In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, we sit down with writer, speaker, and entrepreneur Heidi Currey. Heidi shares her deeply personal story as a caregiver for both her mother and father, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges she faced, especially when there wasn’t a clear plan for what they wanted after their passing. Despite her background in finance, Heidi found herself navigating an entirely new and overwhelming learning curve as she balanced caregiving for loved ones with cancer. This experience inspired her and her best friend to create First40, a “create your own closure” workbook designed to help families prepare for the unthinkable. First40 is a compassionate guide filled with prompts, questions, and activities to help you plan for what comes next after a diagnosis. It dives step-by-step into topics we often avoid or overlook, from documenting cherished stories to outlining how you want to be remembered. By breaking down these essential tasks into manageable steps, First40 transforms a daunting process into one that feels less overwhelming—and more empowering. Tune in to hear Heidi’s story and learn how First40 can help you and your loved ones navigate life’s most difficult moments with clarity and connection. Learn more at first40.net Create Your Own Closure Map Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation
Meet Lauren, a young professional in New York City, who was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in October 2023. In this episode, Lauren opens up about her cancer experience and sharing how humor and a strong support system encouraged her along the way. She talks about why she named her tumor "Stu" and how humor became her key to staying sane. Lauren also reveals advice from her mentor that every cancer patient needs to hear, along with how her amazing support system of friends and family became her ultimate power source. Lauren’s story is a testament to the power of humor, resilience, and connection, proving that even in life’s “crappiest” moments, laughter and love can light the way. Follow @laurenvers on Instagram Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Follow @ohyouresotough for WTF Wednesday content Looking for a cancer bestie? Check out these resources: https://imermanangels.org/find-mentor-angel/ https://cancerwellness.com/resilientship/ https://youngsurvival.org/ https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/ Learn more about b-present Foundation.
In this insightful discussion, clinical psychologist Catherine Benedict sheds light on the vital role of patient advocacy and the critical ways clinicians can provide better support during times of uncertainty. Drawing from her extensive experience in healthcare, Catherine highlights the gaps she’s observed in patient care—particularly when it comes to addressing fertility and family-building concerns for young adults after cancer treatment. One key focus is her groundbreaking clinical trial, "The Roadmap to Parenthood," which exposes the unmet needs of patients and the emotional challenges they face when navigating decisions about treatment and fertility. Catherine speaks passionately about empowering patients with the knowledge and resources they deserve, helping them advocate for their needs, and ensuring their voices are heard. Tune in to learn more about how Catherine is working to create a more supportive healthcare environment and the tools available to guide patients on their journey to parenthood and beyond. The Roadmap to Parenthood Study: https://roadmaptoparenthood.stanford.edu/ Follow @roadmaptoparenthood on Instagram Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org. Read the blog: Foods to Avoid While Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Guide for Supporters
As a South Asian young adult diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Harjeet Kaur experienced firsthand the challenges of seeking and offering emotional support within a culture that often values emotional restraint. Despite the immense love and support from her family, she grappled with the silence surrounding cancer within her community, leaving her feeling isolated. Harjeet candidly shares her story in this episode, advocating for a shift toward open dialogue and the importance of support networks. Inspired by her own struggles, Harjeet established a supportive Facebook Group dedicated to providing a safe space for South Asians impacted by cancer – whether patients, caregivers, friends, or family. If you or someone you know could benefit from this group, join the community.
Learn more about Harjeet Follow Harjeet on Instagram @hk_thriver Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation Read: 10 things not to say to cancer patients
In this episode of The Support Report with b-present podcast, join co-hosts Chiara Riga and Justin Peters as Matthew Rosenblum shares his experience navigating the challenges of metastatic pancreatic cancer as a young adult. With raw honesty and profound resilience, Matthew opens up about his diagnosis, the trials of treatment, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. Through his story, we explore the strength found in vulnerability. Follow Matthew on Instagram Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation.
In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, hosts Justin Peters and Chiara Riga chat with Elissa Kalver, a cancer thriver and the visionary behind the nonprofit We Got This. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at age 34, Elissa experience is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community support. Discover how facing cancer head-on led her to create the first-ever nonprofit gift registry for cancer patients, bridging the gap between wanting to help and knowing how to. Elissa shares the challenges of navigating life and treatment, the overwhelming support from friends and family, and her determination to make asking for and receiving help more accessible and less isolating for those facing cancer. _______________ Visit www.wegotthis.org Create a registry Follow We Got This on Instagram Contact: info@wegotthis.org Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation
Lacey Wicksall, the Executive Director at Wish Upon a Wedding, leads a compassionate non-profit organization dedicated to granting dream weddings and vow renewals for couples confronted with terminal illnesses or significant health challenges. They help couples alleviate the financial burden and time commitment of planning a wedding, focusing instead on dealing with their treatments and spending time with their loved ones.
In our chat, Lacey shares moving stories about the people they've helped. We dive into the transformative power of love and commitment in the face of adversity and explore ways in which families and friends can offer meaningful support to their loved ones during such critical times.
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Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org.
