In this hopeful closing episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Amanda Blackburn and Mical Roy reflect on how their families have navigated life after cancer and found ways to thrive. They share the changes in daily routines and family life that came with a cancer diagnosis, and how they worked together to create a new sense …

In this heartfelt episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, we hear from Jeff and Francesca Hlavacek as they navigate life after the loss of their wife and mother, Erika, to lung cancer. Jeff, a colorectal cancer survivor himself, and Francesca share how their family coped with grief, supported each other, and learned to carry on while honoring Erika’s memory.  They …

In this episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer Survivorship, Kimber and Justin Harris share how Kimber’s cancer diagnosis reshaped their lives as partners and parents of three. They reflect on the shock of those first days, the challenges of navigating treatment while caring for a newborn and two young children, and the very different ways they each coped.  …

We welcome back former Campfires of Hope guests Michael and Amanda Ferro, both cancer survivors who found love through the Epic Experience community and are now happily married, to “When Cancer Hits Home.” They share their journey from meeting at an Epic event to dating as survivors, navigating the challenges and joys of building a relationship after cancer, and the …

In this episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series, we hear from Patrick Brennan, Eliza Smith, Beckett, and Molly Agnew, all young people whose parents have faced cancer. They share candid reflections on what it’s really like to grow up with a parent undergoing treatment, including moments of bravery, the people and resources that made a difference, …

We sit down with Hazel & Ali Senz and Julia & Madeleine McGuire to explore the unique challenges and lessons that come when a parent faces cancer in this episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series. Together, each mother-daughter duo reflects on what it was like to hear the diagnosis, how it reshaped family dynamics, and the …

In this episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, our guests Kelsey Mora and Chris Balmaceda—mental health professionals who specialize in supporting both kids and adults in families impacted by cancer—share insights on the emotional and relational challenges families often face during a loved one’s cancer journey. They offer practical communication strategies to help families process the experience, build trust, and …

In the first episode of our “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Nancy Ferro and Mark Agnew share powerful stories of how cancer impacted their families and how those experiences ultimately led to the founding of two remarkable organizations: Epic Experience and Pickles Group. Nancy and Mark reflect on how a cancer diagnosis reshaped their relationships, family dynamics, and life paths. …

Multiple myeloma survivor and patient advocate Valarie Traynham returns for part 2 to share her insights on what action can be taken to create change in clinical research inequities. Valarie dives into the critical need to raise awareness about disparities in access and representation. She offers actionable ideas for improving healthcare support, building trust, and empowering historically marginalized communities through …

We’re joined by Valarie Traynham, a multiple myeloma survivor and passionate patient advocate, for the first of a two-part episode in a conversation on equity in healthcare and clinical research. Valarie explores the historical and systemic roots of medical mistrust and how they continue to impact clinical trial participation among racially diverse communities and people with disabilities. She sheds light …