Judith Opdahl

Survivor & Patient Advocate

Following her diagnosis with cancer in 1989, Judith turned to education and support networks as the most important aspects of her treatment process.

She equates the experience of a cancer diagnosis to veterans coming back from war – people who have had cancer have the ability to relate to each other in a way that others are unable to do.

Cancer has greatly affected Judith’s family, and her dream is that there will soon be a cure, so other families do not have to face cancer as hers did.

Judith is encouraged by initiatives like Stand Up to Cancer, as she is passionate about creating awareness of cancer.

Today, Judith is a 20-year cancer survivor and credits her diagnosis for changing her life, as her experience has led her to be involved with cancer patient support and education for over 17 years.

Judith works to provide the additional support that cancer patients often need, such as education and psychosocial support, which serves as a complement to the treatments provided by physicians. She has served on numerous committees throughout the years as an advocate, mentor and speaker.

Judith is also a board member of the Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation and serves as a Trustee on the Long Beach Memorial Hospital Foundation board.

Judith's story

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Judith is an employee of the Cancer Support Center Community, a non-for-profit organization GSK has provided funding support to in the past.

GSK provided development support for this project. All people featured are volunteers and were not compensated for their involvement in this project.