Shira Boehler's family is full of doctors, and every one of them told her not to get the full-body MRI. She canceled the appointment repeatedly herself, until her husband rebooked it one time too many and she finally went.

The scan found a 3.8 centimeter mass in her right lung and labeled it a minor finding, with a note to correlate with symptoms. She had none. She was running six miles a day, the picture of health, and had never smoked. A follow-up CT months later showed the mass had grown, and on the Monday she walked into a pulmonary specialist's office she was told she had an invasive adenocarcinoma. She told him it was probably an EMR error. One week later, surgeons removed half her right lung to treat her cancer.

Samira Daswani, host of Patient from Hell and founder of Manta Cares, welcomes lung cancer survivor and bestselling author Shira Boehler for an eye-opening conversation on the part that comes after the story, which is why almost nobody in Shira's position gets caught this early. Screening guidelines currently cover people over 50 with a twenty-pack-per-year smoking history, and fewer than one in five of them actually get scanned, in part because the criteria require disclosing something patients are ashamed of. Shira has been working the problem from both ends since her treatment, negotiating cash prices at imaging centers down to a fraction of what she paid and funding new scans for people who can't cover them through the nonprofit organization she founded, Cancer Doesn't Care.

In this episode, Samira and Shira discuss:

• Why lung cancer is often diagnosed too late

• The importance of early detection and low-dose CT screening

• How people who have never smoked can still develop lung cancer

• The stigma surrounding lung cancer diagnosis

• Current lung cancer screening guidelines

• Insurance coverage, healthcare access, policy reform

• How artificial intelligence may improve cancer screening

• Why patient advocacy is becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00 The Full-Body Scan That Changed Everything

03:32 Diagnosed With Lung Cancer Despite Having No Symptoms

05:30 Access, Privilege & Why Early Detection Isn't Equal

07:10 Building the Cancer Doesn't Care Foundation

09:21 Why Lung Cancer Screening Needs to Change

10:19 Breaking the Stigma Around Lung Cancer

12:26 Who Actually Qualifies for Screening?

14:23 Changing Public Perception Through Advocacy

16:20 Why Patients Must Advocate for Themselves

17:15 AI, False Positives & the Future of Cancer Screening

20:27 Why Lung Cancer Is Often Diagnosed Too Late

21:17 Stage 1 vs. Stage 4 Survival Rates

23:25 Shira's Advice for Anyone Considering Lung Cancer Screening

Shira Kupperman Boehler is a finance professional, health advocate, bestselling author, and lung cancer survivor. Shira holds a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Alongside her husband Adam, she has spent her career building and scaling multibillion-dollar healthcare businesses, developing deep relationships across health systems, payers, and policymakers.
After being unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 1B lung adenocarcinoma despite never smoking and having no symptoms, Shira founded Cancer Doesn't Care, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to life-saving lung cancer screening and reducing financial barriers to early detection. She is also the author of the bestselling memoir One Scan Saved My Life, with proceeds supporting patient screening initiatives.

🔗 Connect with Patient From Hell

Website: https://www.mantacares.com

Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis, treatment, or medical decisions.

This episode is dedicated to Natalie's memory and to every patient navigating life with cancer.

Natalie Brown's answer to "How are you?" was always simple:

"I'm here."

Diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer at just 33 years old, despite never smoking and having no family history of lung cancer, Natalie spent six years challenging assumptions about what lung cancer looks like.

In this unforgettable conversation with host Samira Daswani, Natalie shares her journey through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, failed clinical trials, and one of the rarest procedures in cancer medicine a bilateral double lung transplant. She also opens up about recurrence, chronic pain, advocacy, mental health, and why she believed every patient deserves to know all of their treatment options.

Natalie has passed away. We are honored to share her story again in celebration of the courage, honesty, humor, and determination that defined her life. Her voice continues to educate, inspire, and advocate for patients everywhere.

Whether you're living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the realities of serious illness, Natalie's message is one everyone should hear.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What it's like to be diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at age 33
• Why non-smokers can develop lung cancer
• How a rare double lung transplant became a treatment option
• The emotional reality of cancer recurrence
• Clinical trials, targeted therapies, and asking "What's next?"
• The importance of patient advocacy and second opinions

• How friends, family, therapy, and hope helped Natalie keep fighting
• Why "Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer"

Natalie's story reminds us that resilience isn't about pretending things aren't difficult—it's about continuing to move forward anyway.

