Life on Pause

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.

In this bonus episode of Life on Pause, young adult cancer survivors open up about the powerful sensory triggers that bring back memories of their cancer treatment. From the sharp scent of hand sanitizer to the saline flushes that evoke a distinct taste, these triggers linger long after treatment. Hosted by Corene Parrish, the conversation delves into how specific smells, sounds, and tastes impact each person’s experience and recovery journey. Tune in to hear how these sensory memories shape their lives and learn why something as simple as a scent can be so evocative for those touched by cancer.

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish and a group of young adult cancer survivors gather to explore the complex relationship between food and cancer. Reflecting on life before, during, and after treatment, they discuss the surprising ways cancer impacted their cravings, taste preferences, and emotional connections with food. From cravings for indulgent foods to the bittersweet memories linked to specific dishes, the group shares personal stories, struggles with food aversions, and the comfort they found in certain meals. They also discuss the challenges of dietary restrictions during treatment and the importance of savoring life’s flavors post-cancer. Whether you’re a survivor or someone looking to understand the cancer journey better, join us for a conversation that’s equal parts sweet, salty, and empowering.

Surviving cancer is only the beginning of the journey. In this episode of Life on Pause, Nathan Smelser, Corene Parrish, and Sammy Szurkowski dive into the emotional and practical challenges of navigating life after cancer. From the overwhelming amount of medical information shared during survivorship clinics to the long-term side effects that surface years later, they reflect on the ups and downs of post-cancer care. Whether it's about learning to manage lingering health risks or finding support in unexpected places, this episode highlights the importance of survivorship programs and shared experiences. Join us for an honest conversation about what it means to be responsible for your own care long after the battle with cancer is over.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

0:00 - Survivorship Clinic: First Impressions

0:35 - Understanding Long-Term Side Effects

1:19 - Emotional Transition Post-Cancer

2:04 - The Value of Survivorship Resources

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Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a teenager is challenging, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. In this episode of Life on Pause, we hear personal stories from Corene Parrish, Nathan Smelsar, and Sammy Szurkowski, who share how their friend groups responded during their cancer journeys. From high school drama to unwavering support, they reflect on the powerful role that community played in their lives. Tune in to hear about moments of strength, friendship, and resilience, as well as the challenges of coping with illness at a young age.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

0:00 - How Friends Supported Me Through Cancer

1:45 - Dealing with High School Drama During Treatment

3:00 - Hospital Stays and Finding Comfort in Small Things

4:24 - Losing a Friend to Cancer Before My Diagnosis

5:29 - Community and Friends Rallying Around Me

7:03 - Fundraisers and Overwhelming Support

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