Clara Mae Cirks, Graphic Design Freelancer / Owner, shared on LinkedIn:
“One month ago, in celebration of National Cancer Survivor’s Month (June), I was named on OncoDaily Top 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media 2026!!
I’ve had a month to reflect on this honor and have sat with this recognition to think about what it means to me. I started creating videos to capture my journey after my stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis last year at 30-years-old. My initial idea was that these videos would serve as record keeping for this time in my life. Each video illustrated winding roads along the way- symptoms, radiation, chemo, hospitalizations, side effects, self-advocating for (ovarian masses) surgery, etc.
Those videos quickly evolved into education and awareness content about what I was going through. I discovered that talking about my genuine, raw experiences really resonated with others even if they haven’t been touched by cancer. I have found researching, writing, filming, and editing for videos to be therapeutic- a way to process in real time what I am experiencing along this path.
I’m not afraid to share the real side effects, the real struggles, and the real grief that comes with cancer. With my honesty and vulnerability, I have cultivated community online and developed bonds with others that share in walking this cancer road. You’re seen. You’re not alone. Fostering connection has helped me know I’m not alone either.
I have come a long way since diagnosis, and I am so proud of myself. Of course I have hard moments and can get sad about the sacrifices I’ve made, especially as a young woman. But if my sharing and advocacy helps others, increases partnership in care, and assists in real changes for the cancer community- what a powerful, purposeful gift that is.
Thank you OncoDaily again for acknowledging my authenticity and my mission to give hope, make changes, and strengthen community.
If you’re having challenges finding cancer community online or locally, please reach out to me!
Feel free to connect with me on other platforms to see more of what I’ve been up to with advocacy!
I am ready to get back to work. My portfolio link is in my ‘About’ and please stay tuned for another post with further details coming soon – thank you!”
More about 100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media on OncoDaily.