On organizing, illness, privilege, and choosing hope anyway.
The sun is out today, the last day of January 2026. This morning I was walking my dog, Sam, as the sun rose and streaked the sky in breathtaking orange and pink. I found myself thanking Mother Earth for her glory and for the gift of those bright colors on this last day of January.
I live on the edge of Minneapolis, Minnesota, just across the Mississippi River in St. Paul—the twin of Minneapolis. These past 31 days have felt like more than a year, not just one month. How much can a city and a state endure? I’ve wondered that many days this month.
Minnesota at the Center of Resistance
As nearly everyone in the world now knows, Minneapolis and Minnesota have become an epicenter of revolution and resistance to the rise of U.S. fascism.
The sun shining on the snow, frozen lakes, and rivers reminds me to have hope. The sun keeps rising and breaking through the clouds—in spite of, and despite, the abduction of so many innocent people, including children. In spite of the murders of kind, caring people—Renee Good and Alex Pretti, to name just two—who have lost their lives over the past few weeks due to the invasion of poorly trained men who are not being held accountable under U.S. law.
The rage, despair, fear, and grief can be felt in the energy all around the Twin Cities. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose hope.
The Sturdy Stock of Minnesota
Thankfully, the people of Minnesota are made of sturdy stock. Maybe it’s the cold weather we endure year after year. Maybe it’s the original people who made what is now known as Minnesota their home. The Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibwe (Anishinaabe/Chippeway) people who suffered greatly with colonization. Maybe it’s the strong Scandinavian roots that made this state their home. Maybe it’s the immigrants from Latin America, Somalia, Southeast Asia, and many other places who have been welcomed here and who have built lives and thriving businesses.
Whatever it is, our collective sturdiness has risen to meet this moment.
We refuse to give up hope.
We refuse to abandon neighbors who need our help.
We refuse to fold and cower.
Instead, we organize.
It’s beautiful to witness—and to be a part of.
A Personal January: Cancer Check-Ins
On a personal level, January was also a challenging month for me. I went in for a PET/CT scan, an ultrasound, and cancer blood work to check on how this third round of breast cancer is doing in my body.
Since this third diagnosis two and a half years ago, I’ve had four full-body PET/CT scans, six ultrasounds of my right chest wall (where small cancer nodules were and still are), and countless rounds of blood work. The cancer world involves a lot of testing.
It turns out I have a mild allergy to the solution used during PET/CT scans. The result is feeling completely out-of-it and awful for six to eight hours the day of the scan. No wonder I hate them so much. Still, despite the misery, these tests help with diagnosis and evaluation.
This month’s results brought relief: the cancer has not spread. I do not have cancer in my brain, liver, lungs, or bones—all common places breast cancer travels. The one small cancer nodule on my chest wall did not grow even a millimeter. It’s still there, but it’s stable.
Diabetes, Technology, and a Surprising Win
In the midst of all that, I also got a new insulin pump a week ago. I’ve worn an insulin pump for nearly 30 years—starting with Minimed, then Medtronic, Animas, Tandem, and now something new.
Any time I change pumps, the learning curve is steep. This one uses the Loop system and is made by Sequel Med. It’s called twiist—with two i’s for “intelligent insulin.” And wow.
This is, without question, the best insulin pump I’ve ever worn. My favorite feature is the four-hour blood sugar prediction line, which adjusts insulin delivery based on carbs, insulin, and exercise. In the six days I’ve been wearing it, I’ve had some of the best blood sugars of my life. I’m genuinely excited about this shift in my diabetes care.
Healing as an Ongoing Experiment
Since this third diagnosis, I’ve approached healing even more intentionally. I reflected deeply on what I did between cancer diagnoses two and three. I identified what I could double down on and consulted experts about what I might add.
I read many books, talked extensively with my acupuncturist, attended cancer-prevention workshops, and wrote about Cured—one of the most influential books I’ve read about people healing from cancer and other seemingly incurable diseases. That book led me to cancer healing retreats and to innovative, integrative practices.
In all of this, I realized I could approach healing cancer the same way I approach the daily science experiment of living with type 1 diabetes: through trial and error. By removing some things. By adding others.