00:00 Introduction: Remembering Natalie Brown

01:00 "I'm Here" — The phrase that defined Natalie

02:00 Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer at 33

04:00 Four Chemotherapies & Failed Clinical Trials

05:30 Discovering a Rare Double Lung Transplant

10:40 Returning Home After Transplant

11:45 Cancer Recurrence & New Treatment Options

13:00 The Husband Who Helped Her Keep Fighting

16:00 Facing Mortality with Honesty

18:00 Making the Most of Time

20:00 Living with Chronic Pain

21:00 Becoming a Lung Cancer Advocate

24:00 Learning to Ask for Help

26:45 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients

28:40 "Anyone With Lungs Can Get Lung Cancer"

29:45 Why Patients Should Always Ask Questions

31:00 Final Reflections

About Patient From Hell

Patient From Hell is hosted by cancer survivor and founder Samira Daswani, who asks the questions most patients are too overwhelmed or too afraid to ask. The show brings together doctors, researchers, advocates, and survivors to reveal evidence-based answers for patients navigating the chaos of cancer.

🔔 Connect & Follow

Samira Daswani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiradaswani/

Manta Cares: https://www.mantacares.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Tim McDonald was sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2020 when the pain started. A few days later, a doctor handed him a single sheet of paper and said three words nobody wants to hear: "You have cancer."

Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Liver covered in tumors. A second oncologist told him he had three years to live and she'd focus on "quality of life." His response? "That's your story. Not mine."

In this episode, Tim shares how over a decade of mindfulness practice shaped the way he faced one of the hardest diagnoses a person can receive and how he went from following doctors' orders to becoming the general manager of his own care team, ultimately pursuing a liver transplant at a time when fewer than 20 people in the US had received one for colorectal cancer.

This conversation goes deep on:

→ What it actually feels like to hear "you have cancer" and stay calm

→ Why getting a second (and third, and tenth) opinion saved his life

→ The player → quarterback → general manager framework for owning your treatment

→ Men, vulnerability, and why cancer support groups changed everything

→ The dark thought he had toward the end of chemo — and what pulled him back

→ Why survivorship was mentally harder than treatment itself

→ How advocacy work became part of his healingIf you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this episode is essential listening.

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🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with patients, advocates, and caregivers navigating the healthcare system.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – The mindset that got him through

00:29 – Meet Tim McDonald

01:17 – Thanksgiving diagnosis

02:44 – Hearing "you have cancer" — and staying calm

04:51 – Life before cancer: HuffPost, Arianna Huffington, and mindfulness

06:04 – What mindfulness actually gave him during treatment

07:14 – Starting standard treatment and meeting a new oncologist

09:38 – "That's your story. Not mine."

10:20 – Switching to Moffitt Cancer Center

11:53 – Discovering the liver transplant option

13:22 – Stage 4 colorectal cancer explained

17:49 – Going from patient to general manager of your care team

21:26 – The proctologist nobody thought to send him to

23:21 – Why you should always get a second opinion

24:46 – Men and cancer: processing emotions differently

26:18 – Vulnerability and who to open up to

29:02 – The dark thought: wanting to stop treatment entirely

30:52 – What pulled him back from the edge

31:39 – Survivorship: why after treatment can be harder

34:11 – 10 doctors after, 3 before: the survivorship reality

───────────────────────────

GUEST

Tim McDonald: Stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor, liver transplant recipient, patient advocate, and community builder. Former Director of Community at HuffPost.

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ABOUT THE PATIENT FROM HELL

Patient From Hell is a podcast about navigating the healthcare system with confidence, curiosity, and zero apologies. Hosted by Samira Daswani, CEO and founder of Manta Cares.

