Welcome
to Alex Kinnear-Mellor’s journey
Alex’s ‘Cancer Works: Balancing your career with not dying’ transcends the conventional narrative of cancer, transforming a personal battle into a beacon of hope and resilience for anyone navigating the complex intersection of professional life and a life-altering diagnosis.
This book is not just a memoir; it’s a guide, a companion, and a source of inspiration for those facing cancer directly or indirectly in the workplace.
Available now as eBook, Paperback and on Audible
“Bless [Alex] so much. I love her words, I can so relate. I can’t wait to read more. She is an inspiration to all us ladies going through this. The photo of Alex after her biopsy really moved me. It was so similar for me.”
– Tracy, Cancer Warrior
I wrote ‘Cancer Works’ to offer a beacon of hope and practical guidance for anyone navigating the uncertain journey of cancer alongside their career.
This book is born from my personal experiences, a testament to the resilience we can harness even in the face of adversity.
My aim is to challenge the conventional narratives around cancer, showing that it’s possible to continue thriving in our careers and lives despite a diagnosis. Through sharing my story, I hope to empower, educate, and inspire others to find their own path of resilience and strength.
Alex Kinnear-Mellor
“You may be surprised to know that cancer is not the villain of this book.
“The villain in my story assumes various disguises, but beneath them all, is a beguiling force that doggedly urges me to succumb.
“This has defined my story. This battle against surrender; the rejection of a victim status, rebuffing the power cancer has over the spirit of the individual. A fight against the villainous influence of convention.”
– Cancer Works
About the Book
In a world where cancer diagnoses are increasingly common among the working-age population, Alex Kinnear-Mellor delivers an unconventional yet profoundly necessary narrative.
‘Cancer Works’ is not just a book; it’s a lifeline for anyone seeking to balance the colossal weight of cancer with the demands of their career.
With heartfelt honesty, wit, and unflinching courage, Alex shares her journey through cancer treatments while keeping her career afloat. This book challenges the traditional narratives surrounding cancer, offering insights, advice, and practical tips on how to navigate the treacherous waters of working life during
and after a cancer diagnosis.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Strategies for maintaining your professional identity while undergoing treatment.
- Practical advice on communication, change management, and finding humour in the face of adversity.
- Inspirational anecdotes and personal reflections that offer hope and solidarity to those walking a similar path.
‘Cancer Works’ is more than a memoir; it’s a guide to redefining your life and career in the face of illness.
About the Author: Alex Kinnear-Mellor is a communications specialist, cancer survivor, and an advocate for keeping life and careers in motion amidst the challenges of cancer. With ‘Cancer Works’, she offers her voice and experience
to inspire, guide, and support others facing similar trials.
“Cancer Works: Balancing Your Career with Not Dying” is an honest, insightful, and pragmatic guide for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of maintaining a professional life while battling cancer. Drawing from her personal journey, Alex delivers a deeply relatable narrative that combines storytelling with practical advice. Her clear, compassionate, and humorously candid writing helps demystify workplace challenges faced by cancer patients.
The book excels in offering concrete strategies for balancing treatment, maintaining energy, and communicating effectively with employers and colleagues. Alex doesn’t shy away from the emotional and psychological toll of cancer, addressing issues like fear, anxiety, and the importance of self-advocacy and building a support network. Primarily targeted at cancer patients, it also serves as an excellent resource for employers and cancer care providers. Overall, “Cancer Works” is a vital resource, blending heartfelt personal experiences with practical advice.
It’s an empowering read for anyone striving to maintain their professional identity while facing one of life’s greatest challenges. Kudos for capturing this so well!”
– Lynette, Cancer Warrior, MSN,BSN,RN
“I was determined to not let cancer be the villain, refusing to be defined by it.
Instead, I wish to be defined by my reaction to it.”
– Cancer Works
This book will support you if you’re diagnosed:
- Embrace resilience and find strength in adversity, showing that it’s possible to balance a fulfilling career with cancer treatment.
- Navigate workplace dynamics sensitively and effectively while undergoing cancer treatment.
- Communicate openly and effectively with colleagues, friends, and family about your needs and experiences.