Letrozole: Choosing a Different Path
The hardest part of the past two and a half years has been taking letrozole—a daily pill that shuts down estrogen production in my body. I have estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, all three times. In simple terms, my cancer feeds on estrogen.
Letrozole is powerful—and brutal.
Its side effects have included mood disorder, sleep disruption, relentless hot flashes, joint, back, and hip pain, chronic stiffness, headaches, energy depletion, brain fog, itchy skin, and hair loss. It is not an easy drug to take in any sense. I’m honestly amazed I lasted as long as I did.
I decided it was time to take letrozole out of the mix.
Western medicine believes this drug is the primary reason the cancer hasn’t grown. I don’t agree. I have a list of 21 other practices I consistently use to support my body’s healing.
I’m willing to take the risk of discontinuing letrozole and see how things go. It’s possible—likely, even—that these practices are what’s holding the cancer at bay.
Emerging from the Fog
Seven days off letrozole, I feel like I’m emerging from a deep, painful fog. My body feels released from constant pain. I’m breathing more easily. My brain is clear again. And best of all, my energy has returned.
It’s stunning.
With that clarity, I feel ready to step back into thoughtful decision-making about how I want to support my fellow Minnesotans—how I want to stand up for democracy and care for our neighbors. Step one was writing this.
Privilege, Responsibility, and Stepping Forward
As I close this long check-in, I want to name a truth I’ve been reckoning with this month: I hold significant privilege. I am white. English is my first language. I have a job and resources.
ICE agents—sent by a president angered by Minnesota’s voting history—are targeting immigrants and people with brown and Black skin. With my privilege comes responsibility. And now, finally, I again have the energy, clarity, and capacity to step fully into the revolution.
Thank you for being with me on this journey. I appreciate your love and care.
If you feel so moved, please leave a comment. I greatly appreciate feeling connected to you
Thank you for sharing your story and journey—your words are always encouraging and uplifting ❤️
Thanks Doris for your kind words!
Thank you for the personal updates and reflections on the MN resistance. I really appreciate your intentionality, and I look forward to our work together
I look forward to working with you too Catherine! Thanks for your kind words!
Stay strong Mari, You are an inspiration. Tough times never lost but tough people do.
Thank you Sreekanth. You too stay strong.
OH MARI! You are the embodiment of LOVE on this earth! I have so much respect for you. I feel like ICE (and its backers) is the CANCER on our democracy. We here in Minnesota are the treatment for that cancer. WE cannot allow it to spread to other states! LOVE BIG! in every state and stop this federal abuse of power by Trump and his sycophants. And REALLY BIG LOVE to YOU for all that you are going through!
Katie,
Thank you for your very kind words and for all you do and are doing to be a helper every day. Your dedication amazes and inspires me!!!
I’m so grateful to read of your progress and I’m sure it has lots to do with your Minnesota toughness! You’re such a strong role model!
Thanks so much Colleen for your very kind words. Blessings to you.
I’m so happy that you are emerging from the fog of Letrozole! You regularly inspire me, and I’m so very grateful for your support as we navigate life together.
Much love to you, dear Mari!
Nadine
Nadine, I feel blessed that you are in my life on a daily basis!! You inspire me too! Big hug and bountiful love to you!!
I’m so happy for you, Mari! Thank you for the update, speaking truth and being you. You’ve always been an inspiration to me.
Love you!
Cindy
Thanks so much Cindy! I appreciate your kindness and love!! Hang in there!
Mari , I don’t know that I have ever thanked you as I should for continuing to share your journey. You are an amazing example of so many lessons that so many can learn from and be inspired by. It is so important for people to embrace being their own fiercest advocate . You have advocated for yourself and ALL of us. Community is so so powerful and important. My daughter & I/me both learned that at our respective onset of T1d. 30’s for me and age 15 for her. We have followed your example of sharing our experiences and finding that there are folks all around us that would benefit from finding community and not thinking they are alone. I’m nowhere near the writer that you are as a past educator but I could share for days. For me it may be best to do more listening 😉 .
Please know, you impact lives of many !
