Believe in Progress: an AACR Foundation Podcast

Remember to visit www.AACR.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together, we can make progress against the collections of diseases we call cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Cancer Research Saves Lives® For more episodes of our podcast visit https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress. Episode Summary: In this heartwarming episode of the Believe in Progress Podcast, host Mitch Stoller engages with Saranne Rothberg, the spirited founder of the ComedyCures Foundation. Diagnosed with stage IV cancer, Saranne transformed her chemotherapy treatment into a beacon of joy by creating ComedyCures. This episode delves into her inspiring journey from diagnosis to recovery, emphasizing the therapeutic power of laughter and the global impact of her work. Saranne shares how humor enhanced her healing and helped over a million others facing health challenges. Join us as we explore the profound effects of laughter on wellbeing and the expansive reach of ComedyCures in healthcare and beyond. About our Guest and Links: Saranne Rothberg is a stage IV cancer survivor and the visionary behind the ComedyCures Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing joy, laughter, and hope to those affected by illness. Her work spans collaborations with Fortune 500 companies, top medical institutions, and global organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Saranne’s influence in the healthcare industry is extensive, fostering discussions and innovations that bridge humor with health. We want to extend a special thank you to Saranne Rothberg for sharing her inspiring and heartfelt story. For more about Saranne's work and ongoing advocacy, please visit the following links: - ComedyCures Foundation - https://comedycures.org - Follow ComedyCures on Twitter - https://twitter.com/comedycures To our listeners and followers: To our listeners, your engagement and support help propel the mission of the AACR forward. Please consider subscribing to our podcast, sharing this episode, and visiting AACR.org to learn how you can contribute to lifesaving cancer research. Every action counts in our collective effort to make a difference. Thank you for listening to Believe in Progress. Stories like Saranne's remind us that progress isn't just about scientific advances; it's about the people and lives they touch. Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes that celebrate the power of progress and the individuals who drive it. REMEMBER: Supporting cancer research is crucial—every donation helps. Visit AACR.org to contribute to life-saving research today. Let’s continue to work together towards a world free from cancer. This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC. For more information about our series or to access past episodes, visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com.

Remember to visit www.AACR.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together, we can make progress against the collections of diseases we call cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Cancer Research Saves Lives® For more episodes of our podcast visit https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress. --- In this episode of Believe in Progress, we are joined by John Kincade, a prominent voice in sports broadcasting and a three-time cancer survivor. John's journey through cancer and his dedication to life, sports, and family is captivating and provides deep insights into the intersection of personal challenges and professional passions. Episode Highlights: - Resilience On and Off the Air: John shares how each cancer diagnosis reshaped his life perspective and fueled his passion for broadcasting, offering listeners a glimpse into his transformative journey. - Finding Refuge in Sports: We delve into how John's deep connection with sports provided both an escape and a source of strength during his most challenging times, underscoring the healing power of personal passions. - Moments of Hope and Determination: John recounts poignant moments of hope that emerged even amidst uncertainty, highlighting how crucial breakthroughs in cancer research played a role in his treatment and recovery. - Championing Cancer Research: With a personal take on the advances in medical science, John emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and public support in the fight against cancer. We also talk about The John Kincade Scholarship Fund, which was established to help propel promising young investigators, so that they can make the next breakthrough and save lives! - Parallel Battles: Exploring how the resilience and competitive spirit in sports reflect the battles faced by cancer patients, with personal anecdotes from John’s favorite sports memories. - Family and Community Support: A touching look at how John's cancer journey has fortified his relationships with his family, who have been his steadfast support network. - Using a Platform for Advocacy: John discusses his role in using his public presence to advocate for cancer awareness and to inspire others facing similar battles. A Special Thank You to Our Guest: We extend our deepest gratitude to John Kincade for sharing his inspiring and heartfelt story. For more about John's work and ongoing advocacy, please visit the following links: Follow @JohnKincade (https://twitter.com/johnkincade?lang=en) Listen to Kincade & Salciunas: Weekdays 6am – 10am (https://975thefanatic.com/shows/fanatic-mornings/about/) John's story reminds us of the strength found in unity, passion, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. John's story is a testament to the significant impact of combining personal resilience with scientific progress. To our listeners, your engagement and support help propel the mission of the AACR forward. Please consider subscribing to our podcast, sharing this episode, and visiting AACR.org to learn how you can contribute to lifesaving cancer research. Every action counts in our collective effort to make a difference. Thank you for listening to "Believe in Progress." Stories like John's remind us that progress isn't just about scientific advances; it's about the people and lives they touch. Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes that celebrate the power of progress and the individuals who drive it. REMEMBER: Supporting cancer research is crucial—every donation helps. Visit AACR.org to make a contribution today. Let’s continue to work together towards a world free from cancer. This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC. For more information about our series or to access past episodes, visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com.

