Best Omg! Cancer Summit Podcasts (2025)

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[BONUS] Cancer Mavericks Goes to Hollywood (With My Mom) 48:45

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2y ago48:45

48:45

Before there was a series, a movement, or a name—there was this conversation. In this special bonus episode, Matthew Zachary rewinds to what could’ve been the pilot for The Cancer Mavericks: a raw, funny, and unexpectedly deep conversation with his mom, Roz Greenzweig. A retired educator and lifelong cinephile, Roz doesn’t just remember every class…

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EP8: The Future Was Listening 17:14

3y ago17:14

17:14

This is the finale—but it’s not the end. In this final chapter of The Cancer Mavericks, we connect the past to the present—and hand the mic to the next generation. The episode weaves together legacy and momentum, spotlighting the bridge between the trailblazers who fought to be heard and the advocates now rising with new tools, new platforms, and a…

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EP7: The Inequity of Cure: Who Gets to Matter 36:35

4y ago36:35

36:35

Cancer hits hard. But it hits some communities harder. Not because of biology—but because of broken systems, baked-in bias, and willful neglect. In this episode, The Cancer Mavericks zooms in on cancer disparities—how race, income, geography, and history shape who gets diagnosed early, who gets treated properly, and who gets left behind. This isn’t…

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EP6: Lights, Camera… Colonoscopy: Cancer Mavericks Go to Hollywood 39:46

4y ago39:46

39:46

What happens when Hollywood gets cancer—and decides to do something about it? In this episode, we explore the power and pitfalls of celebrity advocacy in the cancer world. When Katie Couric got a colonoscopy on live TV, it wasn’t just a media stunt—it led to a 20% spike in screenings. That moment became known as the Katie Couric Effect, and it prov…

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EP5: The Young Adult Cancer Revolution: When the Next Generation Got Loud 42:17

4y ago42:17

42:17

For decades, cancer care had a massive blind spot: young adults. If you were diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39, you were basically invisible—too old for pediatrics, too young for geriatrics, and completely off the radar of clinical trials, support systems, and survivorship planning. In this episode, Matthew Zachary introduces the origin story…

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EP4: You’re Not ‘Cured’ — You’re Just Not Dead 42:04

4y ago42:04

42:04

What if surviving cancer was just the beginning of the real fight? In this episode, we dig into the dirty little secret of cancer care: post-treatment survivorship is often a medical no-man’s-land. Once the last scan is clean and the bell is rung, patients are left to figure out what “getting back to normal” even means—if that’s possible at all. We…

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EP3: The Navigator and the Negotiator 40:50

4+ y ago40:50

40:50

What happens when a street-smart surgeon and a no-BS survivor team up to change the rules of cancer care—forever? In this episode, we meet two people who took radically different paths to the same goal: making survivorship a right, not a privilege. Dr. Harold Freeman was a breast cancer surgeon at Harlem Hospital in the 1970s, where he saw poor Bla…

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EP2: You’re Cured, Good Luck 38:45

4+ y ago38:45

38:45

Before Facebook groups, Slack channels, and TikTok cancer diaries, connecting as a survivor meant classified ads, rotary phones, and maybe a mimeograph machine if you were lucky. In Episode Two, The Cancer Mavericks rewinds to the 1970s and '80s—when the War on Cancer was flooding labs with cash, but survivors were left wondering: what now? There w…

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EP1: The Big C Wasn’t Always on TV 41:33

4+ y ago41:33

41:33

Back when doctors didn’t even say the word “cancer” out loud, let alone tell patients they had it, survivorship wasn’t a movement. It wasn’t even an idea. It was shame, silence, and stigma. In this premiere episode, host Matthew Zachary kicks off The Cancer Mavericks with a gut-punch history of how cancer was once portrayed in media—if it was portr…

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Introducing: The Cancer Mavericks 3:58

4+ y ago3:58

3:58

Before survivorship was a word, it was a fight. In this special preview, host Matthew Zachary lays the groundwork for The Cancer Mavericks—a documentary series about the people who refused to be statistics and built a movement instead. If you think you know the story of cancer, think again. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo…

