advise each other. Then, align with an organization to learn how to advocate for all cancer survivors. She is a huge proponent of the NCCS training program and claims that there is not a better one out there. Train with them. Learn what kinds of things to leave behind that will prompt the legislator and staff to remember you and the points you made.  Then, call, email, contact the staff. Make sure your voice is heard. In a recent conversation, she recalls the encouragement she received that really struck home, "You can't do anything wrong and you can make an impact."

Lindley wrote recently, "I've done things that I would never have attempted without cancer (including sky diving and scuba diving)—lobbying with C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition and on behalf of SIR-spheres, speaking, meeting new people and telling a very private story in extremely public places. My life has touched others as they have touched mine and increased my understanding of hope. Hope is a guiding force in life and is the closest thing to a magic wand."  

Lindley has dedicated herself to assuring that others have access to the type of care that will allow them to have this same kind of hope.

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