Our Scars Speak

Our guest is Samantha Haswell, an Integrative Health Dietitian and Outpatient Oncology Dietitian at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Samantha shared her love for an integrative and holistic way of life surrounding nutrition and why she became a dietitian. She provided her knowledge regarding the New American Plate by the American Institute for Cancer Research. Additionally, she dispelled myths and provided information on how...

Our guest is Bernardo Diaz, the Program Development Manager from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Patient & Family Cancer Support Center. Bernardo's journey from Peru to the United States in 2007 inspires us to continue progressing despite life's challenges. Additionally, he shared how to exhibit empathy and care from afar through his experience as a caregiver for his sister, who endured breast cancer. ...

Our guest is Hikisha Harris, a Devout Christian Woman, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Survivor, Motivational Speaker, Chaplain Resident, and Founder of Gilod (God is Lord Over Diseases). Hikisha shared her experience of being diagnosed with diabetes as a youth and triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 29. Her journey has presented challenges that tested her faith but never caused her to wavier. Hikisha's faith in God has g...

Our guest is Nicole Rizzuto, a Kidney Cancer Survivor, Licensed Tattoo Artist specializing in Medical and Restorative Tattoos, Owner of NMR Tattoo, Host and Founder of Alchemy Ink Podcast, and President of the Alliance of Medical Tattooing. Nicole shared her journey through kidney cancer and her promise to make a difference in the lives of others if she survived. Her voice is a powerful force through podcasting, social media, and w...

Our guest is Rori Zura, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Thriver, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist with an emphasis on Breast Cancer, and Founder and Owner of Foobs & Fitness. Rori shared what she says was life BC (before cancer) and (AC) after cancer. She recounted enduring years of grappling with lumps, striving for a prophylactic mastectomy only to face denial. Upon the diagnosis of triple-negati...

Our guest is Keith Ancrum, a compassionate caregiver, distinguished Retired Army First Sergeant Veteran, and the visionary President and Founder of Evelyn Ancrum Education Support System, Inc. (EAESSI), a beacon of hope as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Keith courageously recounted his deeply personal journey of supporting two cherished individuals battling cancer, all while leaning on his unwavering faith in God. After his wi...

Our guest today is Diandra Denier Fields, a true survivor who has triumphed over thyroid and breast cancer while also being a carrier of the FANCM genetic mutation. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her 12-year journey with cancer, Diandra's determination never wavered. She shares with us how she pursued her dream of earning a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences with a minor in epidemiology and went on to establish Cancer...

Our guest is Dr. Gina Poe, a Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patient, Caregiver, & the University of California Los Angeles Professor & Neuroscientist. Dr. Poe shares her experience of caring for her mother, who had triple-negative breast cancer. She explains how her mother's breast cancer community aided her during her mother's death. Additionally, Dr. Poe shared her story of self-advocacy that led her to discover sh...

Our guest is Linarda Brown, a Christian, Stage 2 HER2 Negative Breast Cancer Survivor, Advocate, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Member, and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist at McGuireWoods LLP. Linarda shared her breast cancer journey and how her faith in God guided her through every obstacle. She expressed how this experience led her to a place of vulnerability and transparency she had never encountered before. During this pi...

Our guest is Debbie Feese, a HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Survivor Diagnosed at 63 years old and Recipient of a Double Mastectomy and Aesthetic Flat Closure. Debbie shared why she referred to her breast cancer story as a "trip" instead of a "journey." She elaborated on her dynamic medical team at Virginia Cancer Specialist and how they respected her decision to opt for aesthetic flat closure. Debbie expressed the...

Our guest is Aubrey Glencamp, Proud Husband & Father, Obstacle Racer, and an African American Male HER2-Positive Stage 2 Breast Cancer Survivor. Aubrey shares truthful insight about having breast cancer as a male entering testing centers that were accustomed to primarily servicing women. Regardless of the awkwardness of certain situations, he expressed that his treatment was excellent and everyone was pleasant. Additionally, Au...

Our guest is Dr. Constance Visovsky, a Professor and Director of the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida and Principal Investigator of the B-HAPI Study. She explains the B-HAPI Study, which researches chemotherapy-induced neuropathy along with other issues that may affect women with advanced breast cancer.

Contact Information for The B-HAPI Study: Website: https://bhapistudy.com/ Instagram: @bhapistudy Faceb...

Our guest is Keira Kotler, Breast Cancer Survivor and CEO & Founder of Everviolet. Keira shares her breast cancer journey that she received ten years after having thyroid cancer. She explained her challenges with finding a bra after reconstruction surgery, which made her inquire if she was the only one. After multiple searches and conversations with other thrivers, she felt led to start Everviolet. 

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Our guest is Caroline Plank, Previvor, BRCA 2 Carrier, Certified Holistic Coach, and Raod Runners Club of America (RRCA) Level 1 Run Coach. Caroline revisits her family history of cancer, which led them to test for gene mutations. She stresses the significance of advocating for ourselves and embracing assistance from family and friends. Her story provides insight into breast implant illness, capsular contracture, lymphedema, and de...

Our guest is Bethany Webb, a Stage 4 Breast Cancer Thriver, Mindset Coach, and Author of “My Guru Cancer.” Bethany shares her breast cancer story and how she utilized her knowledge of mindfulness to alter her mindset towards her diagnosis. Bethany started her mindset journey during her first diagnosis and continues to enhance her learning even during a second diagnosis of Stage 4. She shares the meaning of her motto and life work o...

Our guest is Deborah Newsom, a Breast Cancer Survivor, Attorney with expertise in social security disability and estate planning, and Owner of Newsom Law Firm. Deborah shares the lows and highs of her life, which transformed her into the woman she is today. She explains her breast cancer journey with God being her strength and guide. Additionally, she explains why she refers to cancer as the “big C.” Deborah leaves the audience wit...

Our guest is Shirley Von Raesfeld, 2023 Faces of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor, Flattie, and Military Spouse. She is sharing her breast cancer journey as a military spouse and mom who was misdiagnosed and flat-denied while asking for no reconstruction of implants or flaps. Shirley explains that she chose to fight with all her might to live for herself and her children, and that is her reason for choosing the treatment plan that was o...

Our guest is Jeanelle Adams, a Breast Cancer Thriver Diagnosed at 33 with Stage 3 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Advocate for Black and Brown Women. She explains having symptoms at the age of 30, but doctors were not providing her with testing to rule out breast cancer. Everyone continued to assure her that she was okay because she was too young to have breast cancer. Medical professionals did not order further testing until she...

Our guest is Yvette Mercer, a God-fearing Breast Cancer Survivor, 2023 Calendar Ambassador for Here for The Girls, Inc., and a fierce Advocate for seeking Second Opinions. Yvette shared her journey of becoming vulnerable and receiving support from others as she underwent treatment. She explained how she sought a second opinion due to the advance of a trusted physician. After diagnosis, Yvette discovered she had the NF1 gene that pl...