Many of us have been touched by a friend close to us who has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Facing our friend's struggle, we may feel inadequate and not know what to say or what to do. Has the fear of not saying the right thing ever kept you from showing up?

 

Andrea Gudmundsson was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer three years ago. She will talk about her journey of living with a terminal illness and share her insights with us.

 

"How to deal with this heavy burden everyday, and still go on with my life has been one of the biggest challenges so far. One day I am receiving scary feedback on my scan, and the next day I go on a field trip with a bunch of first graders,” says Andrea.

 

Andrea is a dynamo, with loads of courage and compassion. She has that spark about her that makes her so comfortable and inspiring to be around. She lives in Los Altos with her husband, raising two young children. One of her big passions in life is to paint.

 

During the evening we will discuss empathy and connection, how we can show up for our loved ones/friends that are going through hard times. Andrea says: “My advice to my friends is to not complicate things to much, to be themselves and ask a simple question. "How are you doing?” can go a long way. I always appreciate it when people ask me that.”
 
Andrea is the second guest in my speaker series: Courage and Compassion – Women that Inspire.

 

Come and join us for an evening of inspiration, tea and homemade buns as we listen to a woman that surely will touch our hearts.