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Ep. 100: Rising Above-Transformation Through Writing w/ BC Sisters - Gillian, Melissa, Sarah, and April
Manage episode 520406246 series 3481563
For our 100th episode, we explore how storytelling helps us reclaim body, mind, and spirit after cancer. Gillian Lichota, April Stearns, Melissa Andersen, and Sarah Zsak share how writing transforms fear into agency, supports embodiment, and creates space for healing and connection.
Featured book: Rising Above: Our Transformational Journey to Wholeness After Breast Cancer
Gillian Lichota – Founder/CEO of iRise Above Foundation, breast cancer thriver, adventure traveler, and lead author of Rising Above
April Stearns – Founder/Editor of Wildfire Magazine; breast cancer survivor guiding expressive writing workshops.
[email protected]
IG: @wildfire_bc_magazine
FB: facebook.com/wildfirecommunity
Melissa Andersen – Former teacher turned nonprofit advocate; HER2+ survivor focused on healing, nature, & creativity.
Substack: @melandersen
IG: @ms_happyturtle
FB: Melissa Andersen
Sarah Zsak – Speech-language pathologist, mom of four, Peace Corps alum, and Stage III survivor centered in faith, connection & hope.
Resources
Personal Ink (P.ink Day): https://p-ink.org/p-ink-days/
ACS: Breast Cancer Facts & Figures:
https://www.cancer.org/
Ohio State article on early signs of breast cancer:
https://cancer.osu.edu/news/most-breast-cancers-dont-start-with-a-noticeable-lump
Hopkins Reconstruction Surgeons:
Dr. Lily Mundy – https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/lily-mundy/2700651
Dr. Nima Khavanin – https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/nima-khavanin/3052769
Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/
Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!
Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!
I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .
Chapters
1. Welcome & Mission Of The Show (00:00:00)
2. 100th Episode And Theme Reveal (00:01:25)
3. Introducing Gillian And The Anthology (00:02:39)
4. The Power Of Giving Voice (00:04:25)
5. Meet April: Motherhood And Cycles (00:07:20)
6. April On Breaking Generational Patterns (00:10:30)
7. Meet Melissa: Embodiment And Anger (00:16:35)
8. Tattoos, Grief, And Reclaiming The Body (00:19:30)
9. Meet Sarah: Faith, Family, And Time (00:24:22)
10. Holding Faith And Fear Together (00:27:10)
11. Gillian’s Reflection On Transformation (00:31:15)
12. What Rising Above Means Now (00:36:05)
13. One Truth For The Newly Diagnosed (00:41:45)
14. Writing As Medicine: How To Start (00:46:00)
101 episodes
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