#CancerSurvivor #ColorectalCancer #PatientAdvocacy #Stagefour #LiverTransplant #CancerMindset #ChemoSideEffects #PatientFromHell #MantaCares #CancerPodcast

When Marybeth Gilliam was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she did what her years as a healthcare researcher had trained her to do: she went looking for the evidence. What she found was a gap between a growing body of peer-reviewed research pointing to strategies that can improve outcomes, and the fact that most of it never reached patients because it hadn't yet become standard of care.In this episode of Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani sits down with Marybeth, founder of Outperform Cancer, to talk about how she is working to close that gap. She translates overlooked, peer-reviewed findings into steps patients can actually take, always paired with standard treatment rather than in place of it. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep are part of it, and so is asking sharper questions about biomarker testing, weighing well-supported off-label options, and refusing to take no for an answer when the data is strong.She shares her own story, the research that reshaped her thinking, and a practical case for taking an active role in your care when the first treatment decisions matter most.In this episode:Why she founded Outperform Cancer to close the gap between research and the clinicHow she pairs evidence-based strategies with standard treatment, not instead of itBiomarker testing and advocating for off-label options backed by solid trials (PATINA, MA.32)What being your own advocate actually looks like in the exam roomThis podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The opinions of the speakers are their own.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The overlooked risk factor after childbirth

00:39 Meet Marybeth Gilliam

00:53 Why she founded Outperform Cancer

02:15 The cancer care information gap

02:20 The exercise discovery that changed everything

04:14 Her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis

06:11 Looking back at her 2007 Stage 0 diagnosis

07:16 Postpartum breast cancer and recurrence risk10:36 Building an anti-cancer strategy

13:58 From metastatic diagnosis to NED

15:48 Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle changes18:24 Creating an anti-cancer environment20:03 The PATINA trial explained

23:24 Accessing promising therapies before standard of care

25:46 How patients can advocate for themselves

27:51 The 15-year research-to-practice gap

28:45 Precision medicine and biomarker testing

30:42 The ATM gene and metformin research

32:08 Stacking interventions: what does the evidence say?

33:08 Balancing risk, reward, and patient choice

35:24 Lessons from cancer innovators and patient-led research

37:00 Final thoughts and takeaways

Follow Patient From Hell for more conversations on cancer, survivorship, patient advocacy, research breakthroughs, and navigating healthcare with confidence.

Understanding postpartum breast cancer risks is critical. Learn why a diagnosis within 10 years of childbirth changes prognosis.

Many patients do not realize that postpartum breast cancer is defined as a diagnosis within 10 years of having children. This video explains the medical reasoning behind why these patients face a significantly higher likelihood of recurrence compared to other groups. We specifically look at the data showing that even stage one patients are three times more prone to metastasis during this specific window.

Welcome to the Patient from Hell podcast! Live from ASCO 2026, we explore breakthroughs in clinical oncology, cancer research, AI healthcare tools, and targeted therapy for advanced cancer.

Samira Daswani, Founder and CEO of Manta Cares and host of The Patient From Hell, sits down with Dr. Doug Blayney, Chief Medical Officer of Manta Cares and former ASCO President, for a candid debrief in between sessions at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

With 45,000 oncology professionals in attendance, ASCO is the largest gathering of cancer researchers and clinicians in the world. In this episode, Samira and Dr. Blayney break down what actually mattered: the clinical findings, the shifting treatment landscape, and what the research trends mean for patients navigating cancer today.

This episode is for oncologists, cancer researchers, and anyone who wants to understand where the field is heading.

Topics covered, with more to come in our next episode:

• Key clinical findings from ASCO 2026
• Trends shaping experimental and clinical oncology
• What high attendance and collaboration signals for the future of cancer research
• What patients should know coming out of this year's conference

CHAPTERS:0:00 - ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting Live from Chicago0:27 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Oncology & Patient Experience1:19 - Healthcare AI Challenges: Misinformation & Clinician Deskilling2:03 - Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough: New RAS/KRAS Targeted Therapy2:30 - Lung Cancer Advancements: ALK Mutations & PD-L1 Data3:01 - Breast Cancer Innovation: Oral SERDs & ESR1 Biomarkers3:41 - Next Episode Preview & Wrap Up

Subscribe for frequent breakdowns of cancer research, treatment news, patient stories, and guidance and support for people in treatment for cancer. Drop a comment with the topics or trials you want us to cover next!

