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 moments and how he eventually found …

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 …

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 …

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, Kerry has learned that “survivors have …

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, Ted …

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 …

Janna Jones was diagnosed with IIB melanoma in 2022. She completed immunotherapy and surgery but still found herself struggling in some aspects of her daily life. She battled fatigue, photosensitivity to the sun, and constant stomach aches. Despite having a great support system, Jana found it tough to connect on a cancer level because these individuals weren’t survivors, which made …

Lisa Isom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010 and had her first recurrence a year later. After eight years with no evidence of disease, her cancer returned again in 2019. On this episode of Campfires of Hope, Lisa shares a heartfelt, personal letter that she wrote titled, Dear Cancer, wherein she describes her cancer journey and the effects it’s …

Cam Kiosoglous, a four-time U.S. Olympic rowing coach, is no stranger to embracing challenges. However, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2010, followed by two thyroid cancer diagnoses the year after, his resolve was truly tested. After making it through and having no evidence of disease for nearly a decade, Cam faced his toughest challenge – learning his …

Epic Experience director Colin Ferro was a special guest on Travel…Adventure…Wellness on WTBQ Radio to discuss how travel and adventure can benefit cancer patients/survivors physically and emotionally.   Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org