In this special Mother's Day edition of osTEAo, Mia, Sammy, and Elise open up about a topic that’s often left unspoken but is profoundly personal—fertility and infertility within the AYA cancer community. With honesty and vulnerability, they share their experiences navigating fertility challenges in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, including the emotional strain of tough conversations with family members, the often-overlooked financial barriers to parenthood, and the mental and emotional load that comes with planning for a future that feels uncertain.
They dive deep into what it means to grieve lost possibilities, celebrate alternative paths to building a family, like adoption or being a meaningful figure in a child’s life, and explore how cancer reshapes the ways we think about legacy, impact, and nurturing others. This episode isn’t just about biology; it’s about identity, agency, and finding power through knowledge and community.
Whether you're grappling with fertility decisions, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking space to feel seen and understood, this conversation offers comfort, courage, and connection. Tune in and be reminded: you’re not alone, your voice matters, and there's strength in sharing the journey.