Considering a Clinical Trial: When to Join and What to Expect

Jay

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 …

Demystifying Clinical Trials: Insights from Leading Oncologists

Jay

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 future of oncology. …

Tracking Cancer’s Return: Clinical Trials Beyond Treatment

Jay

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 story to discover how clinical trials are …

Clinical Trials and Cancer: A Survivor’s Path to Hope

Jay

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 the transformative impact of clinical trials and her story …

Keepin’ It Real: Navigating Clinical Trials and Facing Recurrence

Jay

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 community …

Cancer and Compassion Fatigue: Giving Yourself Permission to Step Back

Jay

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 of sharing the load. This …

Meet New Epic Experience Staff Member, Denny “Stretch” Williams

Jay

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 passionate …

Living Beyond Cancer: Finding Purpose in Survivorship

Jay

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” until his wife helped him recognize …

Cancer and the Path to Self-Love and Acceptance

Jay

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 shares her …

Finding Clarity After Decades of YA Cancer Survivorship

Jay

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 episode of Campfires of Hope: …