In this episode of Believe in Progress, we are speaking with Mary Gloria Orji, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. Mary confronted the stigmas around cancer in Nigeria to speak about cancer in her country. She also formed a patient support group for those battling cancer in Nigeria. Remember to visit www.AACR.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together, we can make progress against the collections of diseases we call cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Cancer Research Saves Lives® For more episodes of our podcast visit https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress. --- Our guest on this episode, Mary Gloria Orji, is a beacon of hope and resilience in this battle. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, Mary Gloria faced her diagnosis head-on, transforming her journey into a powerful movement for change. Amidst challenges and against the backdrop of stigma, misinformation, and limited medical resources, she founded the Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria (NePICiN), the first cancer patient support group in Abuja, Nigeria. In this episode, we'll delve into Mary Gloria's courageous story, the inception of NePICiN, and how this support network is reshaping the cancer journey for many Nigerians. We'll explore the significant hurdles faced by cancer patients in Nigeria, from dealing with metastatic breast cancer to overcoming societal stigma and the dire need for better medical infrastructure. Join us as we discuss hope, survival, and the collective effort to support those impacted by cancer in Nigeria. Mary Gloria’s journey is not just her own but a testament to what can be achieved with courage, community, and the refusal to give up, even in the face of adversity. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR's Chief Philanthropic Officer Mitch Stoller. Mary Gloria's story is a profound reminder of the power of hope, the strength of community, and the importance of advocacy in the face of cancer. Her work with NePICiN is not just changing lives in Nigeria; it's inspiring a global conversation about resilience, support, and the urgent need for equitable cancer care. To our listeners, thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support fuels our mission to advance cancer research and improve patient care. We invite you to spread the word, share this episode, and join us in the fight against cancer. Together, we can make a difference. Subscribe to Believe in Progress wherever you get your podcasts to stay up to date with more stories of progress, hope, and innovation in cancer science and medicine. Remember, progress is made one step at a time, and together, we believe in making that journey count. Thank you for listening to the Believe in Progress podcast. Until next time, keep believing in progress. --- Join us again on the Believe in Progress podcast, where we'll continue to share the stories of hope, innovation, and progress within the cancer community. Until then, keep believing in the power of progress, and thank you for your continued support. We hope you will join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, an AACR Foundation podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Please do not forget to visit https://AACR.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Find more episodes of our podcast here: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress This podcast was produced by CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Brian Rivers, the Director of the Cancer Health Equity Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast website here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Dr. Rivers is the Director of the Cancer Health Equity Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). He is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in cancer disparities research and a former member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NACMHD). Dr. Rivers is an active member in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) community and regularly serves on the faculty for the Scientist to Survivor program. More recently, Dr. Rivers served as Past-Chairperson for the Minorities in Cancer Research Council of the AACR and Conference Co-Chair for the 11th AACR Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. Dr. Rivers is a behavioral scientist with a broad background in implementation science and public health, with specific training and expertise in methodologies commonly used to address health disparities, such as the “lay health model” and the “Community-based Participatory Research framework.” Dr. Rivers’ specific programs of research are focused on addressing prostate cancer disparities among African Americans and exploring the role of novel communication interventions, such as mobile health technology, to advance the recruitment science of medically underserved populations. Dr. Rivers has worked to identify the sociocultural, behavioral, and environmental determinants of cancer health disparities and translated this information into interventions to improve cancer equity among racially diverse populations and medically underserved groups. Dr. Rivers has also developed several psychoeducational interventions for digital platforms such as health apps for mobile devices, to assist with the delivery of salient and tailored cancer research and clinical trials information to high risk groups for prostate cancer, such as African Americans. Dr. Rivers is a Multiple-Principal Investigator for the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded PACHE U54 Cancer Research Partnership between MSM, Tuskegee University, and the University of Alabama-Birmingham O’Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center (UAB CCC). Dr. Rivers also serves as the Director of the Integrating Special Populations Core of the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) funded Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation, featuring Dr. Brian Rivers. We hope you have enjoyed this enlightening episode of the "Believe in Progress Podcast," and want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Brian Rivers for joining us and sharing his invaluable insights into the realm of cancer health equity and disparities research. Dr. Rivers' dedication to advancing our understanding and addressing the critical issues surrounding cancer disparities is truly inspiring, reminding us of the importance of inclusive research and equitable healthcare practices. To our esteemed listeners, thank you for tuning in and being part of this important conversation. Your engagement and support are pivotal as we continue to explore and highlight the groundbreaking work being done in the fight against cancer. We hope today's episode has not...

