Robyn, a 21-year-old from Lancaster County, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia during her second year of college. What started as what she thought were boils and cold symptoms quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis—and a moment of decision.

In this episode of Life on Pause, Robyn reflects on her experience as a young adult caught between pediatric and adult care systems. After choosing to be treated in the pediatric oncology unit—supported by the Four Diamonds program—she found more than medical treatment. She found spiritual resilience, emotional healing, and a deeper trust in her faith.

Robyn shares how she wrestled with anger, questioned God’s role in her suffering, and eventually came to see her diagnosis as preparation—not punishment. Her story is honest, hopeful, and rooted in her belief that even the darkest moments can be used for something greater.

Topics Covered:

• Robyn’s diagnosis with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Choosing between pediatric and adult cancer care
• The emotional impact of a sudden life interruption in college
• How Four Diamonds support influenced her decision
• Processing anger, control, and spiritual doubt
• The power of prayer and divine timing in her treatment journey
• Navigating fertility conversations at age 20
• Robyn’s return to ministry, family, and planning for the future
• Sharing her story to help others find purpose in pain

About Life on Pause:

Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.

Join Our Community:

💻 Website: https://www.lifeonpausepodcast.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

💙 Learn more about Hoofbeat Haven: https://www.fourdiamonds.org

Paige, a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s leukemia at stage 3. After spending seven months in the hospital undergoing intensive treatment, she found herself withdrawn and unsure—until she met a horse named Tank.

In this episode of Life on Pause, we follow Paige’s six-week journey through Hoofbeat Haven, a therapeutic horsemanship program at Bridlepath Equine Center created in partnership with Four Diamonds. Designed specifically for childhood cancer survivors, the program offers more than just riding—it’s a full-body and emotional healing experience rooted in teamwork, trust, and the powerful connection between horse and human.

With the support of her peers, volunteers, and the Bridlepath team, Paige transitions from participant to leader, and eventually, to volunteer. Her story is one of rebuilding—confidence, connection, and joy—in the most unexpected place: a barn.

Topics Covered:

• Paige’s diagnosis of stage 3 Burkitt’s leukemia
• Emotional recovery after a seven-month hospital stay
• The healing power of therapeutic horsemanship
• Bridlepath Equine Center and the Hoofbeat Haven program
• Reconnecting with animals, peers, and purpose
• Paige’s transformation from quiet participant to confident leader
• How equine care and riding build emotional and physical strength
• The impact of support from Four Diamonds and Danielle’s team

About Life on Pause:

Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.

Join Our Community:

💻 Website: https://www.lifeonpausepodcast.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

💙 Learn more about Hoofbeat Haven: https://www.fourdiamonds.org

🌐 Visit Bridlepath Equine Center: https://www.bridlepathequinecenter.org/

Emma, Lucas, Ariana, and Casey open up about what it’s really like to attend a cancer camp as a young adult. From fears about fitting in to late-night laughs and life-changing conversations, they share the moments that made them feel seen, safe, and supported.

In this episode of Life on Pause, our guests reflect on their camp experiences—from nervous airport goodbyes to karaoke nights that ran long into the evening. These oncology camps, designed specifically for adolescents and young adults, offer more than just fun—they provide a rare space for healing, connection, and joy after cancer.

For anyone wondering if camp is worth it, this episode says: absolutely. Because sometimes the most meaningful healing happens outside the hospital, around a campfire.

Topics Covered:

• First impressions: fear, nerves, and leaving home
• How camps break the ice and build instant bonds
• Transformative moments like skits, boat rides, and fireside chats
• Deep conversations and emotional breakthroughs
• Lasting friendships and group chats that live on
• Advice for anyone nervous about going
• Why camp felt like getting “life back” after treatment

About Life on Pause:

Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.

Join Our Community:

💻 Website: https://www.lifeonpausepodcast.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Mason, a 21-year-old from Iran, shares his remarkable story of fighting neuroblastoma for more than a decade. Diagnosed at age 7, Mason has faced multiple relapses, treatment resistance, and devastating setbacks—including the moment his doctors told him they could do no more.

In this episode of Life on Pause, Mason reflects on his decision to take his story global, sending his case to over 100 cancer centers in search of a second chance. That chance came through Dr. Giselle Sholler and a new treatment called DFMO. Mason traveled alone to the U.S. for care, where he found not only hope, but a home at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

This is a story of persistence, global courage, and doing everything you can—especially when the odds are stacked against you. Thank you, Mason, for sharing your voice and your strength.

Topics Covered:

• Diagnosis at age 7 and multiple relapses
• The emotional weight of being told "there’s nothing more we can do"
• How he sent his story to over 100 cancer centers
• Discovering DFMO and connecting with Dr. Giselle Sholler
• Receiving treatment far from home, alone
• Life at Ronald McDonald House and finding a support system
• What it means to “do your best” when facing uncertainty

About Life on Pause:

Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.

