Founder’s Story

I didn’t have a choice about being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but it has certainly provided me with a more meaningful life.

My name is Anita Hubbard, and I was diagnosed with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer on Valentine’s Day in 2013.

Since my diagnosis I have undergone a total thyroidectomy, two  neck dissections to remove infected lymph nodes, radioactive iodine treatment resulting in seven days of quarantine, eight debilitating months of trial and error hormone replacement, neck and muscle numbness, and daily medication to replace the critical functions of my thyroid.

I was unprepared for the difficult recovery from cancer, and I went through a period of time where I profoundly struggled. Through these difficult moments of suffering and overcoming this illness, I developed a unique and deep empathy for others who are also struggling with this disease, which is what compelled me to start this non-profit, the Love Your Thyroid Foundation.

My story is not unique. In fact, the instance of diagnosis of thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing, yet it remains a massively misunderstood disease and egregiously underfunded in research. I am honored to work closely with my husband, Todd Hubbard, and my incredibly talented friends, family and fellow thyroid cancer survivors to create awareness about thyroid cancer and raise funds for critically needed research.