Stories of Hope and Inspiration from Twist Out Cancer's Brushes With Cancer Program

In this episode of the Power Partners Podcast, Jenna Benn Shersher, the founder and CEO of Twist Out Cancer speaks with Chelsea Lewis-Bahr, a contemporary abstract artist and finance professional based in Huntsville, Alabama.

Chelsea shares how a chance visit from her mother, who was surprised to discover her daughter's artwork, set her on the path to connecting with Twist Out Cancer and the Brushes With Cancer program. Chelsea reflects on her first experience as a Brushes With Cancer artist when she was matched with Inspiration Howard Aaron. Learn how the experience pushed her outside herself emotionally in ways she hadn't anticipated. 

Jenna and Chelsea also explore the unexpected ways their lives intersected through Howard, highlighting the sense of community and shared purpose that connects Brushes With Cancer participants. 

Chelsea's story is a testament to the healing power of art, compassion, and human connection in the face of illness.

You can view the art piece that Chelsea made for Howard here: https://twistoutcancer.org/art/howard-aaron-and-chelsea-lewis-bahr/

In this episode, Twist Out Cancer Advisory Board Member, Soraya Fata, speaks with Megan Scherer, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Worth The Wait. Megan shares how the organization is helping patients turn that loss into hope, with financial support, education, and advocacy for fertility preservation and family building.

After navigating cancer-related infertility in her own family, Megan and her husband Mike launched the organization to help others access the care, resources, and information they needed but often could not find. Over the last five years, Worth the Wait has grown into a national lifeline, awarding hundreds more than 250 grants to families around the country.

More information is available at https://worththewaitcharity.com.

Inspiration Delphine Gervaise and Artist Dominik Ambroise are participants in a licensed Brushes With Cancer Program in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.

Delphine shares her experience caring for her mother, who passed away from breast cancer, and the grief that followed. She also opens up about the emotional, financial, and practical weight of caregiving, the anticipatory grief of watching her mother change, and the void left behind after her mother's death.

Through the Brushes With Cancer program, Delphine was matched with artist Dominik Ambroise, who transformed Delphine's story into an original piece of art. Using pieces of her mother's own creative work, including embroidery and sewing, Dominik created an art piece that honors memory, love, and loss.

Delphine and Dominik also discovered a shared Haitian heritage, which deepened their connection and shaped conversations about cultural expectations around illness, strength, and vulnerability.

Their story is a powerful reminder that caregivers deserve to be seen, that grief deserves space, and that art can express what words often cannot.

More information is available at
https://www.arshtcenter.org/arsht-impact/arts-and-wellness/brushes-with-cancer/

In this episode, Twist Out Cancer's Director of Programs, August Spree, speaks to Julie Clauer, who is a colon cancer survivor, and Marea Cordero, the artist she was paired with as part of the 2026 Winter Brushes With Cancer program.

Julie and Marea’s stories reveal a deeper truth: resilience, connection, and healing can emerge from the cracks of grief. In this heartfelt episode, these two incredible women share how art becomes a powerful bridge — transforming their experiences into inspiring visuals that tell stories of hope, support, and growth. 

Julie, still in treatment since 2018, redefines her identity beyond survivor to advocate, educator, and source of hope within the cancer community. She shares her story of diagnosis, her "thank you list" — a practice that reminds her of everyday gratitude — and how her journey has deepened her appreciation for life and the bonds she cherishes. 

They discuss their collaborative art projects: a stunning piece called Healing Herd that encapsulates Julie’s journey, layered with symbols of family, support, and resilience, and connected stories of other transformative works. Their stories can inspire you to reframe your journey with gratitude, depth, and a touch of joy. 

Join us as we explore how the cracks in suffering are where growth happens — transforming pain into powerful stories of healing.

You can view "Healing Herd," the art piece that Marea made for Julie here.
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/julie-clauer-and-marea-cordero/

In this podcast, August Spree of Twist Out Cancer speaks to Jackie Herigodt, the Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Imerman Angels. Jackie has also been an Inspiration in a Brushes With Cancer program.

Listen to how Jackie's journey has been shaped by loss, resilience, and ultimately, connection. What emerges is not just a narrative about cancer, but a reflection on what it means to be supported, understood, and truly seen.

See the art piece made for Jackie as part of the Brushes With Cancer program here:
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/jackie-herigodt-jeff-guerrero/

To learn more about Imerman Angels and their upcoming gala
https://imermanangels.org/2026gala/

In this inspiring interview, Inspiration Alique Topalian shares her journey as a cancer survivor and advocate, and discusses her participation in the Brushes with Cancer program. Jackie Carmody, an artist, explains her creative process in capturing Alique's story through art, highlighting the healing power of storytelling and artistic expression.

You can view the art piece here:

https://twistoutcancer.org/art/alique-topalian-and-jackie-carmody/

In this episode of Twist Out Cancer's podcast, host August Spree interviews Patricia San Pedro, a cancer thriver and Emmy award-winning filmmaker. 

Patricia shares her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, the importance of community and chosen family during her treatment, and how she documented her experience to help others. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the healing power of art, culminating in Patricia's projects like 'The Cancer Dancer' and her involvement with Twist Out Cancer.

In this episode, host Soraya Fata interviews Marty Hogan, a leukemia survivor and the founder of Windsor Tough. They discuss Marty's cancer journey, his connection to Twist Out Cancer, and his organization's mission to raise awareness and expand the blood stem cell donor registry. The conversation highlights the importance of community.

More information about Windsor Tough is available at https://www.windsortough.org/

Join us in this heartfelt episode of "Power Partners: The Cancer Caregiver" as August Spree sits down with Charlotte Bayala, founder of the Cancer Caregiver.

Discover Charlotte's personal journey through her husband's cancer diagnosis and how it inspired her to support others in similar situations. This episode delves into the emotional challenges caregivers face and the importance of self-care and community support. Tune in to hear stories of resilience, vulnerability, and the power of sharing experiences. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the strength found in caregiving.

Host August Spree is joined by Twist Out Cancer Board Member and Inspiration, Soraya Fata.

See the art piece that was made for Charlotte as part of a recent Brushes With Cancer program here:
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/charlotte-a-bayala-and-bari-fleischer/

More information about Charlotte is available at www.charlottebayala.com/.

In this episode, August Spree speaks with Leah Phillips, founder of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, who shares her personal journey with lung cancer, the stigma surrounding the disease, and her efforts to advocate for younger patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Leah discusses the importance of community, education, and visibility in supporting those affected by lung cancer, as well as her involvement in the Brushes with Cancer program. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and support for lung cancer patients, particularly those under 50, and the initiatives being undertaken to address these challenges.

More information about the Young Lung Cancer Initiative is available at https://ylci.org/.