Campfires of Hope

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and on this episode of Campfires of Hope, Gail aka “Sunshine” sits down with Tricia Hernandez and Elissa Baldwin from Blood Cancer United to talk about blood cancers, their personal connections to the community, and the resources available to those affected by a diagnosis. Tricia and Elissa share their journeys into blood cancer advocacy and discuss the mission of Blood Cancer United: to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. They also explore the different types of blood cancer, common warning signs and risk factors, and how Blood Cancer United has evolved to support people affected by more than 100 types of blood cancer. From diagnosis through survivorship, the conversation highlights the education, personalized support, financial assistance, and medical debt resources available to patients and families. Together, they offer an informative and compassionate look at how Blood Cancer United is helping people navigate blood cancer while working toward a future where everyone affected can live longer, better lives.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, we're highlighting the experience of living and thriving beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis with Glen Williams, a prostate cancer survivor and participant in Epic Experience's inaugural Thriving Together Camp. Glen shares his personal journey as a prostate cancer thriver, including the unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges that can come with a prostate cancer diagnosis. He also discusses the impact of Thriving Together and what it meant to be surrounded by others who truly understood the experience of life after cancer. This conversation offers an honest look at survivorship, connection, and finding a community where you don't have to explain what it means to live beyond cancer.

Phil Baughman is a cholangiocarcinoma survivor who knows firsthand how a cancer diagnosis can change the course of your life. After navigating his own cancer journey, Phil discovered Epic Experience and attended a weeklong camp, where he found more than adventure—he found connection, community, and a group of people who understood the challenges that come with life after cancer. Today, Phil is thriving beyond his diagnosis and using his experience to support and encourage others facing cancer. In this conversation, Phil shares his journey, the impact of camp, and what it means to turn his experience as a survivor into an opportunity to mentor and help others find their own path forward beyond cancer.

Diagnosed with stage 4 mucosal melanoma—a rare cancer that accounts for just 1% of all melanoma cases—Dane Thorp faced unimaginable odds. In this episode, he shares how resilience and self-advocacy led him to pursue a clinical trial, endure extensive jaw reconstruction surgery, and ultimately achieve no evidence of disease (NED). Dane also opens up about overcoming severe radiation side effects and a grueling 6–8 month opioid withdrawal that became an unexpected battle of its own. Dane's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength to keep moving forward, even in the most challenging moments.

In this episode, Yvonne Rawleigh joins us in recognition of June as Uterine Cancer Awareness Month. A survivor of breast cancer, uterine cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma, Yvonne shares her powerful story and reflects on how her uterine cancer diagnosis affected her physically, emotionally, and mentally in ways that differed from her other cancer experiences. Yvonne highlights the realities of navigating multiple diagnoses and underscores the most important lesson she learned along the way: the critical importance of advocating for yourself. Her insights offer encouragement, validation, and perspective for anyone facing cancer or supporting someone who is. This episode is a meaningful reminder of the strength found in speaking up, asking questions, and trusting yourself throughout the cancer journey.

In this episode, Gail (“Sunshine”) sits down around the campfire with Thomas Carter and Travis Clingman of Whitewater Rafting LLC in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Together, they share stories from guiding Epic Experience cancer thrivers down the Colorado River, reflect on the power of outdoor adventure after cancer, and discuss how rafting and kayaking can help rebuild confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility. From whitewater memories to meaningful camper impact, this conversation is all about what it means to truly live beyond cancer.

In Part 4 of our livestream series from the Hearts & Hope Gala, Sunshine sits down with Laura Woodward, Melissa Grosboll, and Denny Williams. Each of these guests plays a vital role within the Epic Experience community. Laura, aka “La La,” leads our medical review team and helps ensure campers are healthy and ready for our programs. Melissa, aka “Doc,” is a breast cancer survivor and the newest member of the Epic Board of Directors. And Denny, aka “Stretch,” is an esophageal cancer survivor, camp alumnus, and now full-time staff member serving as our Director of Programs and Alumni Engagement. Tune in to hear their stories, the impact Epic Experience has had on their lives, and why they continue to give back to the cancer community.

