Today feels like a full-circle moment. More Than a Diagnosis is becoming a nonprofit! Jes and Den are joined by Nerisa and Karen — the four of them make up the board. In this episode, they give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into who they are as a team, what brought them together, and what they're most excited to bring to this community. Follow along at morethanadiagnosis.org to stay updated, join the Support Circle, and be part of the journey as we grow together.

In honor of our friend Lys' birthday, we're re-sharing the conversation we recorded with her last season. This conversation is filled with love, transparency, and the kind of strength that has touched so many in this community. Lys is currently on hospice, and she and her family are navigating significant medical and end-of-life expenses. If you feel called to support, you can find the links to support financially below. There's no pressure, just an invitation to show up with love in whatever way feels right to you. And if you can not donate monetarily please consider sharing her story so that it can reach more folks. Thank you for holding space with us today, and for celebrating Lys' light right alongside us. Support Lys and her family:

https://gofund.me/26d9a97b9 https://venmo.com/u/AlyssaBurks https://cash.app/$ABurks11

https://www.zelle.com/ - Alyssa Burks [email protected] https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TNDSVN1PSOAU?ref_=wl_share

In this first episode of our Missing Pieces series, Den gets real about how a mysterious abdominal mass led to a FAP diagnosis, a desmoid tumor, and eventually having her colon removed. Along the way, hundreds of precancerous polyps were discovered during a colonoscopy in her mid-30s — and her life hasn't been the same since. Den keeps it honest and hilarious, talking about everything from bathroom habits and food struggles to what it's like being a nurse with… let's just say, gas. But this episode isn't just about the messy stuff — she also shares how she's found acceptance, joy, and a sense of wholeness even after all she's been through. Funny, real, and surprisingly uplifting, this conversation is a reminder that even when our bodies are missing pieces, our lives don't have to be. 🩶 If you're living with cancer, chronic illness, or just want to hear stories from folks who get it, visit morethanadiagnosis.org to join our Support Circle, connect with others, and check out resources for living your best life even when life throws curveballs.

Medical jargon can feel like a whole other language—but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Den flips into "nurse mode" to break down the alphabet soup of labs, cancer care, chronic illness, and pharmacy terms… while Jes tries her best to guess what they mean. Together, they decode acronyms, simplify confusing lingo, and remind you that it's always okay to ask for clarity in your care. 👉 Played along with the episode? We'd love to hear your score! And if you enjoyed the show, don't forget to rate, review, follow, and share with a friend who could use a laugh while learning a little too. Share your experience over in our Support Circle at morethanadiagnosis.org

Acceptance can feel complicated, especially when life throws chronic illness, cancer, or unexpected challenges your way. Jes and Den dive into radical acceptance—what it is, what it isn't, and how it can transform the way we navigate difficult circumstances. They share personal stories of struggling with acceptance, discuss the psychology behind resistance and denial, and offer practical tools for embracing reality without guilt or shame. ✨ Join our free support circle at morethanadiagnosis.org to share your journey, connect with others, and explore strategies for radical acceptance together.

Living with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or post-cancer fatigue can leave you feeling completely drained—but fatigue is far more than just being tired. In this episode, Jes and Den share their personal experiences with chronic exhaustion, break down the science behind why our bodies get so depleted, and offer practical strategies for pacing yourself, validating rest, and reclaiming your energy. Join them for a warm, honest conversation about why rest is resistance, why you don't have to earn it, and how to navigate life when your energy is limited. ✨Connect with our community of survivors and folks living with chronic illness at morethanadiagnosis.org, share your experiences with fatigue, and follow us on social media to continue the conversation.

We're supposed to be on break… but we couldn't resist popping in for a little bonus episode because we're actually together in person. So we thought, why not record while we can? We talk about life lately, relive some of the best moments from our community beach meetup, and tease a few things coming in Season 2. Grab your beverage and hang out with us, have some laughs, and get a little peek behind the scenes.

Be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Instagram and connect with us right on our website for the latest updates on when we'll be dropping season 2!

In this season finale, we're looking back at everything Season 1 gave us — and everything it opened up. From raw conversations about survivorship and chronic illness to the unexpected laughter and the quiet moments of truth, this season was nothing short of sacred. We talk about what this space has meant to us, what we're still carrying, and the dreams we're not quite ready to say out loud. Yet. This isn't a goodbye. It's a thank you. Season 2 is coming — and trust us, it's going to be even more us. 💬 Got thoughts about the season? DM us on Instagram or TikTok. We'd love to hear from you.🎧 Catch up on past episodes anytime, and be sure to join out support circle at morethanadiagnosis.org so you're the first to know what's next.

This week, Jes and Den throw out the script and talk about what's actually happening behind the scenes — from health flares to the struggle of returning to "normal life." In this honest and vulnerable conversation, they unpack the messy middle of healing: the wins, the setbacks, the plateaus, and the pressure to be "better" even when your body or mind says otherwise. Together, they explore:

• How healing rarely moves in a straight line

• The guilt, shame, and internalized pressure to bounce back

• Why our culture gets survivorship and chronic illness so wrong

• The power of compassion, pacing, and community support

Whether you're in a season of relapse, reevaluation, or simply trying to stay afloat — this episode is a reminder that you're not failing. You're human. And you're not alone. 💬 Let us know how this episode lands with you — we're always reading your messages and grateful for your presence in this space. Connect with us on Instagram, Tiktok, or right on our website morethanadiagnosis.org

In this episode, Jes and Den unpack the mantra that helped Jes survive the hardest parts of chemo: "I don't want to, but I get to—because some folks don't get to." What started as a way to get through treatment became a perspective shift that still resonates today. Jes shares the origin of this mantra and how it helped her reclaim power in moments that felt impossible. Den reflects on how gratitude, when rooted in truth instead of pressure, can hold space for grief and resilience at the same time. Together, they talk about the difference between choosing perspective vs. forcing positivity, and how phrases like this evolve with us over time. It's real, reflective, and full of those quiet "me too" moments you only get from people who've lived it. 🎧 Whether you're in the middle of treatment, navigating chronic illness, or just having a hard week—you are so seen. And you don't have to do it alone. 🫶 Join our free Support Circle—a private forum for people living with cancer and chronic illness. Find connection, community, and people who just get it.👉 morethanadiagnosis.org