“Even when you go into remission, you still have a journey in front of you.  It’s like someone tacked on another 10 miles to the cancer marathon right as you reach the finish line.” ~ Nick Wendell 

There’s nothing like having cancer twice to build your resilience muscle, just ask Nick Wendell.  

I had the pleasure of seeing him deliver his TEDx talk, “Notes on Survival” in Sioux Falls recently.  Referencing notecards inscribed with Sharpie marker and journal entries, he recounted the challenges and opportunities that come with surviving a cancer diagnosis.  In his talk, Nick spoke of the mental toll the cancer journey can take on a survivor and how even though survivors often expect to experience relief and joy once they go into remission, they might also experience unanticipated guilt, fear, anxiety, pain and other mental health challenges.

At the same time, surviving presents a tremendous opportunity to grow in confidence, resilience, and empathy. 

Nick is a first generation college student who went on to be the Director of the Center of Student Engagement at South Dakota State University, his alma mater.  He’s currently the Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Technical Education; a fourth term Brookings, South Dakota city council member, and the current deputy mayor.  

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**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com