Hopefully this community can give back to you. Hugs hugs
Eric
Eric, your kind words come shining through. Thank you. Beautiful to read that what I write and how I live & show up in the world is helpful. Sending much love and care to both you and your T1D daughter. So glad you too share your stories. Our stories weave us all together, both the listening and the sharing of them! Hugs to you as well!
No words can explain how uplifting your first blog was for 2026. You are a warrior and as a Canadian .. watching what’s going on in America … tearing apart many of us .. who value diversity, equal rights, the list goes on. And awesome on how well your Twiist is going. If it’s anything like my YpsoPump CamAPX FX .. these HCL pumps help make part of our life easier!
Anna, your love and care knows no borders! Thank you for your many kind words coming from Canada. I have a lot of Canadian friends and your care is felt strongly here. Your YpsoPump sounds amazing! I will keep everyone updated on how things continue with the twiist! Any bit of ease is greatly appreciated that’s for sure!!
Hi Mari
Congratulations on cancer free that is great news! I so happy the twiist is working really good, next week is my son’s appointment we will ask for the twiist too for him. Its just hard to see what is happening in Minnesota, at this point being Brown is not a good thing, me being Brown I am worried because they dont stop you and ask questions, they just snatch you. I hope you stay warm and safe. I am enjoying our Denver weather
Thanks for your kind comments Veronica! To be clear, I still have cancer. It’s just stable and not growing. That is also VERY good news! Your son is lucky to have a mom who is so caring and looks out for his best interests. The twiist pump is amazing! I wish you safety and protection and much, much love. I feel your care from Colorado to Minnesota!
So happy the new pump is working so well. Here’s to improving technology.
Glad you are feeling better after deciding to drop the one med. You know your body best.
Can’t even imagine going outside in -8 weather let alone run. You inspire all of us.
Minnesotans are amazing. Proud to know you.
Love and prayers from California.
Thank you for your very kind words dear Addie! And yes, it’s really cold here, and as I’ve said and many Minnesotans say, “it’s all about the gear!” Thankfully I have lots of perfect gear!! We feel your love coming from California!
So glad you shared this Mari. So happy for your good health news and that is so exciting about your new pump! Of course my thoughts have been with you and your whole state for many days now. I am beyond grateful for the courage and love that is being expressed there. Thank you as always for your open hearted writing. Sending you love
Thank you SO much Jeanine. I feel our connection and love so often. I appreciate how much you get it. Sending love right back to you. OMMMMMM.
First, thank you and my dear Minnesotans for standing strong! We all need to do our part!
Second, go twiist! Unfortunately, I got so accustomed to many years of Omnipod no tubes, I can’t seem to make the switch. I remain hopeful there will be a patch pump soon with next step evolution!
I appreciate your thoughtful bravery in regards to your management of cancer. It’s such an intense concept that essentially cancers need to be addressed by “poisons”. I appreciate your journey looking for those other very powerful alternatives. I continue to learn from you!
Thank you fellow T1D!!! I know you get it! And had I ever worn a tubeless pump, the twiist might have been harder. I think twiist is leading the way and a patch pump is coming soon. Loop is absolutely incredible. Thank you for your very kind words. We here in Minnesota feel the love from afar. It bolsters us and calls us out to the streets over and over. And yes, cancer treatment is brutal. Figuring out ways to tap into the bodies ability to heal has more power than previously understood. And it’s all a dance!! Sending love to you and your sweet children.
Thank you for sharing your update. It inspired me and gave me language for why I’ve been feeling the way I do, because I care so much for Minneapolis and it saddens me to see what’s happening there and to not be able to do much.
Glad to see that you are your best advocate and doing what you need to do for your body and your healing!
Michanda, what a blessing to see your name and feel your love right here! Thank you. And see you in August with your profound gifts and joy. Minneapolis and all of Minnesota feels your care and we are bolstered by it.
I learn a lot from how you take on challenges in your life, both huge and small. May everyone be as motivated to thrive as you are.
From across the Mississippi, just a few miles away, I always feel your love and support. May we continue to learn from one another. Blessings and a hug dear Linda.
Oh, Mari, you are so beautiful, in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Molly, thank you. Know that I and so many of us are backing you as you navigate all that you navigate in the medical setting. Grateful for your knowledge and willingness to stand alongside those who don’t have power or words. You are a blessing to so many, me included. Love you dear friend.
