Episodes
Published 03/09/21
Tracy Milgram is my guest on this episode. She is the founder of BRCAStrong, a non-profit organization, supporting women facing breast and/or ovarian cancer regardless of a known genetic mutation. Tracy shared her journey of finding out that she had a genetic mutation at a young age, how that information impacted her life decisions, and why she created BRCAStrong.
Published 03/09/21
My guest on this week's episode is Becky Horn. She is the Executive Director at Pretty in Pink Foundation. She joined me to share the history, vision, and mission of Pretty in Pink.
Published 02/09/21
Monica Castillo joined me on this week's episode. She was diagnosed with stage 2B, triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma in 2015 at the age of 38. Monica talked about her family history of cancer, finding the lump, and her course of treatments. She talked about participating in a clinical trial to pay homage to her loved ones that didn't survive cancer, celebrating 5 years, and setting boundaries with family and friends to support her the way she needed.
Published 01/26/21
Kristen Grider joined me on this week's episode of Behind the Pink Ribbon to share her story. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2017 at the age of 31 years old following a self-breast exam. Kristen talked about her diagnosis, coming to peace with having breast cancer before the official diagnosis, and her treatments. She shared the struggles she has faced with reconstruction and the decision to explant, which will literally be a weight off of her chest.
Published 01/19/21
My guest on this week's episode is Cheryl Wohlgemuth from Alberta, Canada. In October 2012, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 50 after a rollercoaster ride to get a final diagnosis. Cheryl was told she had breast cancer, then told that she didn't, then told that she did. Cheryl also talks about her family history of breast cancer, her treatment, and the lonely journey through the healing process.
Published 01/12/21
This week, I am joined by Dr. Catalina Lawsin, Lori Marini, and Stephanie McLeod-Estevez to talk about our upcoming virtual retreat series, Thriving...in the face of breast cancer. Starting Saturday, February 6, 2021, this four-part experiential retreat will focus on a different theme each session, integrating The Body, Mind, Spirit and Self.
Published 01/05/21
Sharon Carlson, a 31 year breast cancer survivor, joined me on this episode to share her story behind the pink ribbon. Sharon was in her early 40s when she was diagnosed in 1989. She talked about find the lump, her diagnosis, the horribly tragic story of her primary doctor, her treatments, and the loneliness she experienced that led her to become an advocate for others.
Published 12/22/20
My guest on this episode is Rachel Mehl. She was first diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in February 2016, followed by a recurrence of not only ductal carcinoma but also a rare form of breast cancer, metaplastic breast cancer. Rachel was then diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her lung. We talked about her diagnoses, course of treatment, and the decision she made to create her own healing path.
Published 12/15/20
Kirby Lewis joined me on this episode of Behind the Pink Ribbon. He was diagnosed at the age of 52 with stage 2 breast cancer. He shared how he found the cancer, his course of treatment, and how he feels breast cancer saved his life. In 2016, Kirby had a recurrence of breast cancer that had metastasized to his lung. Kirby views breast cancer as an adventure and won't stop living life because of the diagnosis.
Published 12/08/20
On this episode, Dr. Shannon Puhalla, medical oncologist and hematologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, joined us on the podcast to talk about the coronavirus and the influences on cancer treatments. She talked about the most critical population- those currently undergoing active treatment. She offers suggestions on how these individuals can stay healthy and safe. She also talked about those who may be experiencing symptoms and what to do if you have a lump or symptoms.
Published 12/01/20
Jeanine Patten-Coble is my guest on this week's episode. She is an 11-year breast cancer survivor and founder of Little Pink Houses of Hope. In 2009, at the age of 39, Jeanine was diagnosed with stage 3, HER2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Jeanine shared her story behind the pink ribbon from diagnosis to treatment. She also talked about Little Pink Houses of Hope and how the organization supports breast cancer families.
Published 11/24/20
Tanika Taylor, Founder of the Pink Heart Foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, joined me on the podcast this week. Tanika shared her grandmother's experience with breast cancer and talked about barriers to care and mistrust of the medical professionals within the African American community. She shared how the Pink Heart Foundation supports African American women impacted by breast cancer.