On this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Patricia LoRusso, a luminary in the field of medical oncology and drug development. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast website here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Dr. LoRusso serves as the associate director of experimental therapeutics at Yale Cancer Center and is the AACR President-elect. She has been instrumental in pioneering groundbreaking clinical trials and cancer drug developments, bringing hope and new solutions to countless patients. Today, we will explore her remarkable journey, her contributions to cancer research, and her vision for the future of oncology. As the associate director of experimental therapeutics at Yale Cancer Center, Dr. LoRusso is a nationally recognized expert in developing new cancer drugs through clinical trials. Dr. LoRusso has pioneered significant advances in medical oncology, drug development, and early phase clinical trials for her work at Wayne State University’s Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute as director of both the Phase I Clinical Trials Program and of the Eisenberg Center for Experimental Therapeutics. Dr. LoRusso joined the AACR in 1988, served on the AACR Board of Directors from 2015 to 2018, and received the AACR-Joseph H. Burchenal Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Cancer Research in 2022. She currently serves with distinction as chair of the AACR Exploratory IND/Biomarker-Driven Clinical Trials Task Force; chair of the AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research Award Committee; and cochair of the AACR Precision Combination Therapy Task Force. She has been a member of the AACR Project GENIE External Advisory Board since its inception in 2015. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Dr. Patricia LoRusso. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Andrea Wilson Woods a keynote speaker, a writer who loves to tell stories, and a patient advocate who founded the nonprofit Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. For over ten years, Andrea worked in the education field as a teacher and professor for public and private schools as well as universities. Andrea obtained her master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California; her nonfiction writing has won national awards. Her best-selling and award-winning book, Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days, is a medical memoir about raising and losing her sister to liver cancer. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast website here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- You can visit our guest, Andrea Wilson Woods's website here: https://www.andreawilsonwoods.com. In 2002, Andrea founded Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association after losing her 15-year-old sister Adrienne, whom she raised for seven years, to stage IV liver cancer. Blue Faery’s mission is to prevent, treat, and cure primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), through research, education, and advocacy. Andrea established the articles of incorporation; wrote the bylaws, mission statement, and goals; and developed the organizational structure of the corporation. Currently, she attends board meetings, serves on committees, stays informed about liver cancer, and governs the organization. Andrea represents Blue Faery and its mission at conferences, seminars, and special events. Blue Faery has been honored for community service by U.S. Congressman Adam B. Schiff, California State Senator Jack Scott, and the County of Los Angeles, and was inducted into the Burbank Business Hall of Fame for receiving the Best of Burbank Charity Award from 2013 – 2017. Since serving on an HCC Patient Advisory Board for Eli Lilly in 2014, Andrea has received numerous scholarships to attend various conferences around the country to tell her story, increase her knowledge, advocate for more funding, and continue her professional development. Organizations that have granted scholarships/sponsorships include Academy Health, American Association for Cancer Research, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Liver Foundation, Caring Ambassadors, Conquer Cancer Foundation, Global Liver Institute, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, and more. In 2017, Andrea won an e-Patient scholarship for Stanford Medicine X, where she presented her talk, “How Euphemisms Help Us Deal With Death.” Check out more speaking engagements. As a patient advocate, Andrea serves on many committees and advisory boards, including NCI Hepatobiliary Task Force, Target Pharma Solutions HCC Advisory Board, and ASCO’s Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Guideline Panel. She is a patient advocate representative on the Mayo Clinic Hepatobiliary SPORE, which is devoted to improving the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer and bile duct cancer. Andrea serves as a Consumer Reviewer on the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program. Andrea represents Blue Faery as a member of AASLD, ASCO, Deadliest Cancers Coalition, and GI Cancers Alliance. She was formerly a member and co-chair of the awareness group of the Liver Cancer Roundtable. Currently, Andrea is the only American serving on the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network’s Liver Cancer Advisory Council. Andrea was...