I’m speechless. I don’t have the words….yet
Dear Penny, thank you. No words needed. I feel your love. And I know your art speaks volumes.
Hi Mari! Sending you so much love and good juju for all to come! So glad your energy is replenishing as we get closer to spring. I heard cardinals singing twice in the past week; they know change is coming too! I learn so much from you and treasure your insights and willingness to share your journey with tenacity and vulnerability. Big hugs, my friend!
Melanie!!! You get it on SO SO SO many levels. Thank you for the love and reminder that cardinals remind us that good and hope and change keeps happening. I feel it too. Love and hugs to you my friend. Always.
So good to read this update. I will see you out there!
Ever grateful for our long-time, deep connection Shirlene. You mean so much to me. And you know it, we will be out there together very soon!
Good evening Mari,
Your thoughtful and heart-filled message is inspiring. It never fails that I learn from you and will seek out the book Cured. Tomorrow I plan to start a 28-day meditation program by Sharon Salzberg to ‘get back on the horse’. This past month has been equal parts heartbreak and hope with ‘those sturdy Minnesotans’ edging ahead with an extraordinary dose of hope that is feeding the nation and the world. Glad to hear you are feeling well enough to join in. We have managed frozen water in a myriad of ways and will continue until it melts.
Lisa you are amazing! Glad you will do the 28-day meditation with Sharon Salzberg. Incredible teacher!! And yes, heartbreak and hope do indeed seem to be holding hands these days. Love you my friend! Thanks for adding your love to this post.
I love your resilience Mari as you navigate complicated health issues while physically around you a disease rages as well. We can all
Learn so much from your wisdom and strategy you have mapped out to fight this cancer and to help others that are suffering so much right now!
Oh Marie, your poet self radiates in your kindness and insights. Ever grateful for our daily connections. You mean the world to me and so many.
Glad to hear things are mostly good with health, proud of you for staying strong through the journey. Sending you love and prayers. Stay safe and healthy ❤️
Deepa, such joy to see your name here and to feel your energy and calm!!! Thank you for popping in and connecting. This means the world. Blessings and love to you as well!
Mari, thank you for sharing this update. My thoughts and heart have been with you all in MN and you are such an example to the rest of the country on how to fight back. It is so painful to witness what is going on. You all have been inspiring.
I’m glad you are in a stable place and were able to make the big decision of discontinuing the med. And I’m glad you are already feeling so much better and have worked to put in place to support your health in a way that feels right to you. You have been though so much and I am inspired by your perseverance. I am sure it feels really hard sometimes. Keep us all posted on how you are doing.
With love,
Anne Findlay
Thank you so much dear Anne for your kind words and for understanding on so so many levels. I appreciate your caring and for all the good you do in the world.
I’m proud of how you continue to fight and inspire Mari. You being you gives me hope I can fight through my ailments and live m best life! Glad your new pump is working so well and your success with it is very encouraging!
I’m as always sending my ❤️❤️ my and fo you!
Larry, thank you. You too always inspire me. Together we keep reminding one another to breathe deeply and look within and find our way. I’m telling you this twiist pump is blowing my mind!!! It’s amazing!! Love you my friend. Keep on!!
Sending you lots of love and strength! I love reading your words. In the midst of all the crazy, your words bring so much calm. Thank you! ❤️
Thanks so much Jenn! I feel your love coming from Colorado!! Maybe part of the calm you feel is all the daily meditation I do!! Sending love and calm always!
Thank you for sharing this.
You bet Donna! Thanks for leaving a comment. I feel your care.
I’m so glad the twiist has been a positive change for you!
Amanda, it’s stunning!! I’ve had very good luck with all the pumps I’ve worn, and this switch is blowing my mind. Loop is incredible!! Thanks for writing a comment! And see you soon out there running in the cold!!
Mari-
Sending you love!
Thank you for all you do and all you share!
Your choice to lean into all life offers with such positivity – offta!
Michael, thank you my friend! We here in Minnesota are indeed sturdy stock! Grateful to share that with you!! Leaning in is for sure the way to go! Keep making magic as you do!!