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#406: PREGNANT WITH CANCER 38:15

9y ago38:15

38:15

One of the things that make young adult cancer so unique is that you can be diagnosed while pregnant, which is something that doesn't happen when you're 8 or 80. Joining us to discuss the trials and tribulations of facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment while pregnant are Amanda Albritton and Cassidy White.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p…

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#405: BE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE 55:57

9y ago55:57

55:57

Ariella Chivil is a self-described “patient turned oncology geek.” Ariella joins us to talk about being a champion for patient advocacy, and her work with leading organizations such as the Cancer Research Institute to share her immunotherapy success story. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cancer survivor Paul Berman.See Privacy Policy at https://a…

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#404: CANCER & HR 33:52

9y ago33:52

33:52

Navigating your HR department can be tricky even when you don't have cancer. Young adult survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Jennifer Benz (CEO at Benz Communications) joins us to talk about communicating with Human Resources, understanding your benefits and rights – and making HR work for you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo…

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#403: WHAT DO I TELL MY KIDS? 53:01

9y ago53:01

53:01

Mommy has cancer. Daddy has cancer. How do you talk to your kids? Sharing information about what's going on with your health on an age- appropriate level with your young children is incredibly important and can be overwhelmingly challenging. Jackie Woods (LMSW) joins us to discuss how to start conversations and answer questions about your cancer wi…

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#402: BRAVE NEW WEED 59:55

9y ago59:55

59:55

Joe Dolce, former editor-in-chief of Details and Star magazines, traveled the world to the new frontier of cannabis, shedding light on everything you didn’t know about weed (and didn’t even think to ask) for his new book "Brave New Weed". Joe joins us to discuss his book and get real about the cannabis debate. Survivor Spotlight on young adult surv…

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#401: FROM CANCER PROFESSIONAL TO CANCER PATIENT 1:02:17

9y ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Despite Marloe Esch's professional experience as an oncology nurse, navigating her own breast cancer diagnosis at 29 was mystifying and lonely. Marloe joins us to discuss the transition from nurse to patient, getting treated by co-workers, and how she is continually looking for ways to support survivors like her. Survivor spotlight on two-time canc…

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#400: THE STORY OF US 1:00:54

9y ago1:00:54

1:00:54

When Tricia and Greg Russo were researching their options on becoming parents after Trica's breast cancer diagnosis, they were discouraged not to find any helpful video resources online. So, they picked up a camera, assembled a team, and started filming "The Story of Us". Tricia and Greg join us along with Producer/Director Craig to discuss the fil…

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#399: THE POLITICS OF PINK 59:22

9y ago59:22

59:22

For over thirty years, Breast Cancer Action — a nonprofit organization — has been seeking to achieve health justice for all women at risk of and living with breast cancer while brilliantly disrupting the landscape around advocacy, cause=marketing and corporate accountability. Joining us are Karuna Jaggar (Executive Director) and Alyssa Figueroa (Ca…

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#398: DIE YOUNG WITH ME 1:00:10

9y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

"Die Young With Me" is not a cancer story but an account of a teenager’s life becoming derailed and the one thing that helped him pull it back together: music. Rob Rufus, author and the one-lunged, cancer surviving drummer of the Nashville-based Blacklist Royals joins us to discuss his new memoir and how music shaped his survivorship. Survivor Spot…

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#395: WHY ASK WHY? 1:00:22

9y ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer as a young, single working woman in 2011, Allison Gryphon has become somewhat of a renaissance survivor and advocate. She is a Huffington Post blogger, a TedX speaker, the director of "What The Fuck Is Cancer And Why Does Everybody Have It?) and will soon be releasing her next book, Blood Moon. She joins us to …

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#397: STUPID CHEMICALS (YET AGAIN) 1:02:45

