The "Don't Call it a Journey" Podcast

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” -Mary Oliver I have had the absolute honor of interviewing a wide range of people on this podcast… from doctors, to family members, to caregivers, and nonprofit leaders….To people still in treatment, to people trying to navigate survivorship… to people facing a stage 4 diagnosis with hope and courage. I have interviewed people who have taken what happened to them and turned it into something brave and wonderful and inspiring. @dontcallitajourneypodcast on Instagram dontcallitajourneypodcast@gmail.com Enjoy the little things, because one day you will look back and realize that they were the big things. I hope that this podcast has been a comfortable bench on which to rest for you. A place where you realized that you are not alone. A place where you saw that regardless of what type of cancer you have experience with, we are in this together. Until next time…

"She was powerful, not because she wasn't scared, but because she went on so strongly despite the fear" - Harper Lee Today we will be chatting with Jenna Lyons, a mom of 3 young boys and a stage 5 triple positive breast cancer thriver. Jenna has a unique diagnosis story that will really prove how important it is to advocate for yourself when it comes to your health. She is going to share how she learned her cancer became metastatic, as well as what she is doing now to keep her body and her mind in the best shape it can be during her treatment and beyond. Follow Jenna on TikTok where she shares her experiences/advice: @jenna.lynn.lyons Helpful organizations that Jenna has used: https://www.elliefund.org/ http://theflyfoundation.org/ http://cfcinc.org/

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars.” - Khalil Gibran Today on the podcast I will be speaking to Julia Becker Collins. She is a successful business woman, an ultramarathoner, and a thyroid cancer survivor! I am so excited for you all to hear her story today. She will share what it was like going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment during the heart of the pandemic. She will also speak to what her treatment was like, and how her cancer experience has shaped her life today. I hope you enjoy the episode! www.vision-advertising.com https://instagram.com/juliarivka https://instagram.com/visionadvertisingrocks https://www.facebook.com/visionadvertising https://twitter.com/visionrockstars https://www.linkedin.com/company/vision-advertising/

“At the end, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished… it's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back.” -Denzel Washington On the podcast today we have Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Betty Westbrook. Betty has her own podcast, called The Lymphedema Podcast, where she releases episodes monthly on various topics to help spread awareness and information to help people around the country who struggle with Lymphedema. In our interview, we discuss how Betty got into the field, WHAT lymphedema actually is, and she answers ALL of the questions that many of our “Don't Call it a Journey” audience members sent in! Follow Betty on Instagram @lymphedemapodcast Check out her Podcast website: https://lymphedemapodcast.com/ Betty's LinkTree with useful links and resources: linktr.ee/LymphedemaPodcast

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not” -Ralph Waldo Emerson This is an incredibly special episode - you will get to hear an interview with Mary Latham. Mary and I actually went to college together, but it has been many years since we've spoken. I just knew that I had to get her on the podcast because of her inspiring story, and I think you will agree once you hear more about her amazing journey… and speaking of the word ‘journey', you will notice that I comfortably use that term to describe Mary's experience. I want to speak for a second as to why… this JOURNEY, this mission that Mary set out on had a very clear goal: from October 2016 to November 2019 Mary drove her mother's old Subaru (in her honor) 43,000 miles across America to collect stories of acts of human kindness. She hit all 50 states and now plans to compile the stories into a book to donate to hospital waiting rooms. The journey itself had a clear starting point and a clear ending point….but she's not done helping others. In this interview you will learn why Mary went on this mission to search for more good in the world, what she learned along the way, and what her big plans are for the future of the “More Good” project. Email: moregoodtoday@gmail.com Website: https://www.moregood.today/ Donate to the gas tank: thank you for helping "fuel" the mission! To follow the More Good project on Instagram: @moregoodtoday

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.” -Brene Brown Our guest on the podcast today is Mindy Miller! She is a young adult breast cancer survivor who has openly shared her experience on social media in an effort to help others going through similar things. It takes a lot of courage to be that vulnerable, and I know that I personally have felt very validated in my own experience and emotions after reading Mindy's words. Today we will be talking about her experience with cancer, when and how she decided to take her experience public in order to help others, and her journey with fertility preservation during cancer treatment…something that I think unfortunately isn't discussed nearly enough. Please be sure to follow Mindy on Instagram @msmindymiller

“What I once saw as human frailty, I now simply saw as me: a woman who had been through a lot and was tentatively rejoining the land of the living. A messenger was sent to teach me I needn't be embarrassed by the messiness of survival. And it didn't make me weak to expose my vulnerability to the world. It made me human.” - Jenny Leon  Jenny Leon is our guest on the podcast today! She is a young mom of two, a breast cancer survivor, and learned of her BRCA mutation after being diagnosed at the age of 33. Today you will hear her speak about her experience with cancer, how navigating a genetic mutation has shaped her experience, and about how she has used writing to share her story and help others who are faced with a similar path. To read more of Jenny's incredible writing, click here: https://linktr.ee/jennyrosenyc To learn more about the organization Jenny spoke about, Sharsharet, click here: Sharsharet To follow Jenny on instagram:  @jennyrosenyc