On this episode, we are speaking with Hayley Dinerman (the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation), and Melissa Berry (Board Chair of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, 10-year Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor, and the founder of Cancer Fashionista - https://cancerfashionista.com). Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Hayley Dinerman is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, the leading advocacy group for the triple negative community. She began her career as a corporate lawyer in New York City and pivoted to the non-profit world when a close friend was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Hayley is a proven thought leader in the breast cancer space with the ability to cast vision, strategically plan, manage and fund innovative social impact solutions. Her tireless commitment, unparalleled resourcefulness and valuable relationships have resulted in millions of dollars raised to fund Triple Negative-specific research initiatives, as well as an extensive array of resources and support services for those battling TNBC. Melissa Berry is the current Board Chair of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. She’s a 10-year Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor and the founder of Cancer Fashionista. During her breast cancer journey, she scoured the internet for beauty tips and tricks to help manage the appearance-related side effects of her treatment and surgeries. Melissa began to keep track of the best advice and items that she found, then created the CancerFashionista.com blog to share her recommendations with others. She has since become a trusted voice in the breast cancer community, launched her own podcast, “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful,” and has been tapped by several national media outlets, to share both product recommendations and self-care tips for cancer patients. Melissa has been recognized for her outstanding support of women affected by breast cancer by many organizations. In 2016, she received the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation’s Courage Award, and in 2018 she was honored with the YWCA Bergen County’s Beacon of Light Award. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Hayley Dinerman and Melissa Berry. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Paul Stoller, an American cultural anthropologist and professor of anthropology at West Chester University. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Paul Stoller received his B.A. in political science at the University of Pittsburgh in 1969. He joined the Peace Corps after graduation. Placed in Niger, he taught English to the Songhay until he left in 1971. In 1974, he earned an MS in sociolinguistics at Georgetown University. In 1978, Stoller obtained his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin with his field research on religious practices among the Songhay in Tillaberi and Mehanna and Wanzerbe in the Republic of Niger and Mali. More specifically, his work has focused on magic, sorcery and spirit possession. He has been conducting anthropological research for 30 years. His early work concerned the religion of the Songhay people who live in the Republics of Niger and Mali in West Africa. In that work, he focused primarily on magic, sorcery and spirit possession practices. Since 1992, Stoller has pursued studies of West African immigrants in New York City. Those studies have concerned such topics as the cultural dynamics of informal market economies and the politics of immigration. The results of this ongoing research has led Stoller to the study of the anthropology of religion, visual anthropology, the anthropology of senses and economic anthropology. Stoller's work has resulted in the publication of 11 books, including ethnographies, biographies, memoirs as well as two novels. An essay, "Blogging Bliss," will appear in the December 2013 edition of Anthropology Now. In 2014, Dr. Stoller has a forthcoming book entitled: Yaya's Quest: The Quest for Wellbeing in the World. His work is widely read and recognized. In 1994 he was awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. In 2002, the American Anthropological Association named him the recipient of the Robert B Textor Award for Excellence in Anthropology. On April 24, 2013, Dr. Stoller was awarded the Anders Retzius Gold Medal in Anthropology (given once every three years by the King of Sweden. He lectures frequently both in the United States and Europe and has appeared on various NPR programs as well as on the National Geographic Television Network. After more than 50 years of good health, Paul suddenly found himself diagnosed with lymphoma. The only thing more transformative than his fear and dread of cancer was the place it ultimately took him: 25 years back in time to his days as an apprentice to a West African sorcerer, Adamu Jenitongo. Paul wrote about these experiences in his book "Stranger in the Village of the Sick: A Memoir of Cancer, Sorcery, and Healing," which follows Paul down this unexpected path toward personal discovery, growth, and healing. The stories in the book are about life in the village of the healthy and the village of the sick, and they highlight differences in how illness is culturally perceived. In America and the West, illness is war; we strive to eradicate it from our bodies and lives. In West Africa, however, illness is an ever-present companion, and sorcerers learn to master illnesses like cancer through a combination of acceptance, pragmatism, and patience. On this episode (similar to what he does in his book), Paul provides a view into the ancient practices of sorcery, revealing that as an apprentice he learned to read divining shells, mix potions, and recite incantations....

On this episode, we are speaking with Matthew Marquardt, a medical student and professional triathlete at the Ohio State University College Medicine. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Matthew Marquardt is a medical student and professional triathlete at the Ohio State University College Medicine. A varsity swimmer while in college and US Olympic Trials Qualifier, he graduated from Princeton University in 2021 with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Entrepreneurship. His interest in cancer and in fundraising for cancer related causes began during his freshman year of high school (2012) when one of his childhood friends was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Wanting to say thank you for all of the support she was given throughout her treatments, he decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2013 and raised over $6,000 for Make A Wish. After multiple family members were diagnosed with cancer, he decided to fundraise again. This time by riding across the US in 2021 and raising over $15,500 for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Now, he is studying to become a future cancer surgeon, and has unexpectedly become one of the top professional Ironman triathletes in the world. In 2022, he won the Ironman world championship as an age group athlete, and during his 2023 rookie season as a professional, he put up the third fastest ever debut time at Ironman Texas. Through triathlon, he hopes to use sport to make a difference through cancer awareness and fundraising. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Matthew Marquardt. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with R&B icon Patti LaBelle. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- In 2005, Patti LaBelle, the iconic singer, had a cancer scare, but fortunately, she found out that she did not have cancer. While she has never personally received a breast cancer diagnosis, she experienced the loss of her three sisters to this devastating disease. R&B icon Patti LaBelle, is well known for her ability to reach soaring vocal crescendos while also being capable of stirring emotions with hushed tones. She boasts one of the most enduring careers in modern music. Beginning her musical journey in the early '60s with the Bluebelles, a girl group that eventually morphed into the '70s funk pioneers LaBelle, she has achieved success in diverse genres ranging from girl group pop and soul to disco, funk, and high-tech pop. She Launched her solo career in 1977, LaBelle achieved 13 Top Ten R&B hits, including the chart-leading quiet storm anthem "If Only You Knew" (1983), and crossover successes such as "New Attitude" (1985) and "On My Own" (1986). Though best known for her singles, two of her later albums, Burnin' (1991) and Live! One Night Only (1998), received Grammy Awards in the R&B category. In the following years, LaBelle ventured into gospel and jazz with albums like The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle (2006) and Bel Hommage (2017), while continuing her work as a performer and actress. She joins us today to share stories from her incredible career, as well as to share advice and encouragement for supporting loved ones dealing with cancer. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring the iconic Patti LaBelle. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Margaret Foti, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the first and largest cancer research organization in the world. Under her visionary leadership, membership has grown from about 3,000 members to over 54,000 in 131 countries and territories, and the AACR’s portfolio of peer-reviewed scientific journals has increased from one to ten. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- After beginning her AACR career in an editorial position with the journal Cancer Research, Foti progressed through several key editorial and management roles in scientific publishing to become chief executive officer. She launched nine additional major peer-reviewed scientific journals: Blood Cancer Discovery; Cancer Discovery; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; Cancer Immunology Research; Cancer Prevention Research; Cancer Research Communications; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Research; and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. She also helped launch Cancer Today, a magazine for cancer patients, survivors, and their families and caregivers, as well as Leading Discoveries, a publication that highlights AACR members, programs, and philanthropic initiatives. A graduate of Temple University, Foti is one of the most influential voices in advancing the field of cancer research, both in the United States and abroad. She was elected president of three professional societies in scholarly publishing and in cancer research. She has also served as a board member, committee member, and consultant to a number of other nonprofit organizations. There is a legacy of young women, minority scientists, and investigators-in-training whose careers have been advanced as a result of her mentorship and support. Under Foti’s leadership, the AACR has served with distinction as the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). In this capacity, Foti and the AACR staff have brought significant expertise to their work with SU2C, especially in the scientific peer review of projects, scientific project management, grants administration, communications, and science policy. Foti’s leadership was instrumental in the production of two landmark annual reports that highlight the critical need for increased annual federal funding for the government entities that fuel progress against cancer: the AACR Cancer Progress Report, which was first published in 2011 and celebrates the advances in basic, translational, and clinical cancer research which have had a major impact on therapeutic development and improved patient care; and the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report, which was launched in 2020 with the overarching goal of increasing public understanding of cancer health disparities and of the vital importance of cancer health disparities research to saving lives. Foti’s contributions have been widely recognized by numerous awards from organizations around the world. Her lengthy list of formal recognitions includes honorary degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Rome La Sapienza and the University of Catania in Sicily, and an honorary degree in medicine from the University CEU of San Pablo in Madrid. In 2023, she received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, and in 2021 she received the Tara Withington Public Service Award from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) as well as the 23rd...

On this episode, we are speaking with Rabbi Benjamin David. Rabbi Ben David is usually the one providing assistance to those in need, but following his lymphoma diagnosis, he discovered that he was in need as well. The avid marathon runner has gradually regained an active lifestyle, one stride at a time. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- David is well known for his love of running, his roles as a husband and father of three, and as the senior rabbi at Congregation Adath Emanu-El in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer known as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), necessitating immediate treatment. David had a suspicion it could be cancer even before his diagnosis. The fall before his diagnosis, he had detected a lump on his neck, although it hadn't caused him much concern. By then, David had already completed 17 full marathons and over 20 half-marathons, clocking more than 30 miles of running each week and feeling like he was in excellent health. He ran frequently, would go to the gym often, had a healthy diet, and led a healthy life. It felt as though he was doing everything right. He is a competitive distance runner, he has completed 20 marathons including the Boston Marathon twice and the NYC Marathon four times. He is a co-founder of the Running Rabbis, a social justice initiative that works with clergy worldwide to run and walk in the name of worthy causes. He joins us on this episode to share his story of hope with you. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Rabbi Benjamin David. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Donna James. Donna is well-known for her pioneering spirit, leadership in the community, and excellence in executive roles. Roughly six years ago, however, she earned a new distinction: triple-negative breast cancer survivor. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Donna A. James is a trusted resource and advisor to leaders in the public and private sector, ranging from entrepreneurs to C‐suite executives of Fortune 500 companies. As the managing director of Lardon & Associates, LLC, Donna’s expertise includes corporate governance, business strategy and development, human capital management, financial and risk management and leadership development. She serves on the board of directors for public companies Victoria’s Secret, The Hartford, American Electric Power and the private company Xponance. Ms. James is chairwoman of the board for Victoria’s Secret & Co. She is a past board member of Boston Scientific, L Brands, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Time Warner Cable, Coca‐Cola Enterprises, Inc., Intimate Brands and CNO Financial Group. In her community, Ms. James is the co‐founder and former board chair of the Center for Healthy Families, a non‐profit focused on transforming the lives of pregnant and parenting teens and their children and Co‐Executive Director for the African American Leadership Academy. She is on the board of Trustees for Ohio Health hospital system in central Ohio. Two causes have a more personal impact for Donna. Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to cancer research, including funding research into women’s cancers through a partnership with Pelotonia, and the development of the company’s first mastectomy bra. In 2017, Donna James faced a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer after finding a lump during a self-exam. Though it was caught early, it was an aggressive triple-negative cancer, so she opted for a double mastectomy. Chemotherapy followed the surgery, and she remains on a medication regimen. So when Victoria’s Secret came up with a mastectomy bra, Donna was one of the first people to place her order online. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Donna James. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Doug Ulman, the Chief Executive Officer of Pelotonia, which was established in 2008 with the objective to fund lifesaving cancer research and today is a rapidly growing non-profit. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the strategic vision and direction of Pelotonia and also serves as an advisor to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Doug is a three-time cancer survivor and globally recognized cancer advocate. After overcoming chondrosarcoma during his sophomore year of college and malignant melanoma twice since, Doug and his family founded the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to ensure that all young adults impacted by cancer have a voice and the necessary resources to thrive. With funding from an Echoing Green Fellowship, Doug served as Executive Director of the organization for four years before joining the LIVESTRONG Foundation in 2001 as Director of Survivorship. He went on to lead LIVESTRONG as President and Chief Executive Officer, establishing the organization as the global leader in cancer survivorship. Doug recently served as a Hauser Leader at Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership and speaks frequently at some of the nation’s most acclaimed festivals and conferences including the Social Good Summit, the Inc. 500|5000 Conference, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Clinton Global Initiative University, TEDxAustin, SXSW Interactive and YPO Chapters across the country. Doug has also spoken to and consulted with numerous Fortune 100 companies and fast-growing startups. Doug’s personal story and his leadership accomplishments have been featured on major media outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, Sports Illustrated, NBC News, ABC News and MSNBC, among many others. Doug has been honored with many accolades including twice being named on the Non-Profit Times’ Power and Influence Top 50 Non-Profit Executives list, an honor bestowed on the top non-profit leaders in the United States. Doug was also named CEO of the Year: Large Non-Profit by Columbus CEO Magazine in 2017 and the PR Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America in 2013. Doug currently holds numerous board positions for organizations such as the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Athletes for Hope and ROOT Insurance. He is also an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and The Columbus Partnership. Doug served for four years on the National Cancer Institute Director’s Consumer Liaison Group and has served on the Board of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), as well as many other philanthropic, healthcare and entrepreneurial ventures. Doug lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Amy Grace and their two children, Clara and Sam. Follow him on Twitter (@dougulman) and Instagram (@dougulman) and connect with him on Facebook. --- This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Doug Ulman. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not...

On this episode, we are speaking with Dr. Marianne Ritchie, one of the first women to practice gastroenterology in the Philadelphia region and a pioneer in the field for over 30 years. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts. --- Dr. Ritchie completed her undergraduate degree at St. Joseph’s University and her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia). Following training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the world’s oldest all-cancer hospital, she returned to Philadelphia to practice at The Lankenau Hospital and later served on the faculty at Temple University Hospital. Currently Dr. Ritchie is an Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where she has held several leadership roles including President of the Jefferson Medical College Alumni Association. She is the foundress of the Annual Women’s Forum which was continued for over 30 years. Dr. Ritchie has also served in teaching roles with medical students, residents, and fellows. She is the Director of PINK PLUS®, an innovative program that bundles women’s cancer screenings – inviting women to have a mammogram, a gynecologic exam and a pre-colonoscopy consult in one visit. By spearheading this program, Dr. Ritchie is leading the charge towards more effective, equitable, and accessible cancer screenings. She has published her results and has been invited to present her work at national and international meetings. Dr. Ritchie is also the Director of the BLUE LIGHTS CAMPAIGN® - an initiative that she began 10 years ago, to increase the public’s awareness of colorectal cancer by lighting buildings across Pennsylvania in blue each March. For 5 years the Campaign has included the PA State Capitol and for the past 3 years has included all State Capitols, making it a national effort. In 2017, Dr. Ritchie was awarded the highest national award for promoting awareness and education about colorectal cancer and screening by The American College of Gastroenterology at the World Congress of Gastroenterology. www.bluelightscampaign.com She has been invited to the PA State Capitol for several years in March as a guest of the House and Senate with proclamations for Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and for the BLUE LIGHTS CAMPAIGN®. On March 4, 2023 Dr. Ritchie began Season 4 as the host of Your Radio Doctor®, on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT. It is the only all-medical talk radio show in the Greater Philadelphia Region which airs in over 30 states and has an international reach via live stream. Each week she interviews physicians and researchers from top academic centers around the country aiming to provide a greater understanding of various health topics for her growing audience. Visit www.yourradiodoctor.net for more information. In October 2022, Dr. Ritchie earned national recognition when she was nominated for a C2 Award (Cancer Community Award) by Astra Zeneca and Scientific American for her work in cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. Prior to her own radio show, Dr. Ritchie was featured for four years as the Medical Contributor in a weekly talk-radio show on WPHT called Women to Watch®, which highlights stories of women leaders. Dr. Ritchie is a recognized author and has been a regular contributor to PhillyVoice, as well as a public speaker and has made multiple media appearances. She is also a member of national and international medical societies and a...

