Hit Song Becomes Breast Cancer Anthem

Oivia Newton-John joined a group of Australian female singers to honor Chrissy Amphlett’s dying wish: that the rock group Divinyls’ hit song “I Touch Myself” become a breast cancer anthem. Amphlett, the group’s lead vocalist, died from complications of breast cancer and multiple sclerosis in April 2013. Since then, her husband and several vocalists, including the late singer’s cousin Little Pattie, turned her dream into a reality, gathering to record an a cappella version of the song and create a music video to raise awareness about breast self-exams. Amphlett discovered her breast cancer during a self-exam.

Neonatologist Jennifer Arnold, who stars in the TLC reality series The Little Couple, has completed chemotherapy and her cancer is in remission. In late 2013, after a failed pregnancy, Arnold announced that she had received a diagnosis of choriocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in cells that normally form the placenta in pregnancy. The show also documented Arnold’s cancer experience.

Country singer Kevin Sharp, 43, died on April 19 from complications of past stomach surgeries and digestive system problems. As a young adult, Sharp was treated for Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. During that time, the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish to meet Grammy award-winning producer David Foster, who later helped Sharp with his career. Best known for country hits, including “Nobody Knows,” Sharp also wrote a book about his cancer experience.

In February, journalist and former NBC Nightly News anchorman Tom Brokaw revealed he had received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in August 2013. During an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Brokaw said he was “very pleased with the progress” of his treatment, yet admitted he has access to better health care than many people.