From Lung Cancer Patient to Full Time Advocate

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Hildy welcomes Jacy Dawn Valeras—television host, producer, music business executive, and podcaster with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Jacy shares her life-long dream of becoming a country music singer. With her father’s encouragement, family’s support, and her own determination and talent, she succeeded in sharing the stage with some of country music’s biggest names.

But just as her star was rising, a vocal cord injury forced her to stop singing—for at least a year. Overcome and unsure of her future, Jacy faced a turning point. By refusing to give up, she found a new way to channel her love for country music: writing songs and helping other artists shine. She also mastered digital marketing, launched her own successful business, and began guiding performers at every stage of their careers.

Her journey didn’t stop there. Jacy now hosts a popular podcast where she interviews high-profile guests about their paths to success. What’s more, in honor of her father who ultimately lost his life to lung cancer, she works tirelessly as a passionate advocate for Upstage Lung Cancer to raise awareness and inspire hope.

Voicing New Reasons for Optimism

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive form of lung cancer with a 5-year survival rate of just 7%, a disheartening statistic. Despite this, survivors, researchers, and the medical community are actively working to create a more hopeful future. In this powerful podcast episode, we bring together a diverse team of guests to discuss stories of survival, groundbreaking treatments, and renewed reasons for hope. You’ll hear from:

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Hildy opens with a powerful anecdote about an early Upstage Lung Cancer Board member whose mother, grandmother, and aunt all had lung cancer. She endured months of allergy and antibiotic treatments for a persistent cough, only for a CT scan a year later to reveal Stage 3 lung cancer. Our guest, Jill Feldman, brings a unique perspective as a third-generation lung cancer patient, with the disease present on both sides of her family. Oncologists and researchers Dr. Pasi Janne and Dr. Jaclyn LoPiccolo join in to discuss their “Inherit” study www.Inheritstudy.org, which aims to clarify the genetic risk for lung cancer, especially when there’s a family history. This vital conversation tackles the complex question of inheritance and environment in understanding lung cancer development. This vital conversation tackles the intricate interplay between inheritance and environment in understanding lung cancer development – a compelling question often raised by family members after a loved one’s diagnosis.

A Biomarker Dialogue Between Patient and Scientist

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

This episode features a powerful conversation between two scientists, one now navigating life as a Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer patient. Most lung cancer patients only learn the significance of biomarkers like ALK+, soon after their diagnosis. Our guest Marc Muskavitch, however, arrived at this knowledge with a distinct advantage: he is a scientist himself. With a background spanning drug development, biochemistry, and genetics, and holding seventeen patents, Marc’s understanding shaped his emotional and strategic response to his diagnosis and ongoing journey. His compelling conversation with scientist Zach Rogers, a previous podcast guest who addressed recurrence and drug response in lung cancer, gains even greater meaning in this context. Marc also sheds light on the significant community brought together by the ALK Positive patient organization that is now collaborating with the scientific research organization, Break Through Cancer. Our guests discuss their vision for hopeful future advancements in cancer treatment.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Lung cancer treatment is undergoing a revolution. In the last 15 years, we’ve transitioned from broad chemotherapy to precision medicine, targeting the specific genetic drivers of each patient’s cancer. This shift, along with the rise of immunotherapy, offers unprecedented hope. Today, we speak with Dr. Zachary Rogers, a post-doctoral researcher at MIT’s Koch Institute, whose work on ALK mutations illuminates these advancements. He’ll explain how targeted therapies and immunotherapies combat cancer, and delve into crucial questions: why do some patients respond while others don’t, and why does recurrence occur even after apparent remission? Dr. Rogers will also share insights into groundbreaking research on new cancer markers. Join us for a critical discussion on the future of lung cancer treatment – a conversation that provides a vital look at the forefront of cancer research.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

James and Hildy had a similar experience in having their lung cancer found by accident. James, a “streaker” who runs daily, epitomized health. So, a lung cancer diagnosis—discovered accidentally during a bout of the flu—came as a devastating shock. A routine X-ray revealed a tumor of the size of a tennis ball. This unexpected twist led James to uncover a family history of the disease: his grandmother and great-uncle both succumbed to lung cancer. Driven by this knowledge, he joined a research study exploring the genetic links to lung cancer. James’s story is one of resilience. He shares the profound impact of lung cancer on his life, offering an “optimistic realist’s” perspective on daily life and the challenges he and his wife face. Initially declared “cured” after surgery, James’s world was rocked a year later by the cancer’s return. This time, he learned he had the KRAS biomarker, a discovery that proved crucial in guiding his treatment. He details his treatment journey, the setbacks, and the hope that came with targeted therapies. James’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of medical research. From accidental diagnosis to recurrence, he’s facing the ups and downs with resolute positivity. Hear how he’s using his experience to inspire others through “Streak for A Cure.” Don’t miss this powerful podcast!”

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

This podcast delves deeper into the evolving understanding of the HER2 biomarker in lung cancer, twenty years after its discovery. We’re joined by Dr. Zofia Piotrowska, renowned oncologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, to build on our previous discussion, “HER2 Isn’t Just About Her!” Dr. Piotrowska explores the intricate nuances of HER2 in lung cancer, explaining how subtle genetic variations can significantly impact treatment outcomes. While HER2 biomarkers are more frequently observed in non-smokers, women, and younger patients, it’s crucial to remember that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer. Of critical importance in diagnosis and treatment decisions is comprehensive biomarker testing. This valuable information empowers clinicians to tailor treatment plans with precision. This episode highlights the remarkable progress made in precision medicine in combating HER2-positive lung cancer, offering renewed hope for patients, their loved ones, and the entire medical community.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich