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  • 070: The Cancer Test Most Patients Don't Know Exists: BLOODPAC

    070: The Cancer Test Most Patients Don't Know Exists: BLOODPAC
    2026/05/06
    In this episode, we explore a quiet revolution underway in cancer care. Instead of a painful biopsy or months of anxious waiting between scans, a single vial of blood may be able to indicate whether cancer is present, whether it is responding to treatment, or whether it has returned. The technology is here today. Most patients do not know it exists. Two women sit on opposite sides of the same mission: one builds the infrastructure that makes cancer blood tests trustworthy, the other depends on that infrastructure to know if her cancer is coming back. Lauren C. Leiman is the Executive Director of BLOODPAC, the Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer, a consortium of industry, academic, regulatory, patient advocacy, and professional society stakeholders working to ensure liquid biopsy tests are designed and validated in a way that fosters clinician trust and improves patient care. Lauren came to this work from the White House Cancer Moonshot. Mary Royal is a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate diagnosed in late 2023 through a routine mammogram she almost canceled. After bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and 38 sessions of radiation, her oncologist recommended a Personalis ctDNA test that creates a personalized molecular fingerprint of her cancer and screens for traces of recurrence in her bloodstream. Mary was initially hesitant. She describes more than 13 tests since January 2024, and what once felt like a source of anxiety has become a source of reassurance. She calls herself “Mary 2.0,” her second chance. Together, Lauren and Mary discuss what liquid biopsy is, the emotional reality of choosing to know, the difference between treatment selection, molecular residual disease (MRD), and multi-cancer early detection, the access gap that leaves patients in rural and underserved communities without these tests, and Mary's reflection that patients today are still launching to the moon while patients in just a few years will already be on it. Featured Guests: Lauren C. Leiman, Executive Director, BLOODPAC; Mary Royal, Breast Cancer Survivor and Patient Advocate Lauren previously served on the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, during the Obama Administration, with prior experience on Wall Street and in philanthropy. Mary is a marathon runner, mom of four, and works at a child advocacy center. Key Topics: · Mary's diagnosis: an almost-canceled mammogram in 2023 · Bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and 38 sessions of radiation · What liquid biopsy is and how ctDNA testing works · Mary's experience with more than 13 ctDNA tests over two years · The emotional reality of monitoring for recurrence · “What is the point of science if we don't use it?” · Treatment selection, MRD, and multi-cancer early detection · The accessibility gap between academic centers and rural communities · BLOODPAC's expansion into hematology · The multi-omics, multi-modal future of precision medicine · What “believe in progress” means to Mary Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:32 Mary's diagnosis: an almost-canceled mammogram 04:51 A marathon runner who never saw cancer coming 06:55 The “free fall” after diagnosis 07:38 Hormone-positive, HER2-negative 09:48 Treatment timeline: chemotherapy and 38 sessions of radiation 10:23 What liquid biopsy is 11:54 January 2024: Mary is introduced to ctDNA testing 13:23 The anxiety of choosing to know 15:46 Mary begins ctDNA monitoring with Personalis 16:16 From anxiety to reassurance 20:29 Lauren's origin story and the early industry 21:27 MRD as BLOODPAC's next big goal 23:37 Why accessibility became a priority 29:36 BLOODPAC's new study on access disparities 33:46 Mary on advocacy and patient forums 36:34 “Launching to the moon” 37:18 BLOODPAC approaches its 10-year anniversary 40:18 87 member organizations, including the AACR 40:57 What “believe in progress” means 41:33 Closing Take Action: · Donate to the AACR: https://donate.aacr.org/BelieveinProgress/Donate · Learn more about BLOODPAC: https://www.bloodpac.org · Subscribe to Believe in Progress: o Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5 o Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700 o YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress Production Credits: Host: Mitch Stoller Guests: Lauren C. Leiman, Executive Director, BLOODPAC; Mary Royal, Breast Cancer Survivor Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes Executive Producer: Michael Leary Producer: Mitch Stoller Producer: Heather Holland Director: Anthony Lopes Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary Writer: Anthony Lopes Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC for the AACR Foundation. Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
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    43 分
  • 069: No Young Adult Should Face Cancer Alone

    069: No Young Adult Should Face Cancer Alone
    2026/04/15
