Ronald Bye, a.k.a. Big Hoss, was 20 years old when he discovered that what he thought was a hernia was actually testicular cancer. Being that it was the 1970s, diseases with a “sexual” connotation weren’t openly discussed, particularly by a young male. As a result, Ron didn’t tell anyone other than his family and boss about his cancer. He kept …

Nicole Gleason and Jared Scorsone are both part of the training team at BFitBWell, a cancer exercise program offered by the University of Colorado Cancer Center. They detail how the program works and how it improves strength, stamina, and quality of life for cancer patients during and shortly after treatment. In addition, they describe the mental and emotional benefits that …

When Dr. Amy Rothenberg, a breast and #ovariancancer survivor, finished #chemotherapy in 2015, she pledged to do a sprint triathlon with her entire family just six months later. To this day, she still completes at least one each year. She focuses on regular exercise, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, working on her “head game,” and being outdoors, enjoying nature as much as possible. …

Asa Newell was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020 when he was 17 years old. In response, he thought, “I can either curl up in a corner or I can be the most positive person I can be.” He chose the latter. Asa details the challenges of being in high school as a young adult cancer survivor, primarily how others …

Nancy Ferro, a.k.a. Mama Lou, founded Epic Experience after her son Michael was diagnosed with testicular cancer. She joins the Campfires of Hope podcast to share her experience as a caregiver and mother of a adult child with cancer. Mama Lou details how she coped and provided support despite being told by Michael, “I have cancer and we’re not going …

Missy Burgess was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic. As a result, she spent many months physically isolated from others and had to get creative about finding support in her medical team, online cancer survivorship meetups like Epic Experience’s Campfire Chats, and Facetiming with her friends. Missy details how she was able to …

Just as Edie “Blaze” Harrison was feeling as fit and healthy as ever, she tested positive on her Cologuard at-home colorectal cancer screening. In March of 2021, she was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Blaze went through chemo, radiation, and surgery before she was declared NED in January 2022.  Despite a clean bill of health and a positive outlook on life, …

At first, Denny “Stretch” Williams chalked up his abdomen pain to a muscle strain. But the pain worsened over the next few months, and in January of 2022, Stretch was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Though difficult, Stretch and his wife were up front with their two teenagers and kept them in the loop each step of the way. After five …

Mike Craycraft is a testicular cancer survivor and founder of the Testicular Cancer Society. In 2006, Mike felt a lump and knew it was cancer. He decided not to go to the doctor or tell anyone about it, and instead opted to live like he was dying. He even went so far as to throw his own “going away” party.  …

In 2010, Lee Walinchus took on a new role in addition to husband and father. After his wife, Mary, was diagnosed with cancer and started an intense chemotherapy regimen, Lee became chief caregiver to his wife and their three young daughters. The family was blessed with a helpful community, and Lee also took charge of coordinating the support efforts. To …