“We’re not just providing facts, we’re providing people with knowledge and resources to implement that information. I’m hoping it can be empowering for patients and families.”

“I believe it is important to stay flexible and be inquisitive, because the doors that open in life may not lead to where you first thought of going. Trust where the path takes you. You’ll know when it’s right.”

The Cook For Your Life cookbook, is nominated for a James Beard Book Award in the “Focus on Health” category.

As soon as Gaffney started teaching, she was hooked: “Seeing people who didn’t think they could cook, and watching their delight at finding out they could, was exhilarating and I realized I wanted more of that — I wanted to help people.”

“[Cook for Your Life] is aimed at cancer patients — and its direct, even urgent title leads us into contents whose tone is wonderfully warm and kindly, as well as painstakingly clear in all its directions.”

“The site features plan-ahead meals so there’s good food when you’re tired, bland but delicious foods for unsettled stomachs and smoothies to ease sore mouths. Mostly, though, it showcases mouthwatering, easy-to-follow recipes…”

“Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in partnership with the New York City-based, not-for-profit Cook for Your Life initiative have published the results of an intervention designed to provide a diverse and under-represented group of Latina breast cancer survivors with the knowledge and skills needed to change and sustain dietary behaviors.”

Cancer survivor and cookbook author Ann Ogden Gaffney says food can help comfort and heal while patients go through treatment. CBS News’ Marlie Hall reports.

“…Ms. Clark began volunteering for Ms. Gaffney’s workshops, which were simple and not ‘preachy,’ she says. Instead, they just offered a road map for a ‘sensible way to eat.’”

“Change is Good: From High Fashion to Cuisine with Compassion. For former fashion designer and two-time cancer survivor Ann Ogden Gaffney, understanding the difficulties of undergoing cancer treatment led to a change of course…”

“…This totally-doable-on-a-weeknight recipe from the new book, Cook for Your Life, by Ann Ogden Gaffney, starts with chicken you marinate in mustard and white wine..”

I wanted Cook for Your Life to give the cancer community the practical knowledge to use cooking as a tool to help them improve their nutrition during treatment, and to encourage healthy survivorship.

As a two-time cancer survivor, Gaffney understands what is needed before, during and after treatment, including which foods can provide symptom relief, fulfill nutritional needs and allow a sense of control during a chaotic time.

“…Now, the avid home cook and “Cook for Your Life” founder is on a mission to spread the soul-sustaining joy of cooking to cancer patients across the nation.”

Breast Cancer Heroes You’ve Never Heard Of: Ann Ogden, The Healthy Cook.

“A lot of nutritionists would tell patients what to eat, but not show them how to prepare it in an enjoyable way. This was my first ‘ah-ha’ moment—bridging the gap between nutritional advice and actual at-home execution,” says Gaffney…”

“The author has experience and understanding how the appetite changes, with taste and smell and even swallowing for patients going through chemotherapy, radiation, even recovering from surgery.”

“When my treatment ended, I made my decision to leave fashion and start Cook for Your Life in 2007. CFYL’s mission is to give the cancer community the practical knowledge, tools and inspiration to cook their way into a healthy survivorship…”

“Using a culturally based hands-on educational approach, the Cook for Your Life program or ¡Cocinar Para Su Salud! is geared toward Latina breast cancer survivors who are at higher risk of obesity, low physical activity, and poorer access to quality healthcare.”

“…the participants increased their number of fruits and vegetables servings to 6.8 per day, well within the American Cancer Society’s recommended 5-9 servings per day to improve clinical outcomes. After six months the women in Cook for Your Life had increased the amount of targeted fruits and vegetables by over 2.5 servings a day.”

“I had been diagnosed, but I was okay and so I made a pact with myself that until I was told that I wasn’t going to be okay, that everything was fine,” Ogden Gaffney said. Ann channeled her positive energy into the kitchen.

“…when my own experience with cancer treatment made me realize just how important having basic knowledge of food and basic cooking skills can be to stay nourished and healthy. This led me to create Cook for Your LIFE to teach healthy cooking to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.” Ann Ogden