
WHAT IS THE SQUAD?
The “Cancer Journey Supporters Squad” is a group of cancer survivors and caregivers from different backgrounds and experiences. La Roche-Posay meets with the Squad on a monthly basis to discuss the cancer community needs and review various oncology projects and initiatives to ensure that they are impactful to the cancer community.

SQUAD BIOS
Click through to learn more about each of our squad members

Relationship with cancer:
Breast Cancer Survivor
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
Anthelios Tinted SPF
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer and/or someone who is acting as caregiver for their loved one:
Cancer can feel like it steals all the control you have in your life but you are still in control of your mind, your compassion, your spirit and what you choose to make of this difficult time. Try to show yourself grace as you navigate this challenge and look for the small moments of joy and comfort you can find alone and with your loved ones.
Share a message you would like to send to your support system during your cancer journey:
Sometimes support isn't about doing something but simply about being there! Your presence, your kind words and your hugs can make the world of difference to someone going through cancer.

Relationship with cancer:
Breast Cancer, Leukemia Caregiver
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
This is a trick question because how does one truly pick a favorite! I love so many things! I suppose if I am forced to choose, the Thermal Spring Water facial mist. It is so refreshing. Even a quick misting during the day is enough to bring a smile on my face.
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer and/or someone who is acting as caregiver for their loved one:
To loved ones: Don't ghost. Meaning don't bail on your person.
Share an empowering moment or memory during your cancer journey:
The moments that most stick with me and when people who have followed my journey/ follow me on social media share how something I’ve shared has given the encouragement to advocate for themselves, or reminders to find joy in little moments.

Relationship with cancer:
Ovarian Cancer & Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
ALL of the products but love the eye creams, lotions, body wash because my skin is dry and is experiencing hormonal changes. I have a lot of acne like bumps on my legs. My eyes are dry and need extra moisture.
Share an empowering moment or memory during your cancer journey:
The moment I stepped on the dance floor in front of the Dancing with the Stars judges and turned on my superpower. Cancer gave me the courage to try new things, compete in Latin ballroom, and do things out of my comfort zone. Anything is possible when you put your mindset to it.
Share a message you would like to send to your support system during your cancer journey:
Follow people who lift you up, not focus on the negative.

Relationship with cancer:
Pancreatic Cancer, Endometrial Cancer
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
I can't limit it to 1! Lipikar Wash AP+, Thermal Spring Water, Toleriane Ultra Eye cream & Double Repair Moisturizer, Anthelios 60 sunscreen.
Share an empowering moment or memory during your cancer journey:
After 4 years of chemo, surgeries, complications, and side effects, I was told: "Nothing more can be done; get your affairs in order. You have 3-6 months to live." It was a devastating blow. Then another doctor offered a glimmer of hope—a new treatment administered in the hospital twice a day for 30 days. I decided not to spend my remaining days in a gloomy hospital room. I learned to administer it myself & chose to travel. One morning, I hopped on my bike, the IV strapped to me up a Colorado mountain, starting at 8,000 feet and reaching an altitude of 11,000. I pedaled for 2 hours and administered shots to myself roadside. I was careful, conscientious, and, most importantly, I was living my life. We may not have control over the length of our lives, but we certainly can influence the width and depth of it. That was 11 years ago, I’m living proof that with determination & a relentless spirit, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Relationship with cancer:
6 Year Breast Cancer Survivor (ER/PR + HER 2 -)
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
This is the hardest question, can I say all of them?...If I have to choose, I have to go with Toleriane Rosaliac AR (I use it 2x a day!), Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream and Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer and/or someone who is acting as caregiver for their loved one:
Be kind to yourself every single step of the way. That includes allowing yourself to lean into the emotions, ups, downs, goods, bads, and in betweens. Tell yourself you're proud of yourself every day even when you're at the lowest. It's a really hard journey but you deserve every ounce of kindness, love and appreciation for yourself and your body as you navigate this.
Is there a recent accomplishment / achievement that you would like to share:
I just got married this past August to an amazing human. I found love after Cancer, after loosing a part of my body, and finding myself through it all. Love is possible in all shapes, sizes and forms!!

Relationship with cancer:
Breast Cancer
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
Lipakar AP+M Cream, Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen, Toleriane Foaming Cleanser
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer and/or someone who is acting as caregiver for their loved one:
Be hopeful, hope means different things to different people, people can hope for many things while facing cancer. Simply be hopeful.
Share a message you would like to send to your support system during your cancer journey:
I am most thankful for my faith and family, my supportive husband Bill, my loving children Erin, Bill, Bob, Katie (my personal RN), Kelsey, Mark, and Brittany. My precious grandchildren, Savannah, Sadie, Connor, Ben, and Kaeden. Thank you for recognizing that I am not cancer, and caring enough to appreciate my strength, thank you for making me laugh and thank you most for loving me through it all.

Relationship with cancer:
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
I cannot live without the Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum!
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer and/or someone who is acting as caregiver for their loved one:
Take one day at a time and remember that someone else’s story isn’t your story! It’s so easy to read about someone else’s experience with cancer and think the same hardships will happen to you, especially if it’s a similar cancer diagnosis. It’s important to remember that cancer is complex and while reading other thrivers stories can sometimes feel triggering, #TheirStoryIsntYourStory!
Is there a recent accomplishment / achievement that you would like to share:
Going to France with La Roche-Posay as a member of the LRP Cancer Journey Supporters Squad to visit the Thermal Center last summer ranks pretty high on my list of proud moments but one better than that is that I will be a SIX year triple negative breast cancer survivor this year!

Relationship with cancer:
Triple negative breast cancer survivor
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer:
Dear Warrior. You are deserving of healing. You matter. You make this world a better place. See yourself healed, whole and healthy. Life’s uncertain, and it can sometimes take unexpected turns, but it cannot take your purpose. Live loud & love deep. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
A message to fellow caregivers to know during the cancer journey from Marcus Valentine, Diam’s Caregiver & husband:
I would like my fellow caregivers to know that their presence, patience, service, and compassion is all apart of the healing journey for the ones they love and care for deeply. You are loved and appreciated!

Relationship with cancer:
Ovarian Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer (TP53)
Favorite La Roche-Posay product:
Hydrating Cleanser, Lipikar Balm, Sunscreen!
Share an empowering moment or memory during your cancer journey:
I loved taking control and shaving my head before it fell out.
Words you would like to share with someone who is going through cancer and/or someone who is acting as caregiver for their loved one:
Don't let cancer stop you from living.
OUR PARTNERSHIP
The Squad has co-created, reviewed and provided feedback for various La Roche-Posay oncology materials and resources. Below are some of the key programs that have been touched on by the Squad.

ONCOLOGY SAMPLE KIT AND PATIENT BROCHURE
"Caring For Your Skin When Facing Cancer" premium La Roche-Posay sample kits and patient brochures are delivered to our oncology institutional partners for direct patient distribution and assistance.