    In this episode, we hear the remarkable story of how personal loss and friendship became the foundation for a 25-year mission to ensure no young adult faces cancer alone. When Brock Yetso was 23, his mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. She passed away in just weeks. At the same time, his best friend, Doug Ulman, was fighting cancer for the third time as a college student at Brown University. Rather than walk away from the pain, Brock chose to fight alongside Doug and his family. What started as a single fundraiser and a nonprofit with a single employee and a $100,000 budget has grown into a $3 million operation with a staff of 25 reaching patients in more than 250 communities nationwide. The Ulman Foundation has raised more than $25 million over 22 years to support patients aged 15 to 39 facing cancer. Brock describes the foundation's two signature programs: patient navigation, where trained navigators are embedded in cancer centers across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to meet patients and families at the bedside, and Ulman House, a free housing facility in Baltimore located steps from the city's world-renowned hospitals, which has housed more than 583 patients and families from 29 states, saving more than $2.4 million in lodging and travel costs. He also discusses the foundation's work on fertility preservation protocols that have helped young cancer survivors start families after treatment. The episode touches on the 20th anniversary of the Closing the Gap report (a landmark collaboration between the National Cancer Institute and the Livestrong Foundation), why colorectal cancer screening matters, what it means to run a nonprofit like a team sport, and why Brock believes the crisis he first saw at 23 is only accelerating. Featured Guest: Brock Yetso, President and CEO, Ulman Foundation Brock is a University of Virginia graduate and former Division I soccer player who has led the Ulman Foundation for 25 years. He also coaches women's soccer at Towson University and runs youth soccer programs in Maryland. Key Topics: • Brock losing his mother to stage 4 colorectal cancer in weeks • Doug Ulman's three cancer diagnoses and Ulman Foundation’s founding mission • Growing from a $100,000 budget to a $3 million, 25-person operation • The cancer gap: for patients aged 15 to 39 • Patient navigation across seven to eight cancer centers in the DC/MD/VA area • Fertility preservation protocols for young cancer patients • Ulman House: free housing for young adults near life-saving treatment • The $10 million Beyond Cancer capital campaign • 20th anniversary of the Closing the Gap report • Running a nonprofit like a team sport • What "believe in progress" means to Brock Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:16 Welcome to Believe in Progress 02:37 Meet Brock Yetso 06:29 Losing his mom: Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day 08:47 Colorectal cancer prevention and screening 10:00 The young adult cancer gap 13:01 Doug Ulman: three-time cancer survivor 15:25 Building the Ulman Foundation 16:58 The first fundraiser 18:25 From passion project to lifelong mission 19:07 Doug, Lance Armstrong, and a crossroads 20:45 Becoming executive director 24:12 Closing the Gap: 20 years later 24:22 Patient navigation explained 28:07 Fertility preservation 29:54 Ulman House: a home away from home 32:15 The Beyond Cancer expansion 33:50 Athletics and nonprofit leadership 37:20 Where Ulman Foundation is headed 38:18 What "believe in progress" means 39:26 Closing Take Action: • Donate to the AACR: https://donate.aacr.org/BelieveinProgress/Donate • Support the Ulman Foundation: https://ulmanfoundation.org • Subscribe to Believe in Progress: o Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5 o Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700 o YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress Production Credits: Host: Mitch Stoller Guest: Brock Yetso, President and CEO, Ulman Foundation Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes Executive Producer: Michael Leary Producer: Mitch Stoller Producer: Heather Holland Director: Anthony Lopes Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary Writer: Anthony Lopes Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC for the AACR Foundation. Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
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    41 分
  • 068: From Mustache to Mission: How StacheStrong Is Changing Brain Cancer Research

    068: From Mustache to Mission: How StacheStrong Is Changing Brain Cancer Research
    2026/04/01
    In this episode, we hear the remarkable story of how a son, an elder brother, and a family dealt with a devastating cancer diagnosis with love and determination. When George John "GJ" Gerner III was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at the age of 27 in 2017, he and his close-knit family came together. Inspired by GJ's grit, his younger brother, Colin Gerner, founded and now leads StacheStrong: a foundation that has become one of the most dynamic forces in brain cancer research. Eight years in, Colin shares his family's deeply personal journey behind StacheStrong. GJ fought his disease with extraordinary resilience, humor, and a signature mustache that he shaved down before brain surgery to keep the mood light for his family. That simple gesture became the symbol of a movement none of them could have imagined. Colin describes his brother as someone who never let the disease define him, running a sub-eight-minute mile 5K a year into treatment, going back to work, and focusing on others’ feelings. In 25 months, GJ showed his family and community what it meant to live with this disease. What started as a personal outlet for Colin to process his brother’s illness quickly grew into a foundation that has now funded more than $7 million in brain cancer research across more than 65 grants and 40 institutions. Colin describes StacheStrong's innovative collaborative funding strategy, partnering with organizations like the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR) and the V Foundation to co-fund high-quality research grants, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar raised. He also discusses his current effort to become a top global fundraiser at the 2026 Boston Marathon, where he and three teammates are raising more than $200,000 to support a five-year, $1 million grant to accelerate glioblastoma research. Colin reflects on what "StacheStrong is a lifestyle" really means, why he rejects the term "caregiver," and what it will feel like to cross a