This special episode of Believe in Progress, recorded live at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, features two compelling conversations that spotlight the human side of cancer research. From confronting rare diagnoses to reshaping clinical trials, our guests reveal how personal experience and advocacy are essential to scientific progress.
Featured Guests
Bill Day – Marketing Executive, Rare Cancer Survivor, AACR Foundation Board Member
Bill shares his journey living with a rare and currently untreatable form of cancer, offering a deeply personal look at the stakes of research funding. As a communications expert and AACR board member, Bill reflects on what’s needed to better engage the public, drive bipartisan support, and sustain the momentum behind cancer science.
Glenn Sykes – Metastatic Kidney Cancer Patient and Research Advocate
Glenn discusses nearly a decade of living with metastatic kidney cancer and his role in reshaping how clinical trials include patient perspectives. He explores the vital role of the patient-oncologist relationship, how education empowers patients, and why researchers must listen more than ever.
Key Themes
· The power of patient advocacy in shaping cancer research and trial design
· Personal resilience in the face of rare and advanced cancer diagnoses
· Why storytelling matters in science communication and policy
· The AACR Annual Meeting through the eyes of patients and advocates
· A call for collective, nonpartisan action to protect cancer research funding
Take Action: How You Can Support the Fight Against Cancer
· Share your story: Your voice matters. Help advance research by sharing your cancer experience with others—and with your elected representatives.
· Support the AACR: Visit https://AACR.org/Give to donate and fuel the next breakthrough in lifesaving science.
· Subscribe and share: Find Believe in Progress on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen—and help spread hope.
Cancer Research Saves Lives®
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director/Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Associate Producer: Heather Holland
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.