“You were created to do good work. Work that empowers and inspires, liberates and transforms, restores and softens. Yes, work can be hard - as it was meant to be. The verb itself calls us into action, rejecting passivity and demanding sustained effort…But this work…It changes things. So when you're feeling weary, or hopeless, or spent, remind yourself that the darkness is being flooded by marvelous light. Yes, this is work, and it is good” -Danielle Coke Today is an episode that I am incredibly excited for! Dr. Eleonora Teplinksy has been someone I have followed on instagram for a while now – she is the head of Breast Medical Oncology at a hospital in New Jersey, and she uses her platform to share incredibly helpful information and resources. I am so happy that she agreed to come on the podcast today to share her incredible insights and I hope that you all enjoy learning from her! To listen to Dr. Teplinksy's podcast, click here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interlude/id1451816690 To follow Dr. Teplinksy on Instagram, click here! Eleonora Teplinsky, MD (@drteplinsky) • Instagram photos and videos Other helpful links: Eleonora Teplinsky, MD | Linktree

“Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you” -Unknown Today you will hear an interview with Vera Ventura. She is a breast cancer thriver who has quite the following on social media. She has a vibrant personality and has been through a lot in her life. Vera has a love for holistic living, yoga, and helping women find their inner breast cancer goddess. As a reminder, the information shared in this podcast is not meant to serve as medical advice. You will hear Vera share her opinions on procedures and tools commonly used in the breast cancer world. Her sentiments are derived from her own perspective. I want to remind my audience that each person has a unique experience with cancer and it is perfectly okay to have different opinions. It's one of the reasons why I love doing this podcast… hearing from people with varying ideas is what makes this platform interesting. I would like to point out that any specific medical questions you have should be directed to your healthcare team. To follow Vera on Instagram: @veracioushealing www.breastcancergoddess.com "Do not let this diagnosis dim your light. Shine on sister." -Vera Ventura To contact Vera, email: vera@breastcancergoddess.com

“…This was the year that came with a gentle tap on the shoulder, reminding me who I was and what I could be, if only I'd just open my arms and let the light in, stop over-thinking and start living. Give myself permission to fall as long as I got back up again. I held the ones I love, closer – let go of the things that weren't meant to be mine. Looked my past dead in the eye and said, you aren't welcome here anymore. Chased away the cobwebs that I had let linger far too long. Told the moon I was sorry – this is now my time in the sun” -An excerpt from “This Was The Year” by Lang Leav In this episode, my husband Matt and I catch you up on some health updates and changes in our family. We also take a few minutes to answer some questions that were asked on the Instagram page. If you are not already following the podcast page on Instagram, the handle is @dontcallitajourneypodcast. Housecleaning Products I highly recommend: Branch Basics Force of Nature Bon Ami cleaner

"I am only one - but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." -Edward Everett Hale In this episode, you will hear a conversation between myself and Paige Malinowski. Paige is the Program Manager of the Young Adult Program at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. I have been lucky enough to work with her on numerous occasions through my work with Elephants & Tea Magazine. She is amazing at what she does! In the episode you will learn about how she knew this was the right career for her, more about what specifically her program offers, and how you can find a similar program near you! DFCI YAP website: https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/care-and-treatment/support-services-and-amenities/young-adult-program/ Contact YAP at yap@dfci.harvard.edu or 617-632-6819 Our monthly e-newsletter can be found on in the right column of our website here. To subscribe, email yap@dfci.harvard.edu Follow us on Facebook (YAPatDFCI) or Twitter (@DanaFarberYAP) Mission Control website (hosted by the Ulman Foundation): One-stop shop for national AYA resources and supports: https://missioncontrol.auntbertha.com/ Elephants and Tea also has a great summary of programs and events at the national level: Programs and Events - Elephants and Tea Elephants and Tea

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth" -Robert Southey In this episode you will hear a conversation I had with one of my best friends from college, Danielle Dohaney. Although she lives about 3 hours from me, she was such an incredible source of support throughout my diagnosis and treatment. Danielle is always someone who encourages others and is one of those friends you always want around because she is a BLAST! In our conversation she shares the specific ways in which she supported myself and my family, and also shares her unique perspective of how to support a friend from afar.

"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." -Carl Jung In this episode, you will hear a wonderful conversation I was lucky to have with Kristen Sajdak, the Community Relations Manager for the Ellie Fund. The Ellie Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential support services for breast cancer patients in Massachusetts to ease the stresses of everyday life -- allowing their focus to be on family, recovery, and healing. In our conversation, you will hear more about Kristen's personal story, as well as why organizations like the Ellie Fund are so impactful. Welcome to the Ellie Fund Our Impact | Ellie Fund Contact Us | Ellie Fund Donate - Ellie Fund (networkforgood.org) kristen@elliefund.org (781) 449-0100

"Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It's simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredible healing message of ‘you're not alone'” - Brene Brown Today you will hear an emotional conversation that I was lucky enough to have with my sister, Deana Holley. We talk about what it was like finding out about my diagnosis from a sister's perspective, as well as how she felt throughout the ups and downs of my treatment. We laugh, we cry... ultimately, this interview is a clear look into the bond of sisterhood and how our relationship has only gotten closer due to cancer.

"Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't” -Rikki Rogers Today you will hear a beautiful conversation I was lucky to have with Erica Jensen, an inspirational mom whose daughter was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 20 months old. Listening to her daughter's experience with cancer, as well as Erica's strength throughout it all will leave you feeling empowered and in awe of parents everywhere who are faced with such a difficult situation. Listen in to hear how Erica had to advocate for her child, as well as how her daughter is doing today (spoiler alert: she is an incredibly happy, healthy 6 year old!!!!).

"A brave leader is someone who says, "I see you. I hear you. I don't have all the answers, but I'm going to keep listening and asking questions". - Brene Brown Nick Giallourakis is the Executive Director of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation and Elephants & Tea Magazine, a non-profit organization and digital media company that works to build community and support for the Adolescent / Young Adult (AYA) cancer community through wellness, storytelling, education, and research. In our conversation you will learn more about how the organization got started, what the inspiration behind it was, and where Nick sees the organization going in the future. His passion for what he does is inspiring! If you or anyone you know is an adolescent or young adult cancer patient / survivor / caregiver, please consider checking out the incredible resources Elephants and Tea has to offer! Follow Elephants and Tea on Instagram: @elephantsandteamagazine Home - Elephants and Tea Elephants and Tea To subscribe to the FREE digital and print quarterly magazine: Subscribe - Elephants and Tea Elephants and Tea To submit any type of writing to the Elephants and Tea newsletter or magazine: Submissions - Elephants and Tea Elephants and Tea To learn more about any upcoming events or programs that both Elephants and Tea, as well as their partners, have to offer: Programs and Events - Elephants and Tea Elephants and Tea To Donate to the organization so that they can continue to support the AYA cancer community in amazing ways: Elephants and Tea 2021 - Campaign (classy.org) To learn more about the Steven G. Cancer Foundation: About - Steven G. Foundation (stevengcancerfoundation.org)

"Just because you carry it well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy" -Unknown In this episode, I talk with my mom, Denise D'Ambrosio. We discuss her emotions during my diagnosis, how she helped us through my treatment, and what our lives are like present day. In this raw and emotional interview, she shares feelings and experiences I never knew she had. Don't forget to follow the podcast @dontcallitajourneypodcast on Instagram!

"You have two choices: evolve or repeat" -Unknown In this episode I interview Annie Slayton, a breast cancer survivor, mom of four, and clean beauty advocate. We discuss fighting breast cancer while taking care of young children, the importance of clean beauty, and our new appreciation for holistic living. We talk about making changes to your everyday life that can be safer in the long run. Why is the clean beauty movement is so important? How you can start making small changes to improve your environment? Listen to this episode to learn more. Follow Annie @thecleancado on Instagram or www.annieslayton.shop.hughandgrace.com www.beautycounter.com/lisaorr

"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within." -Maya Angelou In this episode I interview Elissa Kalver, a stage 4 breast cancer thriver. We discuss her shocking diagnosis and how she has taken her personal hardship to create a nonprofit organization to help others fighting cancer. Follow Elissa @elissakalver to continue to be inspired by her! To learn more about the nonprofit organization follow @wegotthis_org or visit www.wegotthis.org to read more and make a donation! Let's help Elissa hit her 100k fundraising goal to get this organization up and running!

"Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide." -Morgan Harper Nichols This episode features Kelly Thomas, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor and advocate. We discuss how she has built the community for triple negative breast cancer on social media, as well as the importance of finding your village when facing a cancer diagnosis. Kelly shares her special mantra that has changed my outlook while navigating survivorship, and we also discuss how to stay grounded and focus on our own health during difficult times. Find Kelly @tnbc_thrivers and @talkischeapxo on Instagram Follow @dontcallitajourneypodcast on Instagram for more information on upcoming episodes!

"Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." -Joshua Marine In this episode, I speak candidly with my husband, Matt, about what it was like being a caregiver to his wife at such a young age. We discuss what it was like receiving the diagnosis, navigating taking care of me as well as our two young boys, and what life is like now 3 years post diagnosis. Don't forget to follow @dontcallitajourneypodcast on Instagram. New episodes launch every Monday morning at 9:00am EST.

This episode includes a deeper dive into the name of the podcast, as well as a brief history of my own cancer diagnosis. I share my hopes and dreams for the future of this podcast, I sneak peek some elements of the layout of the podcast, and I share the honest truth about being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age... it is NOT a journey with a clear end...instead, it is a long, winding road full of twists and turns. Follow the podcast on Instagram @dontcallitajourneypodcast for more information about upcoming episodes!

A quick look into the meaning behind the name, as well as what we hope to do in the episodes of this podcast. Cancer is a long road that can teach you a lot about yourself. Through our discussions and interviews with inspiring people, let me help you see the light and beauty in life after a cancer diagnosis. Follow the podcast on Instagram @dontcallitajourneypodcast for more information about upcoming episodes!