Published 11/17/20
Christine Corrigan is my guest on this episode. She shares her story as a two-time cancer survivor. Her initial diagnosis of cancer came as a teenager followed by a diagnosis of breast cancer thirty-five years later. Christine recently finished her book titled Again: Surviving Cancer Twice with Love and Lists
Published 11/10/20
Mimi White is my guest on this week's episode to share her story behind the pink ribbon. She was diagnosed at the age of 34 with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. She talked about her course of treatments and how through her journey, she was inspired to create the Linkage Beauty Movement in hopes of helping other women to feel beautiful and worthy no matter what.
Published 11/03/20
Sonya Negley, Executive Director of METAvivor, joined us on the podcast. She talked about the mission of METAvivor and the importance of supporting research for stage IV breast cancer. Sonya shared the different programs available through the organization, such as the peer to peer support group and Sea to Sea for MBC. She also talked about different fundraising events and how you can get involved.
Published 10/27/20
The episode this week is a reshare of the previous episode with Kim Carew, breast cancer survivor and founder of Peace, Love, Tote. Kim shared her story behind the pink ribbon including her treatments. Kim's personal experience with chemo inspired her to found Peace, Love, Tote, a non-profit organization that provides practical items to newly diagnosed breast cancer chemotherapy patients.
Published 10/20/20
Harvey and Vicki joined me on the podcast to share their stories behind the pink ribbon. Vicki was first diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in-situ at the age of 35. Following her third diagnosis, Vicki tested and found positive for the BRCA2 mutation. In 2008, Harvey experienced a sharp pain in his breast and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer as well. As a male breast cancer survivor in a very pink world, Harvey struggled to find information and support. They cofounded HIS Breast...
Published 10/13/20
For complete show notes, please visit www.behindthepinkribbon.com. New episodes of Behind the Pink Ribbon are release every Tuesday at noon Mountain Standard Time. Subscribe and listen weekly on your favorite podcast player. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Published 10/06/20
This week, I am resharing the episode with Elizabeth Cluff, founder of Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. She talked about her personal journey through breast cancer in 2007, which provided the inspiration for the non-profit. As Elizabeth thought about her support system, she was haunted and heartbroken over the women going through breast cancer that didn't have a good support system. She wanted to send them a shipment of love and include vital items for their journey through breast cancer.
Published 09/29/20
Janet Lindell, a fellow Edinboro University alum, joined me on this week's episode to share her story behind the pink ribbon. She was diagnosed with stage 3C, infiltrating ductal carcinoma in November 2010 at the age of 35. Janet shared how she found the cancer, her course of treatment following her initial diagnosis, getting the news that the cancer had spread to her bones and now her liver, going through years of endless treatments, and living with metastatic breast cancer.
Published 09/22/20
This week, I am resharing the episode with Nikki Speer from Redefined Courage in hopes of helping the organization reach their fundraising goals. Redefined Courage provides post-mastectomy shirts and other goodies to breast cancer patients at no cost. They are hosting their annual gala on September 19, 2020. Please check out the event and their virtual auction.
Published 09/15/20
My guest on today's episode is Hannah Dekker Keels. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42 in August 2016. Following her initial treatment, she received another diagnosis a year later. After approximately two and a half years, Hannah was again diagnosed for a third time with yet another type of cancer. Hannah talks about her treatments, writing a book, getting married, and starting a foundation- Living Hope Cancer Foundation. The motto of the foundation is to get up and live.
Published 09/08/20
Jennifer Kehm, co-founder of the Young Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation (YWBCAF) and the Development Director at Cancer Caring Center in Pittsburgh, PA, joined me on the podcast today to share her story behind the pink ribbon. We talked about her diagnosis and treatments, as well as complications during reconstruction. We also talked about the need for awareness and education of breast cancer in young women (and men), lifelong monitoring, and social/emotional support.
Published 09/01/20
Lori Marini is a coach and the podcast host of Conversations with Courageous Cancer Warriors. Lori was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS in June 2017 at the age of 41. Lori was working in the field of oncology as a tumor expert when she was diagnosed herself. She talked about the unexpected emotional toll it took on her. She also talked about the importance of finding gratitude and how she became a coach to help others navigate through a cancer diagnosis.
Published 08/25/20