Ann Ramsdell
Master-Certified Life Coach / MBC Thriver / TEDx Speaker / Biomedical Scientist
When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer I thought I was facing the worst. But I was wrong. Because for me — and about 1.53 million other breast cancer patients in the U.S. — the disease continued spreading beyond cells in the body, infiltrating and decimating our bank accounts, 401ks, and ability to earn a living wage.
The medical community calls this “financial toxicity”. I’ve started referring to it as “Stage 5” to describe the additional, debilitating burden that far too many cancer patients carry, but rarely discuss, during our survivorship.
As we head into a month focused on breast cancer awareness my goal is to help stop the silence.
In this reel I highlight recent research on financial toxicity and include my own financial data as a close-up case study. Because the best way I know to speak to the shame beneath the silence is to identify injustice and tell the truth.
And the unfortunate truth is this: In the richest country in the world, you can do everything “right” and still face financial ruin. Financial toxicity is a failure of our societal systems and not of the individuals catastrophically affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Patients and their families need help, and we need it urgently. No one deserves to lose everything when trying to survive their disease, and cancer or not, most of us are far closer to catastrophe than we may imagine.
Please watch, like, and share. On behalf of 1.53 million breast cancer patients afflicted with financial toxicity, and all those to come, we need to get the conversation started — and keep it going.
11/24/2025
On this week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful to for their advocacy and support for women navigating cancer survivorship. If you are looking for support - or would like to donate so that others can be supported - please connect with this incredible group. Rebuild-AB offers coaching services for a variety of survivorship needs, and it is my pleasure to partner with them and to share my favorite gratitude practice 💟
07/29/2025
It’s my quarterly scan day and I am tired y’all 🥱 My appointments are usually in the morning but today’s roster was all afternoon, which is when my energy starts to decline. So I took my contrast outdoors where I could bask in the sun, admire dogs passing by, and pretend I was sipping lemonade. Because when it comes to cancer we almost always have more room to maneuver than we think. So break free from whatever imaginary rules you are following - especially when it means feeling the warm sunshine on your cheeks. Cheers! 🥂
06/17/2025
While many spend summer planning vacations and time in the sun, a young adult facing breast cancer may be preparing for treatment, coping with fear, and searching for connection.
That’s where YSC comes in.
This summer, we’re preparing the YSC Wellness Summit—a powerful weekend for survivors, thrivers, and co-survivors to gather, breathe, and begin to heal in a space where they don’t have to explain themselves. If you believe no one should face cancer alone, now is the time to act.
👉 Donate now and help us create a !
Visit the link in bio or visit bit.ly/donate-summer-to-remember
05/31/2025
Hey y'all check this out! YSC group coaching is available for young adults of Black and African descent who are navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Space is limited - apply now. https://youngsurvival.org/ysc-group-coaching
05/21/2025
Are you or someone you know living with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? Support is available!
YSC Group Coaching sessions are personalized workshops for young adults navigating after a breast cancer diagnosis that are built around a thoughtful, trauma-informed curriculum. Each week is designed to support your healing, self-discovery, and the unique challenges of your life. If you're looking for a place to feel seen, heard, and supported—this is it.
Apply now—space is limited. www.bit.ly/mbc-groupcoaching
PS - Group coaching is now also available for women of
Black/African Descent (any stage diagnosis) https://youngsurvival.org/ysc-group-coaching
✨ Introducing YSC Group Coaching! ✨
Survivorship and thrivership are powerful, life-shaping journeys—and you don’t have to navigate them alone. YSC Group Coaching is a supportive space led by professional cancer coaches who truly get it. Together, you'll explore who you are now, reconnect with your purpose, and learn tools to help you take empowered steps forward.
🧭Currently offering:
MBC Group Coaching and
Black/African Descent Group Coaching✨
What to Expect:
✅ 6–8 weekly, small-group online sessions
✅ Trauma-informed, culturally affirming coaching
✅ Real talk, real tools, and real growth
✅ Supportive coaches + peer community
✅ A focus on healing, empowerment & action
This isn’t therapy or treatment—it’s small-group coaching designed for your whole self. Whether you're rebuilding, redefining, or just ready for what’s next, this space is here for you. 🔗 Apply now—space is limited!
Link in bio or visit https://youngsurvival.org/ysc-group-coaching
02/28/2025
Sharing this on all the platforms 🫶🏻 Another inspiring project from , founder and host of , highlighting love letters from 28 incredible women navigating metastatic breast cancer survivorship 🩷💙💚
02/28/2025
Financial assistance is available for cancer patients seeking mental health and/or intimacy coaching. Please share with those who may be in need. Rebuild-A-B is a wonderful organization dedicated to supporting women navigating and recovering from a cancer diagnosis.
Each scholarship of up to $500 covers a series of individual, one on one, or group coaching sessions, depending on each individual’s unique needs and preference. Applicants can choose to work with one of our mental health coaches OR one of our intimacy / s*x coaches. ❤
*xcoach
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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