9y ago1:02:45

1:02:45

20% of all industry chemicals are regulated for human safety. Yes, it's true — despite decades of progress, harmful chemicals are still lurking in our food, our personal care products and just about everything else you can think of. (ahem: water bottles) We are joined by Michael Green (CEO, Center for Environmental Health) and Nicole Acevedo (Scien…

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#396: HELP EACH OTHER OUT 1:09:19

9y ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Help Each Other Out is a growing collective that embraces the idea that being there for others is often easier than we think and that it matters. Kelsey Crowe (Founder) joins us to discuss how Help Each Other Out is bringing empathy into public spaces, and the relationship between empathy and cancer. Survivor Spotlight on Kelly Davis.See Privacy Po…

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#394 COMEDY CONQUERS CANCER 1:03:42

9y ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Writer, actor and young adult cancer survivor Paul Lauden has used his experience to create compelling original content to serve the young adult community. Paul joins us to discuss the art of survivorship and the impact of comedy on the cancer journey. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Melinda Hood.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p…

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#393: ALL YOUNG ADULT DISEASES SUCK 1:02:08

9+ y ago1:02:08

1:02:08

On the season 18 finale of the Stupid Cancer Show, we are diving into the world of young adult chronic disease, be it cancer, type 1 diabetes, MS or, in this case, lupus. MarlaJan DeFusco, an ePatient lupus advocate, is the blogger behind Luck Fupus and joins us to discuss the day-to-day and long-term struggles of living with multiple chronic disea…

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#392: ROCK VS. CANCER 47:18

9+ y ago47:18

47:18

"Rock vs. Cancer" is a feature documentary about John Grabski III, a young adult musician diagnosed with terminal cancer who spends his last days making a rock album with legendary producer Steve Albini. Cancer may have claimed John's body but it never claimed the character, dignity, or music behind the man. Here to talk about the film is Ashlyn Ki…

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#391 : HASHTAG COMMUNITIES 1:06:30

9+ y ago1:06:30

1:06:30

Virtual communities are becoming the go-to source for trusted cancer information and support. To discuss how tweetchats are changing the way young adult cancer patients, survivors and caregivers are connecting, we are joined by Alicia C. Staley (#BCSM tweetchat, Co-founder) and Charlie Blotner (#BTSM Chat Co-founder) Survivor Spotlight on young adu…

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#390 : THE FORT WORTH AYA ONCOLOGY COALITION 56:54

9+ y ago56:54

56:54

The Fort Worth Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Coalition recently opened the first community-supported AYA oncology inpatient unit in the nation. Dr. Karen Albritton (Medical Director) and Justin Ozuna (Director of Communications and Community Engagement) join us to discuss this game-changing unit and unique young adult-related services provide…

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#389 : CANCER: A FAMILY AFFAIR 59:50

9+ y ago59:50

59:50

Noah Wexler just finished his sophomore year in high school, he also happens to be a 6-year brain cancer survivor. Noah and his family join us to discuss how they dealt with Noah's diagnosis and GoaH NoaH, an annual walk to raise awareness of the need to find a cure for brain cancer. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cancer survivor Miguel Ramirez.…

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#388 : STUPID RISK: "A CANCER IN THE FAMILY" 54:00

9+ y ago54:00

54:00

Dr. Theodora Ross is a leading researcher on cancer susceptibility genes, as well as a practitioner who specialized in treating breast cancer for more than a decade. She now cares for all types of patients who have a family history of cancer and is also a carrier of a cancer-causing mutation. Dr. Ross joins us to discuss her book "A Cancer In The F…

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#387 : STUPID CANCER SAN FRANCISCO 53:39

9+ y ago53:39

53:39

The Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) is a support and action group for young women in the San Francisco/Bay Area who are living with breast cancer. Joining us to discuss how BAYS provides support through monthly meetings, an online network and community-building events are Meaghan Calcari Campbell (President, BAYS) and Laurie Hessen Pomeranz (Marria…

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#386 : THE PRESSURE TO SAY YOU'RE OK 53:19

