Posts by Mariah Forster Olsen

Mariah Forster Olson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 1980 at the age of one, and as a result, she has many different medical conditions and late effects. She received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin with her husband, Troy, and their two cats, Holly and Isaac. Due to Mariah’s medical issues, however, she does not have a “conventional” job and needs to rest often. However, Mariah works from her laptop on the couch for nine different cancer nonprofits, where she fights childhood cancer by helping patient, survivors, and families. She serves on the Board of Directors and works closely with the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society and the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer. Mariah also serves on the State Leadership Board for the American Cancer Society, and she advocates for cancer-related legislation on both the state and federal levels for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Mariah is also writing a book about her life, and plays the oboe professionally in a variety of ensembles in her community. Mariah’s work truly fulfills her, and she has learned that by sharing her story and experiences, as well as working with her nonprofits, she has the possibility to help others and provide hope, understanding, support, and encouragement to those touched by cancer.