In this candid conversation, Mindy Miller, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, opens up about her cancer experience and the intertwined challenges of fertility. As her running aspirations faced an unexpected hurdle with her diagnosis, the ebb and flow of support she received became a significant part of her story. Supporters often grapple with finding the right words, but Mindy says the power sometimes lies in a gentle presence beside a loved one dealing with cancer. Follow @msmindymiller Follow @chiaravscancer
Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation.
Megan-Claire Chase, aka Warrior Megsie, is a cancer survivor, speaker, and advocate. In this episode, Megsie opens up about her experience as a young adult with cancer. She shares the transformation it sparked in her life, blending her professional career with her personal experience as a patient. She also shares about her friends outside 'cancer land' and how her life is different now, shaped by the permanent side effects that remind her daily of her resilience.
Megsie's story is about finding purpose beyond illness and doing it on her own terms, a message that resonates deeply with young adults facing unique challenges. More resources: Life on the Cancer Train Follow Megise on Instagram Follow Megsie on Twitter Follow @chiaravscancer
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Melissa is a 13-year leukemia survivor. She was diagnosed as a young adult at age 24. Her mom was her full-time caregiver. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles reversed and Melissa's mom received a rare and devastating cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, Melissa dives into the trauma of losing her mother, navigating mental health struggles during cancer and beyond, and the unique challenges young adult cancer patients face. Follow @melissinthecity Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and the treatment process can be even more daunting, especially for those who dream of having children. In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, we chat with University of Michigan Fertility Preservation Coordinator Erin Ellman (LMSW) about the various cancer treatments that can affect fertility, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and their potential impact on both men and women. We will also explore the fertility preservation options available for cancer patients.
Whether you or a loved one are currently undergoing cancer treatment or simply want to learn more about the relationship between cancer and fertility, this video is a valuable resource.
More resources:
Livestrong's reproductive information, resources, and financial support
Contact Erin: 734-232-9710 or UM-FertPres@med.umich.edu
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Learn more about b-present Foundation
Dating is hard as it is, but adding cancer brings a different level of complexity. This episode of The Support Report discusses dating when cancer is a part of the relationship. David Zhao joins the podcast to discuss the frustrations, the joys, and the advice he would give someone that is dating someone or is looking to start dating someone with a cancer diagnosis.
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Learn more about b-present Foundation.
In 2019, Tatiana Tate was a 26-year-old living in North Carolina, planning a wedding and traveling across the country as a finance and accounting consultant. Her life was flipped upside down on October 10th when she found out her mom Paulette was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Tatiana and her younger brother Elijah became her full-time caregivers and were by her side through the end of her life. After the devastating loss of her mom, Tatiana founded Chemo Divas Foundation in her honor, an organization that supports women of color impacted by cancer through education, inspiration, and community.
Visit chemodivas.org
Hernan Barangan is a leukemia survivor and filmmaker. He directed and is the star of the movie Cancer Rebellion, the director of The 100%, and most recently, a producer on the new Apple TV+ show Life by Ella. Hernan is a perfect testament to what it means to capture the authenticity and evolution of life after cancer. From road tripping across all 50 states to sharing his own experience and the collection of hundreds of others via mainstream media. Tune into this compounding story from the storyteller himself!
Watch Cancer Rebellion Amazon or Apple
Being a supporter or caregiver of someone diagnosed with cancer, testicular cancer, in this case, doesn't mean you have to love it. In this episode, Laurel Hope Hart shares the honest, hard truth with us and even some unexpected moments that were both TRYING and a TURN ON for her as a wife during her husband's cancer experience.
Addie and Maddie have a lot of things in common: they lived in the same town, their parents knew each other from high school, and sadly, they were both diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during their childhood. In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, Addie and Maddie chat about facing cancer together and how Camp Ānuenue has bonded them for life.
In June 2022, Paige was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 28. She shares her shocking experience of receiving the news of her diagnosis and highlights how important it is to have empathy and keep a positive attitude.
Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org
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Richard is a community builder, connection coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Excuses to Connect. Excuses to Connect focuses on creating the conditions to make meaningful connections easier. Richard emphasizes that loneliness is a common feeling and social health is a skill to cultivate. He gives tons of practical advice, including having better conversations, observing the fear ladder, using connection cards, and much, much more.
Hailey Johnston was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at age 16, six short weeks after her mom received the same devastating diagnosis. The two had completely different experiences—her mother was treated as an adult, while Hailey was treated in pediatrics.
When Hailey discovered there weren't the needed resources and support for her age group, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, she founded Escape—a grassroots organization serving adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Escape shines a light on the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and cultivates a safe space within the cancer community.
Hailey shares her story and how being part of the LGBTQIA+ community affected her experience.
Learn more about Escape at escapeayac.org.
Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org
Rosalina and Shauna, two young millennials living on separate coasts, share stories about their breast cancer diagnosis and how impactful it was to have each other's support through their darkest hours.
Listen to Too Young For This Sh*t podcast: https://linktr.ee/TYFTSPodcast
Follow Too Young For This Sh*t on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyftspodcast/
Learn more about b-present Foundation at https://b-present.org/