9+ y ago53:19

53:19

Adam Baer is a Los Angeles-based writer, speaker and consultant whose recent op-ed "The Pressure to Say You're OK" has made waves. Adam joins us to discuss how we shouldn't have to pressure medical patients to "promise to fight and/or recover" and the fluidity of illness. Advocate Spotlight on oncology nurse and Founder/CEO of LumpyCards Lexi Timmo…

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#385 : UNTIL 20 DOCUMENTARY FILM 50:14

9+ y ago50:14

50:14

"Until 20" is a powerful new documentary that tells the inspirational true story of Texas native James Arthur Ragan, who lost his life to osteosarcoma in 2014 as a teenager. Joining us are award-winning journalists and documentary filmmakers Geraldine Moriba and Jamila Paksima to discuss the film project. Survivor Spotlight on Israeli singer-songwr…

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#384 : POST-CANCERCON 2016 WRAPUP 1:00:32

9+ y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

CancerCon improves patients lives and has changed the world. We are joined by first-timer attendee Danny Heinsohn who just celebrated his 10th year in remission from brain cancer by competing in Ironman Canada. He recently founded "My Hometown Heroes", a scholarship fund for young adult cancer survivors. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor a…

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#383 : CANCERCON 2016: SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT 54:02

9+ y ago54:02

54:02

CancerCon has evolved over nine years to proudly become the largest global event serving the young adult cancer movement. The conference's speakers also reflect the best and the brightest that the industry has to offer. Join us as we welcome CancerCon Speaker Eric Cohen (RN, MS, OCN and Integrative Nutritionist) with our survivor spotlight on young…

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#382 : CANCERCON 2016: EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT 56:26

9+ y ago56:26

56:26

Stupid Cancer prides itself by the company it keeps. This is no better reflected than the many incredible partner organizations who choose to exhibit each year at CancerCon. Joining us for this show, we're welcoming Andrea Schwartz (Executive Director, Dear Jack Foundation,) Krissy Kraczkowsky (Senior Director, Programs, The Ulman Cancer Fund) and …

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#381 : CAREGIVERS MATTER 54:31

9+ y ago54:31

54:31

Caregiving is at the very cornerstone of Stupid Cancer's mission and programs; and CancerCon's agenda reflects this wholeheartedly. To give a sneak peak of what caregivers can expect this April in Denver, we're joined by young adult caregiver Colin Ferro (Director of Operations, Epic Experience) and Jenny Morgan, LCSW (Director of Social Services, …

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#380 : THE ANDY WHITFIELD STORY, "BE HERE NOW" 1:01:59

9+ y ago1:01:59

1:01:59

"Be Here Now" is a documentary film following the inspiring life and times of the late actor Andy Whitfield (of Starz' Spartacus fame) and his wife Vashti Whitfield. Joining us to discuss the project are Vashti Whitfield and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lilibet Foster. Survivor Spotlight on young adult cervical cancer survivor Erin Skarda Ake.See Priv…

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#379 : CANCER – I NEED A LAWYER 1:00:08

9+ y ago1:00:08

1:00:08

We're shining a light on the New York Legal Assistance Group. Joining us will be Domna Antoniadis (Attorney, Legal Health) and Victoria Knight (Survivor) to discuss NYLAG's LegalHealth division which unites medical professionals and the law to improve the lives of clients and their families facing illness. Special guest host and advocacy spotlight …

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#378 : KEYNOTES TO LIFE 1:01:45

9+ y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

At the height of her career, as an Air Force Colonel and physicist Deanna Won was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was given one month to live. Deanna Joins us to discuss her strong passion for providing help to those who seek to heal in mind, body, and spirit and leading a life of purpose. Survivor spotlight on Hannah Klitsberg.See Privacy Policy…

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#377 : MY BREAST CHOICE 1:01:02

9+ y ago1:01:02

1:01:02

My Breast Choice is a lifestyle blog and YouTube series that uses humor and honest to explore the impact that a Breast Cancer diagnosis can have on a woman's body, mind and soul. We are joined by survivor/blogger Aniela McGuinness to share her story along with Elisabeth Finch (survivor/writer/essayist) as our survivor spotlight.See Privacy Policy a…

