ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Pate Glacel, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, executive coach, and breast cancer survivor. Since 1997, Glacel has worked as an advocate for others facing this disease, helping to provide information on early detection and raising funds to help find a cure. Through the American Cancer Societys Reach to Recovery program, she volunteers her time counseling breast cancer patients. A tireless advocate, Glacel has testified before a congressional committee of the United States House of Representatives about the need for improved access to medical care in the military, and she has walked hundreds of miles in the American Cancer Societys Relay for Life, the Susan G. Komen Foundations Race for the Cure, and the Avon Breast Cancer 3-day sixty-mile walks, raising thousands of dollars through her efforts. Glacel speaks and writes about cancer and survivorship nationally and overseas.

Dr. Glacel began her career teaching business and political science at several educational institutions including the University of Alaska and Central Michigan University. In 1984 she moved into the private sector and within four years founded her own company, VIMA International ≠ The Leadership Group, where she served as CEO for twelve years. Dr. Glacel continues to serve a select number of clients in executive coaching, team development, and organizational change. She has authored three books and numerous articles and is a frequent public speaker.

Married for thirty-two years to career Army officer Brigadier General (Retired) Robert Glacel, and the mother of three daughters, Glacel was living with her family in Brussels, Belgium, when she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Thousands of miles away from her home country, unable to speak the local language, and stunned by her devastating diagnosis, Glacel nevertheless found the strength and courage to take charge of her treatment and recovery, educating herself about the disease and empowering herself to use the cancer's lessons to enrich her life. An active volunteer in the many Army communities in which she lived, she also served on the prestigious Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, whose civilian members are selected for their achievements in their professions and civic affairs.

Living each day as a breast cancer survivor, Glacel enjoys her family and friends, meaningful work, and a renewed appreciation of life's meaning and blessings. She currently lives in Oak Hill, Virginia.