A School of Communication alumna has found a way to help others by sharing her experience dealing with the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer in her new book “The Cancer Dancer.”

Former Mass Communications student Patricia San Pedro, A.B. ’78, tells her difficult story to the world in “The Cancer Dancer,” beginning from the moment she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 to her current life as a survivor.  A book signing will take place  on Nov. 6th at 4 p.m. at the Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave,  in Coral Gables.

 “In The Cancer Dancer she bared her thoughts, emotions, heart, breasts, bald head, and soul to show others that they really can do more than survive an illness. They can thrive. Live. Laugh. Love. Dance!” according to a review on Amazon.com.

San Pedro is a three-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, inspirational speaker, photographer, and now a valuable resource for others diagnosed with breast cancer.

She videotaped her experiences with breast cancer for an entire year, starting just four hours after her diagnosis, to provide patient-to-patient tips and insight. The Discovery Channel’s sister stations, Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Familia, recently aired a one-hour documentary about San Pedro’s healing journey.  

San Pedro says her positive attitude jump-started the healing process from a very aggressive type of cancer. She wants to pass on her positive attitude to others who need it.

A former special projects producer and public relations manager for WTVJ-NBC6 in Miami, San Pedro was previously the corporate communications manager and key spokesperson for American Airlines. In 2001, she served, as vice president of event marketing and community relations at The Miami Herald & El Nuevo Herald. She currently heads a full-service communications and marketing company, San Pedro Productions, Inc., and shares her journey as a cancer survivor on her website, positivelypat.com.

“My hope is that we can all carry this care and compassion into the world, and maybe together we can help each other heal and thrive in ways that we expect to and in some that we don’t . . .,” San Pedro said.

*For more information about San Pedro’s book signing, call Books & Books at 305-442-4408.

*To learn more about San Pedro, visit www.positivelpat.com.

- Andrew Quinzi