Ann Fonfa was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in January 1993 while suffering from extreme Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (a relatively-unknown problem). She chose to avoid chemotherapy, refused radiation and hormonal treatments, and explored the world of alternatives. Everything was alternative back then, including nutrition, physical movement and Yoga.
Ann founded Annie Appleseed Project to share all that she learned. As early as 1995 Ann began attending cancer meetings, asking difficult questions from the patient Advocate perspective. A veteran of over 150 meetings, a member of Society for Integrative Oncology, Multi-national Assoc for Supportive Care in Cancer, a board member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and Best Answer for Cancer.
Ann has served on various committees and has done grant reviews since 2000.
In January 2019, ironically on the exact same day as the 1993 diagnosis, Ann was told she had follicular lymphoma, a disease of chemical sensitivity. She has not been taking chemotherapy.