Mariah Forster Olson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 1980 at the age of one, with a tumor growing out of her spine, wrapping around part of her heart, and occupying the right side of her chest. At that time, there were few treatment options and Mariah had them all – surgeries, radiation treatments, and two years of a new, “experimental” chemotherapy clinical trial. Mariah is very appreciative and blessed to be alive, but outdated therapeutics and the location of her tumor left Mariah with a number of complex medical conditions and late effects. She has also had 52 surgeries, and she deals with chronic, excruciating bone, muscle, and nerve pain in her back and neck, which greatly impacts her life. Overall, however, Mariah strives to focus on hope, optimism, and positivity. Mariah received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and she lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin with her husband, Troy, and their Siamese cat. Mariah’s medical issues leave her unable to work a “conventional” job; however, she works with between five to nine different cancer nonprofits at one time. Mariah is also writing a book about her life, titled “Hope Over Despair: Childhood Cancer and the Lifelong Journey of Survivorship,” and this book will be published by Bell Asteri Publishing & Enterprises. Mariah also plays the oboe professionally and around her community. Mariah serves on the Board and is the Survivor, Family, and Resource Director for the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society. Mariah also works with the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2), where she leads the Survivorship Interest Group and the creation of two novel childhood cancer survivorship projects, the Survivorship Toolkit and Better Together: Survivorship Connection. Mariah also served as the Secretary on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee until she was term-limited on June 30, 2025. Gold Together is the childhood cancer initiative of the American Cancer Society, and Mariah serves on the Gold Together National Advisory Council as one of the co-leads of advocacy. Additionally, Mariah works with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, using her story to advocate for cancer-based legislation. Mariah’s work fulfills her and gives her a sense of purpose, and she hopes to help others and provide awareness, support, advocacy, funding, encouragement, understanding, and hope!