In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, we sit down with writer, speaker, and entrepreneur Heidi Currey. Heidi shares her deeply personal story as a caregiver for both her mother and father, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges she faced, especially when there wasn’t a clear plan for what they wanted after their passing.

Meet Lauren, a young professional in New York City, who was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in October 2023. In this episode, Lauren opens up about her cancer experience and sharing how humor and a strong support system encouraged her along the way.

In this insightful discussion, clinical psychologist Catherine Benedict sheds light on the vital role of patient advocacy and the critical ways clinicians can provide better support during times of uncertainty. Drawing from her extensive experience in healthcare, Catherine highlights the gaps she’s observed in patient care—particularly when it comes to addressing fertility and family-building concerns for young adults after cancer treatment.

As a South Asian young adult diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Harjeet Kaur experienced firsthand the challenges of seeking and offering emotional support within a culture that often values emotional restraint. Despite the immense love and support from her family, she grappled with the silence surrounding cancer within her community, leaving her feeling isolated. Harjeet candidly shares her story in this episode, advocating for a shift toward open dialogue and the importance of support networks.

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In this episode of The Support Report with b-present podcast, join co-hosts Chiara Riga and Justin Peters as Matthew Rosenblum shares his experience navigating the challenges of metastatic pancreatic cancer as a young adult. With raw honesty and profound resilience, Matthew opens up about his diagnosis, the trials of treatment, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. Through his story, we explore the strength found in vulnerability.

In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, hosts Justin Peters and Chiara Riga chat with Elissa Kalver, a cancer thriver and the visionary behind the nonprofit We Got This. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at age 34, Elissa experience is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community support.

Lacey Wicksall, the Executive Director at Wish Upon a Wedding, leads a compassionate non-profit organization dedicated to granting dream weddings and vow renewals for couples confronted with terminal illnesses or significant health challenges. They help couples alleviate the financial burden and time commitment of planning a wedding, focusing instead on dealing with their treatments and spending time with their loved ones. 

In our chat, Lacey shares moving stories about the people they've helped. We dive into the transformative power of love and commitment in the face of adversity and explore ways in which families and friends can offer meaningful support to their loved ones during such critical times.

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Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org.

In this candid conversation, Mindy Miller, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, opens up about her cancer experience and the intertwined challenges of fertility. As her running aspirations faced an unexpected hurdle with her diagnosis, the ebb and flow of support she received became a significant part of her story.

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Megan-Claire Chase, aka Warrior Megsie, is a cancer survivor, speaker, and advocate. In this episode, Megsie opens up about her experience as a young adult with cancer. She shares the transformation it sparked in her life, blending her professional career with her personal experience as a patient. She also shares about her friends outside 'cancer land' and how her life is different now, shaped by the permanent side effects that remind her daily of her resilience.

Megsie's story is about finding purpose beyond illness and doing it on her own terms, a message that resonates deeply with young adults facing unique challenges.

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Melissa is a 13-year leukemia survivor. She was diagnosed as a young adult at age 24. Her mom was her full-time caregiver. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles reversed and Melissa's mom received a rare and devastating cancer diagnosis.