Join Our Community:

💻 Website: https://www.lifeonpausepodcast.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Maya, a young cancer patient and gifted artist, shares how drawing became her outlet during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Inspired by animator Vivienne Medrano, Maya dove into digital art to escape the fear and isolation of hospital life. Now, she's setting her sights on SVA in NYC with hopes of turning her pain into powerful animation.

In this episode of Life on Pause, Maya discusses:

🎨 Learning to draw from YouTube & Reels

🧠 How art helped her through depression

💻 Her go-to tools for digital creativity

💫 Her dreams of becoming an animator

This episode is a reminder that art can be a lifeline, even in the darkest moments.

About Life on Pause:

Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.

Join Our Community:

💻 Website: https://www.lifeonpausepodcast.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Maya, a 15-year-old high school student, shares the deeply personal story of how her childhood fear of getting cancer became real. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), she takes us through the moment she first felt symptoms, her terrifying ER experience, and how the diagnosis changed everything.

In this episode of Life on Pause, Maya also opens up about her lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression, how cancer affected her entire family—including her dog—and why mental health care has been just as important as physical treatment. Her honesty, resilience, and wit shine through, even as she prepares for a bone marrow transplant and a long recovery ahead.

This is a story of vulnerability, survival, and strength. Thank you, Maya, for sharing your truth.

Topics Covered:

• First symptoms & the misdiagnosis that delayed her care
• What it feels like to be told you have leukemia at 15
• Struggles with panic attacks and mental health
• Navigating family stress during treatment
• Living in isolation and the healing power of pets
• Rebuilding strength while preparing for transplant

About Life on Pause:

Life on Pause is a podcast for and by young adults with cancer. Produced by Penn State Health’s AYA Oncology Program, each episode is rooted in honest storytelling and community connection. Our content is reviewed by medical and psychosocial experts to ensure accuracy and care.

Join Our Community:

💻 Website: https://www.lifeonpausepodcast.com/

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Life on Pause, we explore a critical—but often overlooked—aspect of cancer care: fertility preservation. Joined by Dr. Mindy Christianson, a national expert in reproductive endocrinology from the Cleveland Clinic, and Shanan Vanatta, the Fertility Preservation Coordinator at Penn State Health, we take a closer look at the options available to preserve fertility before cancer treatment begins.

You’ll hear honest conversations about:

• Freezing eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue before treatment
• The emotional role parents often play in fertility decisions
• Common barriers like treatment delays and financial costs
• Fertility preservation options for prepubescent children
• Long-term outcomes and evolving family-building paths

Whether you’re a patient, parent, or provider, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and critical insights to help make informed decisions during an overwhelming time.

💬 Join us as we bring awareness to fertility preservation during National Infertility Awareness Week—and give voice to the future families made possible through early intervention.

In this episode of Life on Pause, young adult cancer survivors open up about the incredible power of support systems. From family and friends to classmates, coworkers, and even strangers, our guests share how they leaned on their communities—both online and offline—through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

You’ll hear honest stories of:

• Facing cancer far from home
• Learning to ask for help
• Navigating work and education post-treatment
• Discovering unexpected empathy from roommates, bosses, and even neighbors
• Advocating for others after remission

Whether you're in treatment, supporting someone who is, or just seeking real stories of resilience, this conversation is for you.

💬 Join us as we explore what it means to find strength in vulnerability and redefine support on your own terms.

How does a cancer diagnosis impact education and career aspirations? In this episode of Life on Pause, seven young adult cancer survivors share their personal experiences of having their lives disrupted by cancer during pivotal academic and professional moments. From reimagining career paths to navigating education with ongoing treatment, their stories highlight resilience, adaptation, and newfound purpose.

Join us as we discuss the challenges of pausing life for treatment, the uncertainty of returning to school and work, and the surprising ways survivorship reshapes ambitions. Whether you’re a student, professional, or caregiver, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the intersection of cancer, education, and vocation.

Tune in and subscribe to Life on Pause for more real stories from young adult cancer survivors.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Educational and occupational aspirations of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative analysis:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39105828/

Participants:

USC - Olivia Brown, diagnosed at 25

USC – Jared Lipscomb, diagnosed at 31

USC – Quincy Wallen, diagnosed at 31

USC – Xixi Hu, diagnosed at 34

PSH – Taylor Mahoney, diagnosed at 12

PSH – Bailey Unterkofler, diagnosed at 17

PSH – Shelly Bliss, diagnosed at 9

In this candid bonus episode of Life on Pause, young adults share their personal experiences with body image during and after cancer treatment. Through heartfelt stories, they explore the challenges of rapid weight changes, self-perception, and the emotional impact of visible scars. As they recount experiences with weight loss, steroids, and the constant battle with self-image, they reveal how cancer affects not only health but also one's sense of identity. Join us as we discuss the nuances of body image issues, the struggles for control, and the societal pressures that survivors often face in remission.