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, and we're joined around the campfire by Dr. Victoria Lee, Chief Medical Officer at Lucid Diagnostics, and Jeff Thomas, a 14-year survivor of Stage 3 esophageal cancer. Together, they bring both medical expertise and lived experience to the conversation.  In this episode, we break down what esophageal cancer is, the risk factors and early warning signs to watch for, and why it's so often diagnosed too late. We also explore how Lucid Diagnostics is working to change that—empowering clinicians with tools to detect precancer before it develops into cancer, and improving outcomes through earlier intervention. This is a powerful conversation about hope, innovation, and survivorship—highlighting how lived experience and medical expertise can come together to drive meaningful change in cancer care.

In Part 3 of our livestream at the Hearts & Hope Gala, Sunshine welcomes Scott Dawson and Zach Zarnock to the campfire. Together, they share powerful caregiver perspectives on cancer survivorship, reflect on how their wives have embraced life beyond cancer, and open up about why they continue coming back to the Gala year after year.

In Part 2 of our livestream from the Hearts & Hope Gala, Sunshine welcomes this year's Louis Chinn “Stud” Volunteer Award recipient, Derrick Wiemer (aka Toy Box). As a local community member near 7W Ranch, Derrick shares his firsthand experiences empowering cancer thrivers at camp and why the Epic Experience community means so much to him. Sunshine is then joined by Sarah Nuccio (aka Nooch), a breast cancer survivor who reflects on her long-standing connection with Epic and shares meaningful stories from her journey and the Gala.

For the first time, we livestreamed our podcast directly from the Hearts & Hope Gala! In Part 1, our host Gail Faye (“Sunshine”) sits down with Zach Bye, Denver sports radio host and gala emcee, to talk about why the event has such a powerful impact on him. Then Sunshine chats with Nancy Ferro, founder of Epic Experience, who shares stories and memories from the early gala days more than a decade ago. Tune in for inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and a celebration of the community that makes Epic so special.

In honor of Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month, we welcome Leanne Barker and Christina Gambogi around the campfire to share their powerful journeys as cholangiocarcinoma survivors. They reflect on their diagnosis stories, treatment experiences, and the unique physical and emotional challenges that came with navigating a rare cancer. Leanne and Christina also discuss the importance of finding disease-specific support and how those connections ultimately led them to Epic Experience's cholangio survivor camp. Together, they share what it meant to spend a week surrounded by people who truly understood their experience — and how community helped them move forward beyond cancer.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and Lori Downing joins us around the campfire to share her story as a cervical cancer survivor. Lori reflects on the physical, mental, and emotional challenges she faced throughout her cancer journey and offers insight from her perspective as a gynecologic cancer survivor. She speaks candidly about the unique realities of cervical cancer—including gaps in information and support around sexual health, as well as the stigma that continues to surround GYN cancers.

On this episode of the How to Cancer series on the Campfires of Hope Podcast, metastatic melanoma survivor Mike Wilde joins us to talk about navigating a second cancer diagnosis. Mike shares how prioritizing self-care, supporting the people around him, and remembering the strength of his first positive outcome helped him face round two. He also offers powerful insight on letting go of certainty and learning to embrace the unknown as part of the journey.

In this hopeful closing episode of Campfires of Hope's “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Amanda Blackburn and Mical Roy reflect on how their families have navigated life after cancer and found ways to thrive. They share the changes in daily routines and family life that came with a cancer diagnosis, and how they worked together to create a new sense of normal.  Amanda and Mical discuss the vital role of community, friendships, and support systems in helping their families move forward, and highlight the lessons, growth, and new perspectives that emerged from their experiences. Looking ahead, they explore what thriving and living beyond cancer means for their families today and into the future. Their stories offer insight, inspiration, and practical hope for families seeking to reclaim joy and connection after cancer.

In this heartfelt episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, we hear from Jeff and Francesca Hlavacek as they navigate life after the loss of their wife and mother, Erika, to lung cancer. Jeff, a colorectal cancer survivor himself, and Francesca share how their family coped with grief, supported each other, and learned to carry on while honoring Erika's memory.  They reflect on the most challenging moments of loss and the ways grief touched each member of their family differently. Jeff discusses the balance of guiding his children through mourning while processing his own pain, and Francesca shares how she supported her siblings and her father during this difficult time.  Looking back, they explore the practices, perspectives, and memories that have helped them heal together and individually. Their story is a moving example of how families navigate grief, find strength in one another, and continue to celebrate the life of a loved one even after profound loss.

In this episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer Survivorship, Kimber and Justin Harris share how Kimber's cancer diagnosis reshaped their lives as partners and parents of three. They reflect on the shock of those first days, the challenges of navigating treatment while caring for a newborn and two young children, and the very different ways they each coped.  High school sweethearts together for more than 25 years, Kimber and Justin open up about what true partnership looked like through illness, how they supported one another in both practical and emotional ways, and how cancer continues to influence their marriage, parenting, and everyday approach to life.

The How to Cancer Series is back on the Campfires of Hope Podcast! In this episode, melanoma survivor Janna Jones shares How to Survive With Cancer. She offers heartfelt advice on navigating survivorship, including reinventing play, embracing the present moment, and finding positivity in everyday life. Tune in to hear her personal strategies for thriving after cancer and making each day meaningful. www.epicexperience.org/how-to-cancer-series

We welcome back former Campfires of Hope guests Michael and Amanda Ferro, both cancer survivors who found love through the Epic Experience community and are now happily married, to “When Cancer Hits Home.” They share their journey from meeting at an Epic event to dating as survivors, navigating the challenges and joys of building a relationship after cancer, and the lessons they've learned along the way. As they prepare for their first baby, Michael and Amanda reflect on how surviving cancer has shaped their vision for parenthood, the way they approach life together, and the hope they carry into this next chapter. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that love and new beginnings are possible, even after life-changing experiences.

In this episode of Campfires of Hope's “When Cancer Hits Home” series, we hear from Patrick Brennan, Molly Agnew, and Eliza and Beckett Smith, all young people whose parents have faced cancer. They share candid reflections on what it's really like to grow up with a parent undergoing treatment, including moments of bravery, the people and resources that made a difference, and the challenges of talking about cancer with friends who may not understand.  As Peer Leaders at Pickles Group, they also offer heartfelt advice for other kids navigating a parent's diagnosis and highlight what they wish more people understood about their experiences. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the resilience, insight, and courage of young people facing the ripple effects of cancer at home.

We sit down with Hazel & Ali Senz and Julia & Madeleine McGuire to explore the unique challenges and lessons that come when a parent faces cancer in this episode of Campfires of Hope's “When Cancer Hits Home” series. Together, each mother-daughter duo reflects on what it was like to hear the diagnosis, how it reshaped family dynamics, and the different ways they each processed the experience at their stage of life. From parenting through uncertainty to growing closer through shared struggle, their honest conversation sheds light on both the hardships and the unexpected growth that cancer can bring.

In this episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, our guests Kelsey Mora and Chris Balmaceda—mental health professionals who specialize in supporting both kids and adults in families impacted by cancer—share insights on the emotional and relational challenges families often face during a loved one's cancer journey. They offer practical communication strategies to help families process the experience, build trust, and create emotional safety. We also explore key signs that it may be time to seek outside support, and the therapeutic approaches Kelsey and Chris prioritize in their work. Finally, we take a closer look at where mental health care in the cancer space still needs to grow.

In the first episode of our “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Nancy Ferro and Mark Agnew share powerful stories of how cancer impacted their families and how those experiences ultimately led to the founding of two remarkable organizations: Epic Experience and Pickles Group. Nancy and Mark reflect on how a cancer diagnosis reshaped their relationships, family dynamics, and life paths. We explore the origin stories, missions, and impact of their organizations, each created to support families navigating cancer. As they look back on their personal and organizational journeys, Nancy and Mark offer meaningful takeaways for families facing cancer today—and hope for what comes after.

