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Women’s Health Advocate + Former Opera Singer

@vanessajoywalker

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Life after 50. Less curated, more me.
Women’s health. Mental health. Travel.
Building @livingaftercrisis.
Pepper Joy + Mr. Walker’s person in DC.

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Have you had to support a loved one with cancer?

This WomenTalk episode is all about caregiving and cancer — and what it truly means to show up for someone you love while still trying to take care of yourself along the way.

Click the link in bio to watch the full episode. by @vanessajoywalker

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6 months ago

Snow days hit different when you’ve got a dog who has absolutely no complaints about it.

Pepper Joy reminded me this morning that sometimes joy is just running through snow like nothing else matters.

But here’s the truth: winter storms increase isolation. Research shows that cold-weather events trap people in their homes, worsen loneliness, and exacerbate mental health challenges — especially for vulnerable populations.

Not everyone has someone to check on them today. Roads are icy. Some folks are isolated. Some are struggling and a snow day doesn’t help.

Text a neighbor. Call a friend. Check on the person who’s been a little too quiet lately.
You don’t need a reason.

The snow is reason enough.

Stay warm. Stay safe. And if you have a dog — let them play! And maybe let yourself too #selftalk

#SnowDay #MentalHealth #CheckOnYourPeople #CommunityCare by @vanessajoywalker

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8 months ago

What a day in DC!

We are grateful to stand alongside passionate advocates to raise awareness about the future of cancer care.

Imagine a world where everyone has access to the right screening tools for their bodies… where diagnoses come earlier — and immune-activating treatments help the body eliminate cancer in less toxic, more targeted ways. That’s the one-two punch we’re working toward.

Today, our founder @kristendahlgrencvc and the Cancer Vaccine Coalition team had the opportunity to connect with Congressional offices to share the science, the stories, and the hope — for treatments that are already saving lives in clinical trials.

💛 A future with better, less invasive treatment options
💛 A future where recurrence is no longer a given
💛 A future for our daughters — and yours — that includes the possibility of being cancer-free

We’re inspired. We’re energized. And we’re more committed than ever to making sure this breakthrough science gets the attention it deserves.

A huge thank you to @smitaasrani @sallyshoots @vanessajoywalker @lizpowelldadzie @mfayer19 @thebremfoundation @womenshealth.advocates and the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition for all the support and hard work.

💛 What gives you hope for the future of cancer care?

Tell us in the comments ⬇️. Share your story. Help us keep this momentum going.

#cancervaccine #cancervaccines #futureofcancercare #breastcancervaccine #immunebasedtreatment #cancervaccinecoalition #breastcancer #CVC #cancerclinicaltrials #clinicaltrials taken in Washington D. C. by @vanessajoywalker

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a year ago

I just saw a post from @sarablakely on how she lends out her wedding dress! So inspiring to see how much JOY has coming from one dress. I’ve been on a bit of an IG hiatus — but this popped up and I needed to comment! I always thought my daughter would wear my wedding dress, but cancer had other plans. Shortly after I was married I was diagnosed with cancer — which resulted in needing to have my ovaries removed. This was my second cancer. I was devastated. But my new hubby transformed into an incredible carepartner. He learned to advocate by advocating, pray by praying and cook by cooking. He took on his new role as CCP (Chief Care Partner) with zero anger or animosity — only love. But my beautiful @moniquelhuillierofficial dress has been pressed and preserved ever since. I don’t know if my dress could bring some joy to others too… but maybe? Thoughts? by @vanessajoywalker

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a year ago

No caption needed. #thisislove by @vanessajoywalker

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2 years ago

Hoping this is still true these days.

Life doesn’t always feel good.

That’s ok.

Feelings aware real.
But not always based in the whole truth.

One day at a time.

Being kind to ourselves is a gift to the world. by @vanessajoywalker

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2 years ago

Grateful for carbs. by @vanessajoywalker

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3 years ago

It’s not always easy to be thankful—

Separted from family
Missing family
Mourning loss
Wishing for more
Praying for answers

And yet
Gratitude is a miraculous medication — a soothing salve that can calm even the deepest wounds

Sometimes you must search to uncover it—
That’s OK
no judgement, just love,
And gratitude. taken in Washington D. C. by @vanessajoywalker

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3 years ago

This day. Wow. #postlive @washingtonpost #globalwomenssummit by @vanessajoywalker

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3 years ago

Sometimes you just got to nap it off.
#life #dogdaughter @pepperjoywalker by @vanessajoywalker

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3 years ago

My loves.

In good times and not so good times.

When is pouring rain or shining brightly.

When we’re fighting or laughing.

In times of plenty and times not so plentiful!

In sickness, surgeries, cancer, infertility, miscarriage, early onset menopause, insomnia, depression AND health.

These are my peeps— peep and pup!

#survivors #thrivers #marriage #love

@lennyraywalks @pepperjoywalker by @vanessajoywalker

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3 years ago

Hey! I haven’t totally disappeared — but I have been focused on taking care of my mental health and exploring new professional passions.

I wrote this article - view on medium or on LinkedIn.

If you are interested in staying connected off instagram - please DM me your updated email!

Social media is great, but it’s not always good for my mental health.

#read and share - and don’t forget to #makeroomforjoy by @vanessajoywalker

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3 years ago