Cancer Girls Creating Change!

Selena Gomez (July 22, 1992), Actress and Singer

Selena started her acting career on Barney and Friends and has since acted in several television shows and movies. She is also the lead singer in the band Selena Gomez & the Scene; you probably recognize their #1 Hit “Love You Like a Love Song.” In the true Cancer fashion, Gomez is compassionate about others, and she is involved in several organizations, including DoSomething.Org, State Farm Insurance (to promote safe driving), and UNICEF.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (July 3, 1860), Writer and Reformer

Perkins Gilman was a role model for women back in her day, because of her unorthodox lifestyle and views. She thought women should be autonomous; she believed that a lack of autonomy leads to mental, emotional, and physical health problems. She is most famous for her short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” which she wrote after years of depression. It carries strong themes of feminism, including women’s need for mental and physical stimulation. Her inspiration stemmed from her doctor’s order for her to rest—and only rest—to cure her depression. Once her short story was published, she sent the story to her doctor; a sassy Cancer if there ever was one!

Henrietta Swan Leavitt (July 4, 1868), Astronomer

As a pioneering woman in the field of Astronomy, Leavitt was the brains behind many discoveries, and some of which she was never properly credited for. She worked as a human “computer,” processing astronomical data for Edward Hubble. Hardworking and persistent, she received her due credit in time. The asteroid 5383 Leavitt and the crater Leavitt on the Moon were both named in her honor. Like many Cancers, she was always happy, compassionate, and sympathetic towards others, which explains why she did not throw a fit when she was not properly recognized for her accomplishments in her field in a timely fashion.

Sofia Vergara (July 10, 1972), Actress and Comedian

Sofia Vergara may be beautiful, funny, and smart, but she’s also a survivor of thyroid cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2000. Despite this setback, Vergara kept up her hard work with modeling and acting. She is most notable for her role in Modern Family. This Columbian actress worked hard to get to be where she is today—and just like her, you can work hard to achieve your goals.

Kristi Yamaguchi (July 12, 1971), Figure Skater

Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic Figure Skater Champion (1992) and winner of several other championships in her sport. She began her figuring skating lessons when she was a young girl as a form of physical therapy for her club feet. Despite retiring from skating to become a commentator for figure skating events, Yamaguchi got up on the dance floor in 2008 and won Dancing with the Stars that year. Some Cancers just can’t be held back!

Lisa Leslie (July 7, 1972), Basketball Player

At six-feet-five-inches, Lisa Leslie was the first woman to dunk in a game in the WNBA. Talk about impressive! She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA MVP. This Cancer did everything she could to work hard and be the best. When she was in middle school and junior high, she played on all-boys teams. Before she even started high school, Leslie was receiving college recruitment letter from Division I schools. Despite her success on the court, she did not disregard education: Leslie received a B.A. in communications and a master’s in business administration. This go-getting Cancer is someone to look up for, whether you’re an athlete or not!