What happens when a medical doctor trained in oncology becomes the cancer patient and then transforms into a primary caregiver for his own father? In this moving continuation of our conversation with clinician, survivor, and care partner Dr. Achim, we dive into the profound emotional architecture of navigating a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Achim opens up about the vast difference between his first experience as a helpless care partner for his father’s prostate cancer in 2010, and his recent role guiding his 85-year-old father through aggressive lymphoma and groundbreaking CAR T-cell therapy.Samira and Dr. Achim explore a topic rarely discussed openly in the oncology world: the long, arduous journey of rebuilding trust in your body after it feels like it has completely betrayed you. Dr. Achim shares how shifting from anger to radical self-love and mastering the art of strict presence—learning to live purely in the current moment—became his ultimate armor against the paralyzing fear of cancer recurrence. Whether you are a patient looking for tools to manage treatment intervals, a male patient looking for permission to voice your fears, or a caregiver trying to balance medical advocacy with emotional support, this episode offers an essential roadmap for finding steady footing when your world is turned upside down.Chapter Codes:00:00 Grounding in the Present Moment00:44 Dr. Achim's Transition From Patient to Caregiver02:15 The Reality of Being a Cancer Care Partner06:46 Navigating Aggressive Lymphoma & CAR T-Cell Therapy09:57 Healing the Feeling of "Body Betrayal"13:49 Mind-Body Visualizations During the Treatment Time Gap15:36 Overcoming the Fear of Cancer Recurrence19:33 Mental Health Stigmas for Male Cancer Patients25:25 Life with No Evidence of Disease (NED)Key Takeaways from This Episode:The Caregiver Shift: Why true caregiving isn't about having all the answers or trying to "fix" the disease; it is about steady, radical presence and holding a hand through the confusion.The "Betrayal" of the Body:Understanding the mental shift required to stop treating your body like an enemy and realizing that it is still actively fighting for you.The Power of Visualizations:How Dr. Achim used a 5-day Carl Simonton method seminar to train his mind during the critical "time gap" between diagnosis and treatment.Connect with Manta Cares & Patient from Hell:Learn more about our mission: Manta Cares WebsiteDiscover your personal cancer roadmap: Patient from Hell Podcast HubSubscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!Disclaimer: This podcast, show notes, and newsletter are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this podcast or any materials linked from it is at the user's own risk. The opinions of the speakers are their own and do not represent the organizations they are affiliated with, nor do they reflect the opinions of Manta Cares Inc. or its sponsors.

"I knew the diagnosis, the prognosis, and the five-year survival rates. And for the first time, knowing more didn't help, it made it worse."

In this powerful episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira sits down with Dr. Achim Zinggrebe, a German physician and pharmaceutical oncology expert who found himself on the other side of the stethoscope. After years of treating cancer and developing oncology drugs, Dr. Achim discovered fist-sized lymph nodes on his own MRI, leading to a diagnosis of advanced lymphoma with a 1-to-2-year survival outlook.

Dr. Achim shares a raw, clinical, and deeply personal look at the "curse of knowledge" that comes when a doctor becomes the patient. We dive into the "mirror moment" that changed his trajectory, the scientific proof behind integrative therapies like meditation, and why the current medical system often fails to address the "mind and soul" of the person behind the pathology.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The surreal experience of reading your own terminal cancer scans.

• Why "Dr. Google" is a universal trap, even for medical experts.

• The transition from conventional oncology to an integrative "Body, Mind, and Soul" approach.

• The "Mirror Moment": How to start fighting for yourself instead of everyone else.

• Crucial advice for clinicians on empathy, silence, and treating the human, not just the lab results.

  
  

Guest Bio:

Dr. Achim Zinggrebe is a physician, cancer survivor, and family member of a cancer patient. He works at the intersection of medicine, lived experience, and human reality.

Having seen cancer from all three perspectives, his work focuses on helping people find clarity, inner stability, and direction in a time that often feels uncertain.

He is the author of Rise and Thrive Above Cancer and the Rise and Thrive Journal, and the creator of a structured pathway that supports people during and beyond treatment in a grounded and honest way.

Dr. Achim Zinggrebe joins us from Southern Germany to share how he transformed a devastating prognosis into a mission to provide a "shortcut" for other patients through his upcoming book and advocacy.