- Implement practical coping mechanisms and strategies for managing both professional responsibilities and health challenges.
- Recognise the importance of support systems and how to leverage them for emotional and practical assistance.
- Maintain a sense of self and purpose, emphasising the role of personal identity in the healing and coping process.
- Adapt to change and make empowered decisions about work and health, inspired by real-life experiences and insights.
Free Downloads
This book will support you if you know someone who’s been diagnosed:
- Understand the unique challenges faced by individuals balancing cancer treatment and career responsibilities.
- Provide meaningful support that respects the individual’s desires for normalcy and professional fulfillment.
- Communicate with empathy and clarity, ensuring open lines of dialogue that respect the needs and wishes of the person with cancer.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that accommodates the needs of employees undergoing treatment.
- Recognise the significance of emotional support and practical assistance in the workplace and beyond.
- Empower individuals with cancer by supporting their decisions and career aspirations, reinforcing their sense of agency and purpose.
- Navigate the emotional complexities of cancer support, learning how to offer help without overshadowing the individual’s autonomy and resilience.
Alex Kinnear-Mellor: Inspiring Speaker and Author of ‘Cancer Works‘
Alex Kinnear-Mellor is a seasoned keynote speaker, celebrated for her compelling presentations on communications at notable industry events. With her profound personal and professional journey through cancer, she now brings her insights and motivations to a broader audience, offering talks that resonate deeply with both personal and professional themes.
Talks and Presentations:
Navigating Your Career Through Cancer
Discover strategies for maintaining your professional life during cancer treatment. Learn how to balance work and health based on Alex’s own remarkable journey, providing practical advice for those facing similar challenges.
Resilience and Change Management
Drawing parallels between navigating personal crises and managing change in the workplace, this talk offers insights into adapting and thriving amidst life’s unexpected turns.
Effective Communication in the Face of Adversity
Explore how to maintain clear and supportive communication with colleagues and loved ones during challenging times. Gain tips from Alex’s extensive experience in corporate communications and personal encounters.
Building Resilient Workplaces
Ideal for businesses looking to foster a supportive environment, this presentation delves into creating workplaces that support rather than stigmatise employees dealing with serious health issues.
Book Alex for Your Next Event
Alex is available for conferences, corporate events, and workshops, offering both in-person and virtual talks. Her presentations are not only informative but also deeply inspiring, filled with humour, resilience, and practical advice.
Invite Alex to speak at your event and empower your audience with the courage to face adversity, the strength to embrace change, and the resilience to thrive.
Consultancy and Workshop Series Development
Empowering and Supporting Organisations and their People
1. Education:
We are thrilled to announce the development of a new business consultancy and development series, launching in 2024, aimed at empowering and supporting organisations and their employees. These workshops and programs will focus on:
- Providing essential knowledge on how to support employees with cancer.
- Offering insights into the legal, emotional, and practical aspects of workplace cancer support.
2. Resilience Building:
- Helping employees develop the resilience needed to navigate the challenges associated with cancer.
- Creating strategies for maintaining productivity and well-being during difficult times.
3. The Power of Community:
- Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Encouraging open communication and mutual support among colleagues.
- and much more …
Collaboration with Experts
To ensure the highest quality and relevance of our workshops, Alex Kinnear-Mellor will be collaborating with a network of medical, business and creative experts. These professionals will help create comprehensive supporting materials and provide their insights and experience. Together, they will offer bespoke packages tailored to the specific needs of each organisation, ensuring continuous support and empowerment for all employees.
Bespoke Packages
The bespoke packages will include:
- Customised training sessions designed to address the unique needs of organisations.
- Ongoing support and resources to help implement effective workplace strategies.
- Access to a community of experts and peers for continued learning and support.
Consultancy Services
In addition to the workshop series, Alex is acting as a consultant in communications strategy and workplace cancer support and empowerment. She is open to inquiries from organisations looking to enhance their support systems and build a resilient, informed, and empowered workforce.
Launching in 2024
Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to launch this exciting new initiative in 2024. For early inquiries and more information on how we can work together to support your organisation, please contact Alex.