Marie Havenga is a veteran journalist of more than 30 years. The Grand Rapids native launched her journalism career at age 15, writing for WorkWeek, a weekly business magazine. She joined the Grand Haven Tribune staff as a columnist and reporter in 2003, after writing for the Grand Rapids Press for more than two decades. A boating and water enthusiast, she lives on the shores of Spring Lake. Havenga has published an environmental children's book and her writing has been featured in several national publications.
Dan Smith isn't shy about sharing his deep-rooted belief about colonoscopies—you need them. Regularly.
Emily Rickert lost a loved one to breast cancer. Two weeks later, at age 24, she was diagnosed.
A mom's intuition saved her unborn baby's life.
Firefighter Phil Hunderman had cancer smoldering in his cells. But early detection doused the disease.
Need a jump-start to your weight-loss efforts? Check with your doctor.
Linda Baughan's sister died of ovarian cancer. She didn't want to follow in her footsteps.
After complex heart problems and several surgeries, little Graylyn Karaus is stretching, reaching and working toward walking.
Diagnosed twice with cancer, Madison Pflug has two transplants and prevails with a deeper faith and appreciation for each day.
Susan Calkins stood a slim chance of surviving stage 4 ovarian cancer—until a clinical trial improved her odds.
Hooked on smoking? Jill Zalokar was, too—for almost half a century. Until she learned the tools to quit for good.
Siblings Gloria Kragt and Judith Woodwyk battled breast cancer together. And won.
About 1 in 50 people have an aneurysm lurking in their brain. Take some steps to make sure you're not one of them.
