Beverlye Hyman Fead is an author, artist, poet, and cancer survivor. After being told she had two months to live in 2002, Beverlye opted for an experimental treatment that helped her survive stage IV uteral stromal sarcoma cancer and she has been living with her cancer ever since.

In 2002, Beverlye wrote the book "I Can Do This: Living with Cancer, Tracing a Year of Hope," published by the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. Despite having no distribution, the book sold more than 6,000 copies solely through word of mouth, motivating people around the world to stay strong in their fight against the disease. Her second book, which she co-wrote with her 11 year-old granddaughter, Tessa Mae Hamermesh, titled "Nana, What’s Cancer?" explains cancer to children in a non-scary way.

In addition to her writing, Beverlye frequently shares her inspiring story of courage and hope with others through various platforms. She serves as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) Celebration on the Hill, a signature event that celebrates cancer survivorship and advocates for laws to help fight the disease. She also serves on the Community Council-Greater Santa Barbara Unit of ACS in California, and, in 2008, was named a Hero of Hope for the Silicon Coastal Region of the ACS. In 2009, she received the Courage Award from the Sarcoma Foundation of America and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. In October 2009, she will receive the Gift of Life Award from the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation. Most recently, Beverlye participated in Breast Cancer: The Path to Wellness and Healing, an educational DVD featuring interviews with activists, doctors, spiritual leaders and survivors.

With help from friends, Beverlye has raised more than $1 million for cancer research. She resides in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband, music publisher Bob Fead. Beverlye and Bob have five grandchildren: Tessa, Max, Alexander, Gideon, and Jackson.

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