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#376 : LOVE HOPE STRENGTH 51:52

9+ y ago51:52

51:52

In this episode, we're shining a light on our partners at Love, Hope, Strength, the world's leading rock and roll cancer foundation that aims to "Save Lives, One Concert At A Time." How? By hosting on-site bone marrow drives at concerts and festivals across the globe. We're joined by Katie Poppert (VP of Programs) with young adult breast cancer sur…

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#375 : ORANGE GIRAFFE PROJECT 1:06:19

10y ago1:06:19

1:06:19

The Orange Giraffe Project works in partnership with NYC-based hospitals, museums, art centers and jewelry designers to provide cancer patients and their families to create personalized jewelry. We're joined by Maggie Chang (Co-Founder/President), Stephanie Sheldon (Artist) and Jen Brown (Survivor) to discuss the charity's mission to empower those …

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#374 : GRAPPLING FOR LIFE 51:59

10y ago51:59

51:59

We're shedding a spotlight on "Grappling for Life," a nonprofit providing FREE training in mixed martial arts to youth of Lake County, Florida. Founders David and Annie Iturrino join us to discuss how Annie's multiple cancer diagnoses led them to providing support to others to stay on the mats. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor Kaitlyn Kee…

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#373 : CYCLE OF LIVES 53:55

10y ago53:55

53:55

On September 2nd, David Richman will begin a 5,000-mile bike tour of the United States in an effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Along his tour de orce he will meet with a variety of people who have been affected by cancer, to write a book. David joins us tonight to share what inspired his upcoming ride and what he hopes to acc…

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#372 : JOHNNY PHYSICAL LIVES 31:49

10y ago31:49

31:49

Johnny Physical Lives is the story of the secret world of two brothers making a rock n’ roll documentary as one goes through treatment for leukemia. When his younger brother Jonathan passes away in the midst of the production, older brother and first-time filmmaker, Joshua must finish the project on his own. Joining us to discuss Johnny Physical Li…

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#371 : SEASON 17 FINALE – CANCERCON 2016 PREVIEW 52:45

10y ago52:45

52:45

CancerCon 2016 is just right around the corner and joining us to give a sneak peek at what's to come are CancerCon 2016 Steering Committee members Chris Stroh and Sharla Moore. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor and PHD student Beth Oppenheim.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/…

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#370 : SURVIVOR FIT CLUB 59:45

10y ago59:45

59:45

The Survivor Fit Club is a group designed to help survivors of illness, disease and trauma, to not only get their bodies and minds back into shape.Joining us is the founder of Survivor Fit Club, personal trainer and breast cancer survivor, Holly Boyce, to discuss impact and importance of health and fitness, and how to battle back from illness menta…

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TARGETED CANCER THERAPY 101 (SPONSORED BY SEATTLE GENETICS) 34:23

10y ago34:23

34:23

Sponsored by Seattle Genetics, in this episode of The Stupid Cancer Show, we're tackling the issue of next generation targeted immunotherapy drugs. Joining us to share his expertise is Dr. John Godwin, a leading expert in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and other “new” treatment options for patients with cancer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.…

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#369 : STUPID COLON CANCER 1:01:38

10y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

When Dave Neway was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer in 2013, he and his partner Luis Freitas's lives were turned upside down. Dave and Luis join us to discuss leveraging all available treatment options, and how life after cancer is definitely different. Survivor Spotlight on young adult survivor breast cancer survivor and running coach Ka…

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#368 : SPOTLIGHT ON TEEN CANCER ADVOCACY 57:55

10y ago57:55

57:55

Joy Juice is a non-profit organization that empowers teens and young adults affected by cancer by providing them with fashion makeovers. Joining us is Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor and founder of Joy Juice Danny Alotta to discuss how Joy Juice is helping others face the same experiences he once endured as a teen with cancer. Advocate Spotlight on 3,0…