Soar Above Cancer

The Soar Above team continues their engaging chat with Michelle Burleigh as she expands on her movement of So You've Got Acute Blood Cancer, her family life and how transformative the cancer journey has been for herself and her kids, and finally what advice she has for all of us going through or living in survivorship of their cancer experience. Michelle brings energy and a spark to the podcast that is always welcome!

Rarely is the Soar Above team so captivated by a cancer thriver's presence and mentality than with Michelle Burleigh. The team met Michelle a few months ago at the YACC Retreat Yourself Conference in Paris, Ontario, and her demeanour and confidence shined. Michelle joins Gabrielle and Alex to share her overwhelming cancer experience, what it's like living with such a rare blood cancer in APL, and how her perspective on her own life, career, family, and self-esteem drastically changed in part 1 of 2 episodes. 

Believe it or not, the Soar Above Cancer podcast turned 3 on June 7th, 2020! Gabrielle and Alex reflect on the growth of the podcast as a whole and what has been the most effective change since day 1. The team shares the not-so-efficient moments, how the two as individuals have grown, and what is next! Mindfulness is a big concept at Soar Above, but the team breaks the rules as they discuss the exciting goals and activities planned for the future. 

Janelle Lamontagne is a rare gem. She is someone who is extremely aware of her story, and takes ownership of it, but still gives all of herself when listening to others share their experience. It was a pleasure chatting with Janelle about her diagnosis, the important she places on brain tumour awareness, and her exciting career as a speech pathologist and how her cancer journey affected that. Were grateful to see both her calculating and funny side!

In an unprecedented move, Young Adult Cancer Canada held it's first all-virtual Survivor Conference in May of 2020! Gabrielle and Alex were heavily involved with hosting sessions and social activities throughout the conference, and the ever exciting talent show! Our host's share the highlights of the weekend, what it was like to play an important role for the execution of the conference, and what this means for the future of the cancer community. Could we see virtual programming soar to new heights?

Have you ever met someone who you click with almost instantly? That is how the SAC team feels about Harman Dhindsa. Harman first interacted with Alex through the YACC Survivor Conference in 2019, and his broad, intellectual perspective on meditation, positive mindset, and what the most important aspects of life are, is inspirational and educational. Harman defines what happiness means to him, and his diagnosis in high school brings with it a new experience to the podcast. 

Following up on the Soar Above teams chat with Karine Chalifour, the Balls of Sh*t theory is broken down more to discuss the practical applications of the theory, how it can be applied outside of a cancer journey, and what one can do to project the theory with physical objects. Most importantly, the cancer journey is not just about the thriver, and the conversation steers towards caregivers, health professionals and society's role in this theory.

The concept you never knew you needed. YACC Program Director Karine Chalifour shares the concept of the Balls of Sh*t theory: where it came from, what it consists of, the different components of the theory, and the main themes that are associated with your balls of sh*t. This first of two part episodes sheds the light on a concept that is so relevant and applicable to anyone going through a struggle of any kind, and is a stepping stone for big things to come.  

Talk about hot out of the gates! Gabrielle and Alex met Mike Wark only earlier this year, but he's taken the Young Adult Cancer Canada, as well as the broader cancer community by storm. Mike shares his thoughts and feelings from beginning of diagnosis to survivorship. He discusses his relationship with his wife, the importance and mental health and communication, and some of the extracurricular activities he's created for thrivers. 

Gabrielle and Alex have known Paul Silvestri for over a year now, and he is hands down one of the most present, methodical, and genuine people in the cancer community. Paul shares an extensive look into his cancer story, his career and how he navigated teaching through his diagnosis, and how music has played a key role in his life and continued suvrivorship. Boy can he hit the keys!