Multiple myeloma survivor and patient advocate Valarie Traynham returns for part 2 to share her insights on what action can be taken to create change in clinical research inequities. Valarie dives into the critical need to raise awareness about disparities in access and representation. She offers actionable ideas for improving healthcare support, building trust, and empowering historically marginalized communities through education and inclusion.

We're joined by Valarie Traynham, a multiple myeloma survivor and passionate patient advocate, for the first of a two-part episode in a conversation on equity in healthcare and clinical research. Valarie explores the historical and systemic roots of medical mistrust and how they continue to impact clinical trial participation among racially diverse communities and people with disabilities. She sheds light on the misconceptions that discourage participation and offers thoughtful solutions for building trust and improving access to clinical trials.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Breelyn Wilky and Dr. Christopher Lieu from the University of Colorado Cancer Center, we dive deeper into the patient experience and the innovation behind clinical trials. They share guidance on when to consider a trial during your cancer journey, what a “day in the life” looks like for trial participants, and how trials differ from standard treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. We also explore the unique role of investigator-initiated trials—what they are, how they differ from pharmaceutical-sponsored studies, and why they're essential for advancing personalized cancer care.

In the first of a two-part episode, we sit down with Dr. Breelyn Wilky and Dr. Christopher Lieu from the University of Colorado Cancer Center to explore the vital role of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment. They break down common misconceptions around trial safety and effectiveness, and explain how participation can benefit both patients and the future of oncology. Whether you're considering a trial or just curious, their expert advice brings clarity and encouragement.

Edie Harrison returns to Campfires of Hope to share her unique journey with clinical trials. Diagnosed as NED since 2022, Edie didn't need a trial for treatment purposes. Instead, she researched and sought out a “circulating tumor DNA” clinical trial—a cutting-edge approach to monitoring and detecting the return of her original cancer. Listen to Edie's story to discover how clinical trials are transforming cancer care beyond treatment.

Diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 2015, Sarah Fay's journey to being NED nearly a decade later highlights the life-saving potential of clinical trials. In this Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer episode, Sarah shares an honest and inspiring account of her experience—from navigating complex logistics to managing the emotional challenges. Tune in to explore the transformative impact of clinical trials and her story of resilience.

Multiple cancer survivor Lana Boes returns to Campfires of Hope to share a detailed account of her journey through clinical trials and inspire others to take charge of their health. Lana opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of facing a recurrence in May, after five years of being NED (No Evidence of Disease), and how the strength of her community helped her rediscover her light.

In this episode of Campfires of Hope, cancer survivors Janna Jones and Eileen VanCleave open up about the deeply human experience of compassion fatigue. We explore what it is, why acknowledging it matters, and how it affects survivors, caregivers, and those in helping roles. Janna and Eileen offer heartfelt insights on self-care, forgiveness, and the power of sharing the load. This candid conversation is a powerful reminder that stepping back is not a weakness—it's a sometimes necessary act of strength. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Denny hails from Louisville, KY, and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2022. Following treatment and surgery, he is now living life beyond cancer. Denny attended Epic Experience in March 2023, and it became a turning point — inspiring him to pay it forward by becoming a camp volunteer and supporting fellow survivors on their own journeys. A passionate advocate for the mental health side of cancer survivorship, Denny openly shares his story to bring hope and healing to others facing similar battles. Denny is married and the proud father of two boys. A former college baseball player at the University of Louisville, he stands 6'8” tall — hence the nickname “Stretch.” He's a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds and all things UofL athletics. We're thrilled to welcome Denny as our Director of Programs and Alumni Engagement at Epic Experience!

