WHEN WOMEN
GET SICK

WHEN WOMEN GET SICK
AN EMPOWERING APPROACH FOR GETTING THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
“Look for the helpers.”
-FRED ROGERS
THE BOOK
My upcoming book When Women Get Sick shows women and their supporters how to maximize coverage, benefits and security and minimize stress, fear and confusion as they navigate illness. It will make people angry, because it exposes just how deficient our healthcare system is and how it hurts women. But it will empower women with cancer and other serious illnesses to get the right help and avoid being left holding the bag as they fight for their wellness.
When Women Get Sick uses the power of storytelling, and the experience of a twenty five years in-the-trenches advocate to educate women about what to worry about when they get sick. It’s often a “clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right” situation; a messy mix of the healthcare provider system, third party payers, employers, and slow-as-molasses government entities. The book guides readers through the navigation process with stories and useful information. The big idea here is to give women agency, empowering them with practical tools they can use as they deal with illness. No question another goal is to inspire others to support women on these healthcare and workplace journeys; to advocate for them the way I have.

COMING JULY 29TH, 2025
PRE-ORDER HERE:
EVENTS


Ramping up to launch we’re working on events with organizations, businesses and groups. This page will evolve, but in case you’re hoping to attend one, this is a preliminary list (past dates for reference). If you’d like When Women Sick to be part of an event at your organization or group (live or remotely), please email Jana Nelson, Publicity Director at Broadleaf books.
April 17: Women’s Wellness Circle, Palo Alto, CA (by invitation)
May 8: Ivy League Sister’s Summit, Women’s Health, Avoiding Burnout Panel (virtual)
July 22, 8pm ET: Sharsheret National Webinar (virtual)
July 28, 8pm ET: Lustre Launch event, (virtual)(member event)
August 2, time TBD: Margaret O’Leary in-store event, San Francisco, CA
August 7, 7pm PT: Books, Inc., Palo Alto, CA; In conversation with Dr. Kristina Austin
August 9, time TBD: Celebration of Women Doctors and Women Patients, Atherton, CA (by invitation)
August 17, time TBD: Story Summit Writer’s School Event (virtual)(member event)
Sept. 17, time TBD: P.E.O. International Chapter Meeting, Where Women Motivate Women, Northern California (member event)
September 28, time TBD: Wander Berkshires, Pittsfield, MA
October, time/day TBD: MM La Fleur UWS in-store event, In conversation with Sally Wolf, New York, NY
October, time/day TBD: MM La Fleur Georgetown in-store Women's Wellness Circle, Georgetown, DC
Oct. 23: Tattered Cover Book Store, Colfax, CO
YOUR BIG PICTURE
I know this is complicated. When women get sick, there's a lot to think about.
It's more than just medical; it's always emotional and often professional.
Medical Decisions
Ability to Work
Staying Insured
Staying Solvent
Spouse or Partner Support
Responsibilities
Disability Coverage
Other Income
RESOURCES
There are many wonderful disease-specific organizations throughout the country that provide support and information to their clients. There are also 3,600 women's health centers in the United States serving over 15 million women.
Below are some organizations doing important work.
Information, case management services and financial aid for Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses.
The nation's trusted source for cancer information.
Resource to find advocates for laws protecting the civil and human rights of all people with disabilities.
Helping get women the health care services they need and build the movement for health justice.
Bay Area Cancer Connections supports anyone affected by breast or ovarian cancer with personalized services that inform and empower.
Triage Cancer® is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.
A nationwide network of advocates driving change to ensure women understand the life-saving importance of early detection and gain access to crucial screening and treatment options.
WHAM is dedicated to funding women’s health research to transform women’s lives.WHAM works across diseases that impact women differently and differentially.
PRESS
Rebecca Bloom discusses her upcoming book with producer, blogger, speaker and radio personality Ash Brown.
Rebecca Bloom discusses the impact of divorce on health and what you need to know to protect yourself.
Commemorates the 20th anniversary of the NIEHS-led Sister Study to discover the environmental and genetic influences on breast cancer.
Rebecca Bloom talks with leading benefits startup, Fijoya, about why now is the time for a book on women's health by someone who knows how to navigate the landscape.
This discussion highlights how advisors can apply their professional skills to personal healthcare challenges while also better serving female clients.
Rebecca Bloom talks with Jodi Silverman, speaker and founder of Moms Who Dare, about the unique challenges women on health journeys face.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
If you or someone you care about is fighting cancer or another serious illness join the When Women Get Sick community and receive blogposts, announcements and information.