Chapter Codes

00:00 - The MRI That Changed Everything

00:44 - Introducing Dr. Achim: Physician, Survivor, & Caregiver

02:02 - From Paramedic to Oncology: A Career Built on Helping

04:01 - The Diagnosis: Advanced Lymphoma

05:30 - Ignoring the Signs: Why We Put Ourselves Last

06:07 - The Curse of Knowledge: Why Knowing the Survival Rates is a Burden

08:04 - Seeking Hope in a 2-Year Prognosis

10:49 - What Medical School Never Taught Me About Being a Patient

12:37 - The Missing Piece in Oncology: Body, Mind, and Soul

15:12 - The Mirror Moment: Redefining the Role of Medicine

18:30 - Rebuilding Your Identity After a Diagnosis

22:51 - The Science of Integrative Medicine & Meditation

26:53 - Advice to Clinicians: Listen More, Talk Less

28:47 - The System vs. The Human Being

Support the Podcast:If you found this story inspiring, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell. Sharing these stories helps break the stigma surrounding lung cancer and provides a community for those in the fight.#LungCancer #PatientStories #DoubleLungTransplant #CancerAdvocacy #PatientFromHell #ManticareDisclaimer:This podcast, show notes, and newsletter are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice; no doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or any materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The opinions of the speakers are their own and do not represent the opinions of organizations they are affiliated with, nor do they reflect the opinions of Manta Cares Inc. or Manta Cares' sponsors.

Why are you still so tired? If you’ve finished treatment but your energy hasn't returned, you aren't alone. In this episode, host Samira sits down with Naturopathic Doctor and author Dr. Jessa Landmann to dive deep into the world of Integrative Oncology.

We move past the "war" metaphors to discuss a concept Dr. Landmann calls "Respecting Cancer." We explore why cancer-related fatigue is fundamentally different from being "just tired" and look at evidence-based tools—from iron infusions to aromatherapy—that can help you feel like yourself again.Plus, we’re doing some serious myth-busting on the topics currently blowing up your social media feeds: sugar, high-dose Vitamin C, and the latest trends in antiparasitics.

📘 GET THE BOOK:

Grab Dr. Landmann’s new book on cancer-related fatigue at Wiley Publishing.

Use Code: PFH20 for 20% off!

TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction: Vitamin C Myths

00:47 - Dr. Landman’s Journey: From High School to Naturopathy

03:23 - Defining Integrative Oncology vs. Complementary Medicine

05:29 - The Difference Between Palliative Care & Integrative Oncology

07:30 - What exactly is Cancer-Related Fatigue?

11:49 - Finding the Root Cause: Anemia, Thyroid, and Sleep

16:38 - When Oral Supplements Aren't Enough: The Case for Iron IVs

18:00 - Surprising Research: Aromatherapy & Tapping (EFT) for Pain

20:03 - How to Spot "Fringe" Science vs. Evidence-Based Care

24:55 - Myth-Busting: High Dose Vitamin C as an Alternative?

26:36 - The Truth About Sugar, Insulin, and Recurrence

29:07 - Alcohol and Cancer: What the Research Actually Says

30:23 - The "Antiparasitic" Trend on Social Media

32:06 - Why We Need to "Respect Cancer"

33:48 - Where to Find the Book & Special Discount Code

Summary:

"Just be thankful you're alive." For many cancer survivors, this sentiment from the medical community isn't enough when they are too exhausted to work, volunteer, or enjoy their hobbies. Host Samira welcomes Dr. Jessa Landmann, an expert in integrative oncology with 15 years of experience, to discuss the "pervasive and crushing" reality of cancer-related fatigue.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Marriage" of Medicine: How integrative oncology works alongside conventional treatments like chemo and radiation to improve quality of life.
• The Fatigue Framework: Why cancer-related fatigue isn’t fixed by a weekend of rest and how to identify correctable causes like iron deficiency or sleep apnea.
• Evidence-Based "Woo": Dr. Landman shares the surprising clinical data behind aromatherapy and Tapping (EFT).Hard Truths: A no-nonsense look at sugar, alcohol, and the dangers of following "cancer influencers" over peer-reviewed research.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jessa Landmann is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in integrative oncology. With nearly 15 years in clinical practice, Dr. Landmann’s work is rooted in the belief that quality of life is just as important as the treatment itself. Her path was inspired by her mother’s 30-year cancer survivorship journey, leading her to write her latest self-help book focused on helping patients navigate and overcome cancer-related exhaustion.

Special Offer:Dr. Landmann is offering The Patient From Hell community a 20% discount on her new book through Wiley Publishing.

For more patient resources and advocacy, visit Manta Cares at mantacares.com.

