In college, Wendy Goossen studied graphic design with plans of becoming an artist. To fund her education, she worked at Scripps Hospital in San Diego. In her role as cancer registrar, she helped gather key data about those undergoing cancer treatment as a way to further cancer research. After returning to Northern California, Goossen turned down an opportunity to work in graphic design in order to pursue her newly found passion for working with cancer patients.

Wendy & Max

 Goossen is now the director of the cancer program at Marshall Medical Center and the founder of Images of Hope  an organization that sponsors art, yoga, stress reduction and other classes for cancer patients. “There are a lot of different ways to be healed,” she explains. She understands all too well the need for a creative outlet to facilitate cancer treatment, as she’s lost numerous family members to the disease—including both of her parents. “I think that really helped give me insight into the lives of families going through [cancer treatment],” Goossen says. In her spare time, she continues to paint and practice photography. “I enjoy the challenge of my job and what I do,” Goossen says, adding ruefully, “At the same time, I wish I could figure out how I could ‘create’ just a little more time.”

 — Amber Foster