Deb Wesloh
Deb Wesloh lives in Texas with her husband and three boys. She is a songwriter, singer, author and Army Veteran.
She is also a multi-cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called polycythemia vera (PV) in 2016. A couple months later she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer). In addition, she was diagnosed with several skin cancers a few years later.
Although the breast cancer diagnosis was not a complete surprise - her mom had it twice – the PV was. At the time of diagnosis was a distance runner, was in excellent physical shape and did not have any symptoms except for elevated blood levels.
PV is chronic and progressive. It can't be cured but she is undergoing treatment (Jakafi) that has so far proved to be effective. The medication, along with keeping physically active, eating nutritiously and playing music has made her symptoms manageable and has improved her overall quality of life.
While looking for something different to do with her “new normal,” she became involved with a Veteran songwriting organization called Soldier Songs and Voices (SS&V).
She attended the SS&V Reveille Retreat in 2019. During the retreat, she co-wrote her first song with Mary Bragg, an upbeat song about moving forward after cancer called You Can Go. This song was used in a cancer performance in 2022 and a commercial for a pharmaceutical company in 2023.
Since that time, she has had numerous singles on the Folk Now collaborative CDs published by Hudson Harding Music which have been played on folk radio stations.
In 2023, she released her debut album, a six-song EP. In 2024, she began collaborating with John Lowrance as part of Crossroad Creek. They released their debut album called What If? in October 2025.
In addition to songwriting, she is also an author. With her brother Dan Shaskin, she co-authored two romance novels; A Seasonal Song, and Love's Defining Moment.
She also plays music for residents at numerous assisted living facilities, hospitals, and cancer and Veteran events in her area.
She is a member of two music organizations, the Hill Country Musician's Guild and the Harmony Sisters. Recently, she was elected to the Soldier Songs and Voices as Secretary and is a member of Board of Directors.
She supports multiple cancer organizations as a participant, volunteer and/or advocate, to include; Health Union, Curtain Up Cancer Foundation, After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) and Blood Cancer United.
Because of cancers impacting her life, she tries to make each day count and is determined not to let this all defeat her or diminish her joy of life. Her website, Facebook URL and her Instagram.
Click here to read all of Deb's articles on Blood-Cancer.com.