Our BC Life

In this episode, we meet Aastha Sagger, who was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal breast cancer at just 24, after what she thought was simply a pulled muscle. She shares the shock and confusion of those early days, navigating unclear appointments and a flood of unfamiliar medical terminology, before walking us through her treatment journey of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with expanders, radiation, and the realities of chemo-induced menopause.

Aastha opens up about the physical and emotional toll of facing cancer at such a young age, including body image changes and challenging side effects. Through it all, she leaned on a “brick by brick” mindset that was inspired by a video of actor Will Smith, that helped her stay present, grounded in gratitude, and taking each moment as it came. She also reflects on how choosing vulnerability deepened her relationships and strengthened her support system.

Today, Aastha is the founder of Still Strength Wellness, where she supports people living with cancer and chronic illness through stillness, strength, nutrition, and gentle movement, helping them improve their quality of life.

Resources: 

Founder & CEO, Still Strength Wellness 

www.stillstrengthwellness.com

Social Media:

instagram.com/aasthasaggar

instagram.com/stillstrengthwellness

 More adolescents and young adults (ages 18–39) are being diagnosed with cancer, and having to navigate challenges that look very different depending on where they are in life.

This episode coincides with the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, and we’re joined by Angelina Mangiardi Coulter, Senior Program and Partnerships Manager at First Descents, an organization helping young adults impacted by cancer reconnect with themselves and others through adventure in nature.

We explore their three core pillars: life-changing, week-long destination programs; local community adventures that bring people together in nature; and Lifestyle Pathways, a suite of accessible online resources.

First Descents creates space for young adults to process, connect, and heal, while building meaningful relationships with others who truly understand the experience.

Resources:

Website: www.firstdescents.org

First Descents Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstdescents1

Community Adventures: https://firstdescents.org/community-adventures/ 

Submit an Inquiry: https://firstdescents.org/programs/programs-application/

Browse Available Programs: https://firstdescents.org/programs/

Turia Goggins shares her journey through an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis while navigating the strain of a spouse’s severe, undiagnosed mental illness. After years of benign tests, an August 2024 biopsy revealed stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer. She reflects on telling her close-knit West Indian, Catholic family, making treatment decisions, and managing the intense stress of a volatile marriage.

Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Turia opens up about the physical and emotional toll of treatment and her path toward healing through therapy, NAMI NYC support, and ultimately divorce. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and the deeply personal nature of surviving cancer.

Resources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

In this episode, Alexandra French of Atlanta shares her journey from a breast cancer diagnosis at age 31 to navigating surrogacy after treatment. A young mother with no family history of cancer, Alexandra was diagnosed with stage III, estrogen-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer and faced chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and urgent fertility preservation in a compressed timeline.

During treatment, she and her family pursued surrogacy after learning it would be unsafe for her to carry another child. Alexandra discusses the emotional, legal, and financial realities of the surrogacy process, the vital role of her support system, and how her experience led her to found the Surrogacy Foundation, which provides grants to cancer patients. The episode closes with her advocacy win in Georgia, helping secure insurance coverage for fertility preservation. This is a powerful example of support, connection, and the joy of creating avenues of hope for others exploring surrogacy.

Resources:

www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org

Surrogacy Soiree February 21, 2026 - RSVP

In this final episode of the year, host Megan-Claire Chase reflects on a powerful Season 3 of Our BC Life, highlighting conversations on identity, caregiving, fertility, motherhood, and life beyond an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Megan-Claire also shares what’s ahead in Season 4, including deeper conversations on mental health, surrogacy, and the launch of Common Ground—a new series connecting voices across breast and gynecologic cancers.

Because it’s about more than pink ribbons—it’s our BC life, and beyond. See you in 2026.

Resource: https://www.sharecancersupport.org/our-bc-life/

In this episode, we hear a powerful caregiver story from a husband who stood steady as his wife faced both triple-negative breast cancer and heartbreaking fertility challenges. He shares what it looked like to support her emotionally, practically, and spiritually through each twist in their journey—while also navigating his own grief, fear, and hope. Their honesty offers a rare, compassionate look at partnership under pressure and the strength that can grow when two people choose to keep showing up for each other.

Resources: Part 1: When Cancer Changes Everything: Lessons from a TNBC Survivor and Veteran

In the second half of our conversation, Brooks Nelson, ovarian cancer survivor, and Yee Won Chong, breast cancer survivor, return to share how their documentary “Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer” evolved into a tool for systemic change. This episode highlights what institutions can learn from lived experience, why representation matters, and how providers can advocate for systemic equity rather than surface-level inclusion.

They outline four clear goals for improving transgender and gender-nonconforming healthcare from better language and policy reform to storytelling in medical education. They also talk candidly about navigating the medical system, tackling misinformation around hormones, advocating for systemic change, and protecting trans youth and families in today’s climate.

Resources: Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer and Marsha P. Johnson and Micah Bazant, artist

What happens when gender, health, and identity intersect? Within the same month, Brooks Nelson and Yee Won Chong each received life-changing cancer diagnoses. Brooks was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and Yee Won was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of retreating, they picked up a camera, and faced it together. 

In the first half of this heartfelt conversation, we talk about gender, identity, privilege, frustration with the healthcare system, and the beauty of chosen family as they introduce their groundbreaking documentary “Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer.”

Resources: 

https://www.transdudeswithladycancer.org/

In Part 2 of my conversation with Yanery Cruz, Director of Advocacy and Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG), we examine the barriers trans and gender-expansive individuals encounter in healthcare and discuss effective strategies for true inclusion. Yanery offers valuable perspectives on topics ranging from OB-GYN care for trans masculine individuals to the need for a Trans Patient Bill of Rights, emphasizing the importance of safe, affirming environments.

We also discuss the importance of allyship in advocacy, the impact of policy change, and NYTAG’s legislative priorities, including decriminalizing STI status and advancing prison reform that respects gender identity. Yanery’s experiences highlight that joy, education, and civic engagement are vital for community well-being and progress.

Resources: 

• Social Links:
  • Instagram: @FollowTheQween
  • Instagram: @NYTransAdvocacyGroup
• Website: NYTAG.org
• Info on Layleen Polanco, 27-year-old Afro-Latina transgender woman who died at Rikers: Death of Layleen Polanco

In Part 1, I sit down with Yanery Cruz, Director of Advocacy and Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG). Yanery, a transgender woman and fierce advocate, discusses NYTAG’s mission to dismantle outdated laws, protect and defend trans rights, and create spaces for healing and radical resilience in the trans community.

We discuss why local, state, and federal elections matter for healthcare and policy, the importance of civic engagement, and key definitions to better understand the LGBTQ+ community. Yanery also highlights NYTAG’s TGNCNB Health and Wellness Summit and their Youth Advocacy Fellowship, both designed to center trans voices and prepare the next generation of leaders.

This conversation explores the deep connection between our bodies, our laws, and our ability to thrive.

Resources: 

• Social Links:
  • Instagram: @FollowTheQween
  • Instagram: @NYTransAdvocacyGroup
• Website: NYTAG.org