marathon finish line for the first time without his brother by his side. Featured Guest: Colin Gerner, Founder, President, and CEO, StacheStrong Colin is also a Manager and Tax Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he has spent his entire career, and leads the humanitarian portfolio for the PwC Foundation. He holds an accounting degree and a master's in taxation. He has provided marathon running opportunities to hundreds of StacheStrong supporters across events in New York, Chicago, Dublin, Rome, Copenhagen, Sydney, and Berlin. Key Topics: • Remembering GJ: The person behind the mission • GJ's glioblastoma diagnosis and 25-month struggle against the disease • The origin of the StacheStrong mustache and brand • Building a nonprofit with no prior experience • StacheStrong's collaborative research funding model • Partnering with the AACR and V Foundation on grant giving • The 2026 Boston Marathon campaign and $1M grant • 50 charity bibs at the 2026 New York City Marathon • "StacheStrong is a lifestyle": What it means to the community • Why Colin rejects the word "caregiver" • The hidden GJ in the StacheStrong logo • What GJ would think about the foundation today Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Meet Colin Gerner 03:21 Who was GJ? 06:22 Growing up together 10:39 The origin of the mustache 12:06 GJ's glioblastoma diagnosis 16:58 How cancer affects the whole family 20:55 "I hate the term caregiver" 21:49 What stays with you? "Strength." 23:04 The birth of StacheStrong 27:22 Why start a new foundation? 32:42 The Vestal 5K and GJ's sub-8:00 mile 35:00 Learning the nonprofit world 39:10 Collaborative funding with AACR and V Foundation 40:23 The 2026 Boston Marathon campaign 46:58 "StacheStrong is a lifestyle" 53:02 What would GJ think? 56:15 Crossing the finish line without his brother 58:10 Closing Take Action: • Donate to the AACR: https://donate.aacr.org/BelieveinProgress/Donate • Support StacheStrong: https://stachestrong.org • Subscribe to Believe in Progress: • Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5 • Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700 • YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress Production Credits: Host: Mitch Stoller Guest: Colin Gerner, Founder, President, and CEO, StacheStrong Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes Executive Producer: Michael Leary Producer: Mitch Stoller Producer: Heather Holland Director: Anthony Lopes Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary Writer: Anthony Lopes Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC for the AACR Foundation. Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
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    1 時間
  • 067: Facing Kidney Cancer and Refusing to Give Up: Derek DeAngelis

    067: Facing Kidney Cancer and Refusing to Give Up: Derek DeAngelis
    2026/03/18
    Derek DeAngelis has spent his career making millions of people laugh. Known to his fans as Derek D, he’s hosted more than 2,300 episodes of the two-time Webby Award-winning show Fast Lane Daily, earned three Telly Awards, and appeared on the Key of Awesome YouTube channel. In December 2024, a routine blood test changed everything. After weeks of unexplained fatigue, a CT scan revealed a massive tumor engulfing his left kidney. The doctor called him between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Six days later, Derek was on the operating table. In this episode, Derek shares his story: the out-of-body experience of hearing his diagnosis, the New Year's Eve he spent wondering if it would be his last, and the devastating discovery that the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine. Now stage 4 and on immunotherapy, Derek draws on faith, fitness, and creativity to confront his disease every day. Our conversation with Derek is about resilience, discipline, and the importance of showing up, even when the odds are against you. Featured Guest: Derek DeAngelis (Derek D): Actor, comedian, and online host. Three-time Telly Award winner. Currently battling stage 4 kidney cancer with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) and radiation. Lives in Wall, New Jersey. Key Topics: · Routine bloodwork that led to a devastating diagnosis, even when he looked healthy · The phone call from his doctor: "You have a massive tumor engulfing your kidney" · Surgery six days after diagnosis · Telling his family, and a New Year's Eve spent wondering if it would be his last · Going public with the diagnosis and choosing vulnerability over silence · Watching Rocky in the recovery room and creating an inspirational video · Cancer spreading to his lungs and spine · The gym as a sanctuary and fitness as a recovery tool · His friend Alan Kaufman (Ep. 029), a cancer survivor who modeled how to keep moving · Discipline over motivation: "You don't want to do it. You just do it." · Being your own advocate: The importance of not ignoring symptoms Timestamps: 00:00 Episode teaser clip 00:50 Introduction and guest bio 04:00 Fast Lane Daily and building a comedy career 06:00 The birthmark surgery at 15 and what it taught him 09:00 Routine bloodwork to a phone call that changed everything 12:30 "You have a massive tumor": The moment his world stopped 15:00 Surgery in six days 15:32 Telling his family 17:09 Going public with the diagnosis 21:50 Mid-roll: Supporting AACR Foundation 22:43 Rocky in the recovery room 27:22 Derek's recovery video montage 30:22 The cancer spreads: Metastasis to lungs and spine 33:23 Faith, family, and the daily fight 36:03 How fitness became his sanctuary 43:10 What does beating this look like? 45:00 What Believe in Progress means to Derek Take Action: · Donate to the AACR: https://AACR.org/Give · Get Screened: Screening is key to detecting disease early, when the cancer is more likely to be successfully treated · Subscribe to Believe in Progress: · Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5 · Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700 · YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress Production Credits: · Host: Mitch Stoller · Guest: Derek DeAngelis (“Derek D”) · Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes · Executive Producer: Michael Leary · Producer: Mitch Stoller · Producer: Heather Holland · Director: Anthony Lopes · Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary · Writer: Anthony Lopes · Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC. Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
