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December 13, 2025 18 mins

In this powerful episode of the Healing Pen and a Mic companion podcast, host Talaya Dendy sits down with Lisa Beckendorf, a celebrated cancer survivor and patient advocate.

Lisa shares her personal journey through multiple cancer diagnoses and the pivotal moment she transitioned from a career in commercial real estate to full-time advocacy. Initially asking, "Why me?", she realized her experience was a powerful way to give back to the cancer community.

This conversation dives into the transformative impact of journaling and storytelling in the healing process. Lisa highlights how the practice, central to the Healing Pen and a Mic Workshop offers emotional release, fosters deep community connections, and is a critical tool for personal growth.

Whether you are navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or seeking to turn your personal story into powerful action, this episode offers invaluable insights on finding solace, strength, and purpose through writing and community.

Support Our Mission / Partner With Us:

  • Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you!

  • Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community.

For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com.

💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible!

Episode Highlights:

01:44 Lisa's Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy

04:49 The Healing Power of Journaling and Storytelling

09:15 Observations and Impact from the Healing Pen Workshop

12:21 Advice for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers

15:07 Lisa's Role in Advocacy and Research (ECOG-ACRIN, MNCCTN)

Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen4

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/nctnewsletter and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a life-changing conversation.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.


Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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