On this episode, we are speaking with Marcus Smith II, to coincide with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Picture spending years tirelessly striving to play in the National Football League and then, in 2014, following years of dedication, you get picked in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. It's a day that tops all others in your life. Time passes and the strain escalates. Eventually, anxiety becomes so overwhelming that you try to end your own life. Such is the tale of Marcus Smith II, a former Philadelphia Eagle and a veteran of six NFL seasons. Marcus Smith II is a professional athlete, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and guest speaker dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in professional sports. In addition to playing in the NFL, he creates opportunities for single mothers and their children through his foundation, MII, and seeks to improve the world through the written and spoken word. A Georgia native, Marcus battled anxiety and depression from an early age. He struggled with these unwanted yet ever-present companions well into adulthood and even contemplated taking his own life. Nevertheless, he overcame all odds to become one of the best football players in the world. As a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2014, he went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins. Marcus has touched countless lives along his football journey, his faith always at the forefront of his life. He is committed to helping others overcome their mental health struggles and believes his story can inspire them to get the help they need. Here is more information about Marcus Smith II's MII Foundation: Marcus Smith II started The MII Foundation in 2016. Named for its founder, MII’s mission is to improve the quality of life for single parents, at-risk youth, and the underprivileged by providing opportunities to enhance personal growth, build self-confidence, and gain valuable knowledge. MII is a village for the voiceless, a shelter for those stuck in the storm. To support its mission, the foundation hosts sporting events, dinners, galas, and family-centric experiences built on friendship, support, and compassion for others. Marcus has hosted his Annual 7v7 tournament in his hometown—Columbus, Georgia—for the last three years, as eight local high schools compete for a grand prize of $1,000 and football accessories. George Washington Carver won the most recent tournament in 2019. Visit https://www.miifoundation.org for more information. This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Marcus Smith II. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Rob Butcher and Matt Vossler, Both of these gentlemen are champions in awarding high risk-high reward cancer research grants, which helps provide funds for innovative early stage cancer research. In 1987, Matt Vossler co-founded Swim Across America Inc., a nonprofit organization that raises funds for cancer research, treatment, and survivorship programs through a series of open-water swimming events. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and oversees Safety and Risk Management for 20+ open water events. To date, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million, primarily benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering, UCSF, Massachusetts General, Johns Hopkins University, Fred Hutch, Moffit, and MD Anderson. Rob Butcher was the CEO of U.S. Master Swimming which is a membership association for adult swimmers and triathletes, Prior to joining Swim Across America. Before that, Rob was a senior marketing executive with NASCAR where he lead business development and media partnerships. Rob swam in college and competed in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. Here is some information on their organization, Swim Across America: “Swim Across America awards high risk-high reward cancer research grants with precision and accountability. Our goal is to provide funds for innovative early stage research that doesn't receive funding from traditional sources.” In the 1980s, a small circle of oncologists sought funding for a revolutionary concept—that the immune system could fight cancer. This concept was considered speculative and dismissed by most of the medical community. The belief was that surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation were the best treatment options, despite their negative effects on the quality of life for patients and families (physical, emotional, and financial). Organization and commercial companies weren’t willing to provide seed funding for new research and to take a risk on new ideas. Swim Across America (SAA) was willing to take the risk by making high risk-high reward research grants. Since our first grant in 1987, SAA has awarded $100M to cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, Fred Hutch, and Dana-Farber so that their teams could innovate and develop breakthroughs in immunotherapy, cell gene therapy, personalized medicine, detection, and survivorship. Swim Across America’s decades of identifying and funding high risk-high reward research grants were rewarded when the FDA approved immunotherapy treatments that SAA had been helping to fund; ipilimumab (Yervoy), nivolumab (Opdivo), atezolizumab (Tecentriq), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Additionally, a recent high-risk grant is showing promise. In 2017, we identified and awarded seed funding to the research team that had an idea to treat rectal cancer with a novel immunotherapy. In 2023, the FDA Advisory Committee recommended support for the immunotherapy clinical trial which demonstrated a complete response to Phase 1 patients. All the patients (100%) responded to the immunotherapy and did not need chemo or radiation, offering a better quality of life for survivors. It is likely this immunotherapy will be expanded to other cancer types. This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Rob Butcher and Matt Vossler. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here:...

