Imagine being a mom of three young kids, waking up with a sore throat and stopping by urgent care to make sure it’s not strep. Instead of being told yup, it’s strep, you’re raced to the ER because you don’t have a cold or even a virus… you have cancer and your organs are shutting down. 

This is exactly what happened to our special and brave guest Catherine Dittmer. 

At first there is denial and annoyance, then lots of anger. In this episode Catherine generously shares her story and how she coped. By sharing her journey, Catherine is on a mission to help others who may be faced with a  terrifying diagnosis. 

Catherine is a  Leukemia survivor from Iowa where she lives with her husband and three daughters. She sits on several non-profit boards and is very active in philanthropic leadership including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Gilda's Club, Junior Achievement, Better Money Habits, etc. She is a Certified Financial Planning professional with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management where her women-focused team designs financial plans based on the priorities and values of the woman. Catherine loves to read and spends much of her time with a book by her side. 

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In this episode we’re talking about…

• The real thoughts and emotions that go through your mind when facing a terrifying diagnosis
• How despite feeling angry and scared at first, Catherine ultimately made the choice to live and took control of her situation by doing things like donating her hair to Locks of Love, making a music video about it to announce her diagnosis, and writing a children's book for her youngest daughter
• How to relinquish control over everything and have grace with yourself in order to focus on fighting for survival. 
• The things Catherine did to keep going and what she wishes she did differently 
• The importance of letting go and letting others help
• Why owning the difficult reactions helps you adapt to difficult situations and empowers you to move forward 

“I want to be a guiding light for others going through difficult times and hope people can learn from my experiences.” 

“I made the choice to live” 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Become a Stem Cell donor: Donate Marrow or Blood Stem Cells | Be The Match
• Red Door Community, Formerly Gilda’s Club 
• Locks of Love 

Follow Catherine Dittmer:  

• Email: [email protected]
• Corp Email: [email protected]
• Instagram @ catherine.dittmer 
• LinkedIn @ Catherine Dittmer, CFP®, CSRIC®, CPFA® | LinkedIn
• Website @ The Hanser-Scott Group| Merrill (ml.com)

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