Mark Hanson is a multiple myeloma survivor whose journey is one of resilience, struggle, and ultimately, renewal. While he was deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his family and medical team during treatment, the true challenge came afterward—adjusting back to “real life.” Like many men, Mark suffered in silence, feeling like "damaged goods" until his wife helped him recognize he was battling depression. Determined to not let cancer define his entire story, he sought support and discovered healing through Epic Experience's adventure camp. Now, Mark is sharing his story to inspire and uplift others, offering a message of hope to those facing the emotional and mental challenges of cancer survivorship—especially men who may feel alone in their struggles. His journey is proof that life beyond cancer is not just possible, but meaningful. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Despite experiencing trauma as a teenager and young adult, and being diagnosed with ovarian and uterine cancer in 2016—followed by breast cancer seven years later—Christen Clifford found her path to self-love and acceptance. During a time when she felt she had lost so much, she later realized that cancer had given her the gift of finding herself. She shares her transformational journey with us in this compelling episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

At just 11 years old, Eric Goss was diagnosed with stage 3A Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a battle that shaped his life for decades. Unable to cope effectively with the long-term psychological effects of survivorship, Eric proactively sought out answers until he discovered a unique study in 2021 that finally brought him clarity and healing. In this compelling episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer, Eric shares his powerful journey through cancer and the transformative new perspective he's gained. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Just 35 years old, Lauren Huffmaster was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, which subsequently progressed to stage 4. After what she describes as a period of despair, Lauren realized that she needed to do something to address the emotional and mental side effects that cancer had caused her.  “I will not live to die. I've got to start living to live and have a greater impact.” As a result, Lauren founded a non-profit organization called Adventure Therapy Foundation, whose mission is to minimize the emotional side effects of cancer, not just for the individual but for the whole family. Lauren tells us about the healing impact of adventure and the parallels it strikes with the cancer journey: “in adventure, we keep going because we expect something great in the end. We have to go through a lot of hard things to get there.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

When Jordan Vanzandt was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer, life changed for her and her husband, Mike. Despite the innumerable challenges and obstacles they faced, they focused on the silver linings that surviving cancer provided for their family. In addition to learning to slow down, go with the flow, and enjoy the little things, they discovered they could find the positives in any situation—like treating road trips to appointments as date opportunities.  Jordan and Mike open up about the strength of their bond and the importance of an optimistic outlook on life. Their advice is to “try to make light of what you can. Find silver linings. You can find them, they're there.

Bill Wardwell was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 1998. Over the next decade, he endured chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, multiple recurrences, and several personal setbacks. In this piece, Bill shares the most difficult part of his journey: the feeling of facing cancer alone. He opens up about his darkest, most challenging moments and how he eventually found strength, support, and community. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

When Scott Riebel was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021, he and his wife Vickie had no idea how much closer the cancer journey would bring them. As Scott states, “You get a full grasp for how much you love and are loved by someone when you experience something like cancer.” In this episode, Scott and Vickie share the experiences they endured both together and individually as they navigated their way through Scott's cancer battle. Vickie's advice to caregivers: “You have to take care of yourself too. Give yourself some grace. I'm important in this too and I need to be healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Caroline Thomas is a bladder cancer survivor and a mother of two adult sons. She shares the importance of being honest and transparent with her children about her cancer and how she kept the lines of communication open. Caroline says telling her sons was very difficult because “my role as a parent is to protect my kids and there was nothing I could do to protect them from this.” Despite how terrifying it was to share her diagnosis, Caroline is grateful she did.

Kerry Glass is the founder of Memories Live, a nonprofit that creates legacy movies for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. In this episode, Kerry discusses the process and benefits of building a 45-minute video so children, grandchildren, and others have something to remember their loved one by. From her experiences working with the cancer community, Kerry has learned that “survivors have an inner strength they never knew they had.”

Ted Roggenkamp is a throat cancer survivor who embodies the meaning of thriving. After going through surgery, chemotherapy, and 33 rounds of radiation, Ted could have let cancer take the joy out of life. Instead, he made the decision to show up with others by being ultra-positive, energetic, social, and present in the moment. Despite the darkness of cancer, Ted found the light by bringing his full self and “being a source of positivity for others.” 