On this episode, we are speaking with Sarah Happy, who is 38 years old and lives in Michigan with her husband, Noah and her two dogs Hugo and Nancy. She currently works for HBR, a consulting firm that works exclusively with law firms and corporate law departments. Sarah has a law degree from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Sarah has over ten years of experience in the legal industry and has worked with law firms, government agencies, and academic institutions to implement initiatives related to data analysis, practice optimization, and digital transformation of legal processes. By the age of 25, Sarah Happy had survived not one but two types of cancer—lymphoma and cervical cancer. After her lymphoma diagnosis in 2007, the aspiring lawyer began a six-month regimen of chemotherapy, followed by two months of radiation therapy. After her treatment was completed, there was no trace of cancer. In 2009, a routine Pap test came back abnormal. The subsequent biopsy, performed the day before her move to Philadelphia for law school, found early-stage cervical cancer. She quickly underwent surgery to remove the cancer and finally moved to Philadelphia shortly after to begin school. Six months later, however, the cervical cancer returned. After another operation, Sarah was once again declared free of cancer. Since then, she has been monitored closely and reports that the cancer has not returned. Cancer, however, remains an ever-present element in Sarah’s life. The side effects of her treatments include chronic pain, lymphedema, and radiation fibrosis. Her experiences with physicians skilled in cancer survivorship issues have convinced her of the importance of research. In 2017, she became an AACR Foundation ambassador, joining the Runners for Research team and speaking on behalf of the AACR at public events. This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Sarah Happy. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Ricki Fairley, the CEO and Co-Founder of TOUCH. She is also a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor and Thriver. Ricki’s personal purpose, passion, mission, ministry, and blessing is to bring focus, attention, research, science, and action to eradicating Breast Cancer, and supporting and coaching what she calls her “Breasties” through their breast cancer experience. Ricki is an award-winning seasoned marketing veteran that has transformed her strategic acumen into breast cancer advocacy. Ricki co-founded and serves as CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance to address Breast Cancer as a unique and special disease state, with the overall goal of reducing the mortality rate for Black women. Ricki founded and serves as co-host for “The Doctor Is In,” a weekly live breast cancer advocacy web series on the "BlackDoctor.org" Facebook page that reaches over 3 million viewers. She is a founding member of #BlackDataMatters, in partnership with Citizen, The Center for Health Care Innovation, and Morehouse School of Medicine to encourage and elevate the importance of Black Women participating in clinical trial research. In January 2022, she started the When We Tri(al) Movement to change the game on Black women participating in clinical trials to improve outcomes for Black women with breast cancer. Ricki serves on the Board of Trustees for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation where she chairs the marketing committee. She is a board member for the Center for Healthcare Innovation, a non-profit research and educational institute making healthcare more equitable. She avidly works with pharmaceutical companies to provide the patient voice for breast cancer awareness, action, therapy/drug development and advocacy. Ricki has two daughters, Amanda Brown Lierman and Hayley Brown (both also graduates of Dartmouth College - like their mom), and 3 granddaughters, Belle, Leia, and Hart, who remind her of her purpose every day. This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Ricki Fairley. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.

On this episode, we are speaking with Howard Brown, a Silicon Valley technology entrepreneur, with IPO exits, and who is a two-time stage four cancer patient, survivor, and advocate 30 years apart. On this episode, Howard will share the keys to leading a resilient life with hope. He drives successful community leaders, business innovators, and patient advocates towards engagement, empowerment, and excellence. Howard is a bestselling author of his memoir, Shining Brightly, and an award-winning international speaker and weekly podcaster. Howard also has his own Shining Brightly podcast show with 25 episodes released as of this recording. His podcast is all about overcoming with resilience, hope, and inspiration. If you wanna check out Howard's podcast, you can find links in this episode's show notes. Howard recently spoke to cancer researchers, investigators while he was being honored at the AACR's 2023 annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. Howard was also selected and participated in AACR's 25th anniversary cohort at the Scientist Survivor program as an advocate mentor. At the annual meeting, Howard also shared how having the patient voice and communication, collaboration, and connection together gives all patients care, partners and families hope for a better tomorrow. Live our lives. One more second, one more day, one more week, and one more year. Finding cures and battling cancer must be a team sport. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories of patients, survivors, and researchers who are making a difference in the fight against cancer. This is the Believe in Progress podcast hosted by the AACR Foundation and featuring Howard Brown. Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure. Check out Howard's book, "Shining Brightly," here: https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Brightly-resilience-entrepreneur-interfaith/dp/1641801468. You can also check out Howard's Podcast, "Shining Brightly," here: https://www.shiningbrightly.com, and here https://www.shiningbrightly.com/news/categories/podcasts And please visit Howard's Shining Brightly website, for more information and support, here: https://www.shiningbrightly.com Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives. For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/ This podcast was produced by the awesome people at CollegeCast LLC. Visit www.collegecastpodcasts.com for more information, or to check out our amazing podcasts.