In this episode, we hear a compelling story of a patient's journey through a severe cough and the subsequent rib pain. She discusses undergoing standard cancer treatment and participating in clinical trials, highlighting the direct impact of medical research on her health. Her current regimen includes a targeted pill for lung disease, which is not yet widely approved, showcasing the cutting-edge efforts in treating challenging conditions and managing side effects.

Episode Chapters

00:00 - The Reality of "Cracking Your Ribs" from Coughing

00:32 - Meet Natalie Brown: Lung Cancer Advocate

01:23 - Symptoms & Diagnosis: Stage 4 at Age 33

03:07 - No Biomarkers: Navigating Non-Targetable Lung Cancer

03:40 - Becoming "An Experiment": Clinical Trials & Transplant

04:21 - What is a Double Lung Transplant? Risks & Process

05:52 - The Surgeon’s Honest Assessment: "Your Lungs are Trash"

07:42 - Choosing Surgery Over Trials: The Decision-Making Process

08:40 - The Role of Support: Husband, Family, and Finances

09:18 - The One-Year Recovery in Chicago: Pain & Mobility

11:37 - Life After Transplant: Recurrence in the Spine

12:48 - Mental Health: Therapy and the "48-Hour Rule"

16:12 - Facing Mortality: Finding Freedom in the Conversation

18:02 - What Time Means Now: The Monthly Beach Dream20:10 - Managing Chronic Pain & The Art of the "Doom Scroll"

21:05 - Advocacy: Breaking the Stigma of "Smoker's Disease"

23:17 - The Dichotomy: Being Active vs. Asking for Help

26:30 - Rapid Fire Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

28:53 - If You Have Lungs, You Are at Risk

29:46 - Closing Thoughts & Medical

About Our Guest:

Natalie Brown is an advocate and speaker from Atlanta, Georgia. In 2020, she was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. She is also a bilateral lung transplant recipient. Since her diagnosis, Natalie has been dedicated to advocating for and educating others about lung cancer and the impact it has on patients and families.

Natalie has a strong background in building meaningful relationships and collaborating with nonprofit organizations and groups within the tech community. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and relaxing with her dog Hershey.

Support the Podcast:

If you found this story inspiring, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell. Sharing these stories helps break the stigma surrounding lung cancer and provides a community for those in the fight.

#LungCancer #PatientStories #DoubleLungTransplant #CancerAdvocacy #PatientFromHell #Manticare

Disclaimer:

This podcast, show notes, and newsletter are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice; no doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or any materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The opinions of the speakers are their own and do not represent the opinions of organizations they are affiliated with, nor do they reflect the opinions of Manta Cares Inc. or Manta Cares' sponsors.

"Don't rush the process." In this episode, we sit down with Kim Burket, Executive Director of Goodness Village, to discuss a side of the cancer journey that often goes overlooked: the need for a true home. Goodness Village provides affordable housing in Little Rock, Arkansas, for patients and families traveling for life-saving medical treatment.

Kim shares her 20 years of hospitality experience and how she’s applying it to healthcare to ensure families can stay together, cook their own meals, and find a safe haven during their hardest chapters. Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare leader, Kim’s "sage wisdom" on resilience and accepting help is a must-listen.

In this episode, we discuss:

🏡 The "Basic" needs that hospitals often miss.

📉 Why rushing your treatment timeline can cause more angst.

🤝 How to find your "champions" and actually accept their help.📊 The massive impact of community-based non-profit housing on patient outcomes.

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – The #1 piece of advice for patients: Don’t rush the process.

01:13 – What is Goodness Village? A unique model for medical housing.

03:10 – The 30-year history of a grassroots mission.

04:14 – Why a hotel isn't enough when you're fighting cancer.

06:50 – The "Little Things": How 26 apartments provided 6,000+ nights of rest.

10:40 – Gaps in the healthcare system and the power of collaboration.

13:14 – A story of resilience: Keeping a family of five together.

15:25 – Advice for Healthcare CEOs and Hospital Leaders.

18:38 – A checklist for patients traveling for care.

About Our Guest:

Kim Burket has served as the Executive Director of Goodness Village for 15 years. Under her leadership, the organization transitioned from a church ministry to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, growing to provide 26 affordable, fully furnished apartments for patients and families traveling to Little Rock for medical care. Kim lives in Little Rock with her husband Jim, where their younger son is a senior at Little Rock Christian Academy, and their oldest son is attending college in Fayetteville.

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👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell.

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.