Cindy “Smokey” Polinsky and Leonard “Fox” Geraci share a unique bond as lymphoma survivors who have gone through the same cancer treatment. In the world of cancer, “fear of the unknown and what's to come' can significantly impact survivors in their daily lives. In this episode of Keepin' It Real, Smokey and Fox open up about fear and how past traumas can play a role.

Janna Jones was diagnosed with IIB melanoma in 2022. She completed immunotherapy and surgery but still found herself struggling in some aspects of her daily life. She battled fatigue, photosensitivity to the sun, and constant stomach aches. Despite having a great support system, Janna found it tough to connect on a cancer level because these individuals weren't survivors, which made her feel alone. “I knew I needed help, so I had to go out and get it,” Janna says. She shares how she discovered incredible groups, classes, and communities to rebuild her physical and mental strength after cancer.

Lisa Isom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010 and had her first recurrence a year later. After eight years with no evidence of disease, her cancer returned again in 2019. On this episode of Campfires of Hope, Lisa shares a heartfelt, personal letter that she wrote titled, Dear Cancer, wherein she describes her cancer journey and the effects it's had on her life.

Cam Kiosoglous, a four-time U.S. Olympic rowing coach, is no stranger to embracing challenges. However, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2010, followed by two thyroid cancer diagnoses the year after, his resolve was truly tested. After making it through and having no evidence of disease for nearly a decade, Cam faced his toughest challenge – learning his cancer had returned. Cam keeps it real with us as he opens up about the hardest aspects of coping with a cancer recurrence and how he used techniques from his coaching experiences and support from his community to manage his mental health during the most difficult times.

Epic Experience director Colin Ferro was a special guest on Travel...Adventure...Wellness on WTBQ Radio to discuss how travel and adventure can benefit cancer patients/survivors physically and emotionally.   Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

When Sara Marian Lucking was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2022, she was on maternity leave from her career as a dermatologist. She shares that being a healthcare professional going through cancer had its pros and cons. While her background knowledge helped her get to a diagnosis faster, it was scary to know so much about the uphill battle she would face with her specific diagnosis and the side effects of her treatments—knowledge she told herself to “unlearn.” As a doctor, she was very familiar with the burnout that many healthcare professionals experience as a result of not putting themselves first. After going through cancer treatment, Sara Marian says that changed. "I'm now prioritizing my health and being present for my family. I'm taking all the information I learned and trying to help other people.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Brad Glassel, a stage three prostate cancer survivor, returns to the Campfires of Hope podcast for an episode of Keepin' It Real. He discusses life following completion of cancer treatment and the difficulty of figuring out how to move on. After attending supportive communities like Epic Experience and local story slams, he discovered the importance of moving forward by embracing new challenges. Brad explains that while challenges may seem daunting at first, they can be overcome by taking small steps. He used that mentality to compile a series of short stories about his life into a book he recently published titled Those Days. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

In the inaugural Keepin' It Real episode on the Campfires of Hope podcast, we dig deeper into the mental and emotional side of a cancer diagnosis with Dana Shelton Lee, who is living with stage 4 colon cancer. Dana discusses the impact that multiple recurrences, surgeries, and over 40 rounds of chemotherapy has had on her psyche. She keeps it real by sharing her rock-bottom moments and how she finds strength in self-care, living with intention, and helping others. Dana's advice is to “find your tribe and learn to live a meaningful life with cancer,” and hopes her story will inspire others to thrive. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Nils Palsson is a father, author, educator, and testicular cancer survivor. Nils was diagnosed in 2021 and by 2023 was declared to have no evidence of disease. He describes his cancer journey as dance, not a battle. Fittingly, the memoir he is currently writing is titled Cancer Dancer. For Nils, the hardest part about cancer survivorship was thinking about the “what if…” part of his future, something he calls “future tripping.” He's saved from these thoughts by his daughter's requests to go play, where he is reminded to be present in the moment. Nils gives us his own reminder to be alive, compassionate, and aware of the preciousness of life, and to “do it right now!” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org