Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer

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 communi...

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 tri...

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...

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 sto...

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...

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 commu...

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...

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 p...

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" unti...

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 share...

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 episod...

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’...

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 discover...

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 mome...

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 to...

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 p...

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...

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...

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.

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