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    50 分
  • 066: Running for Research: Katie Rabinowitz Seeks to Live Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer

    066: Running for Research: Katie Rabinowitz Seeks to Live Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer
    2026/03/04
    Despite facing a long family history of cancer, testing positive for a BRCA mutation at 30, and surviving breast cancer at 32, Katie Rabinowitz was living her best life as an attorney and marathon runner. Then she ran through severe chest pain at a Boulder, Colorado marathon. Initially, her doctors thought running was the cause of the 35-year-old’s chest pain. But then, everything changed. Katie’s cancer had metastasized to her chest, lymph nodes, and brain. Many people would have stopped running, but not Katie. Her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunt, and mother had all faced cancer, which led to the creation of a family mantra: “We don't die from cancer.” So, Katie signed up for another marathon and raised more than $30,000 for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in support of lifesaving cancer research as a member of the AACR Runners for Research team. Our conversation with Katie is about resilience, community, advocacy, and what it means to live well with cancer, not just survive it. In This Episode: Learn how Katie Rabinowitz went from BRCA-positive diagnosis to metastatic breast cancer warrior, raised over $30,000 for cancer research, and why she believes quality of life should be as important as extending life in cancer treatment. Featured Guest: Katie Rabinowitz - Attorney, Marathon Runner, Cancer Advocate, Metastatic Breast Cancer Warrior  Katie comes from a family where cancer is no stranger. Her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunt, and mother all faced gynecological cancers, creating a family mantra: 'We don't die from cancer.' Diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer at 35, Katie has undergone mastectomy, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, brain radiation, and continues treatment while maintaining her career, running marathons, and raising tens of thousands of dollars for AACR cancer research. GUEST BIO Katie Rabinowitz is a Philadelphia-based attorney and metastatic breast cancer warrior. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32 after testing BRCA-positive at 30, Katie underwent mastectomy and believed she had reduced her cancer risk. At 35, while working in Boulder, Colorado, Katie discovered her cancer had metastasized to her chest, lymph nodes, and brain. Despite ongoing chemotherapy, brain radiation, and multiple treatment changes, Katie maintains her career, trains for marathons, and has raised over $30,000 for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) through their Runners for Research program. Katie completed the Philadelphia Marathon on her birthday weekend and is currently training for the New York City Marathon while on oral chemotherapy. She uses her Instagram platform to raise awareness about cancer advocacy, early detection, BRCA testing, and the importance of demanding answers from medical professionals. Katie's story exemplifies living fully with metastatic cancer rather than simply surviving. Katie's story exemplifies living fully with metastatic cancer rather than simply surviving, and her advocacy has inspired thousands to prioritize early detection and demand better answers from their doctors. Key Topics: · Family mantra: “We don't die from cancer” and four generations facing the disease · Testing BRCA-positive and the wisdom of knowing your genetic risk · The "boob-ette party" before her mastectomy and the power of friendship · Moving to Boulder and joining a running community at altitude · Running a marathon with undiagnosed metastatic disease · The shocking metastatic cancer diagnosis: “I have never seen anything like this that isn't cancer” · Discovering cancer in her brain and the drive back across the country · Chemo day 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) posts on Instagram: Building community during cancer treatment · The AACR Runners for Research initiative and the Philadelphia Marathon · Raising more than $30,000 after setting an initial goal of $1,000 · Marathon day with “Katie's Ladies” and crossing the finish line on her birthday weekend · The desire for cancer research to increase its focus on quality of life · Training for the New York City Marathon while on oral chemotherapy · Being your own advocate about your symptoms Take Action: · Donate to the AACR: https://AACR.org/Give · Join AACR Runners for Research: https://www.AACR.org/Get-Involved/Other-Ways-to-Join/Runners-for-Research/ · Get Screened: Early detection can save your life · Subscribe to Believe in Progress: · Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4rLQyB5 · Spotify: https://sptfy.in/o700 · YouTube: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress Production Credits: · Host: Mitch Stoller · Guest: Katie Rabinowitz · Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes · Executive Producer: Michael Leary · Producer: Mitch Stoller · Producer: Heather Holland · Director: Anthony Lopes · Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary · Writer: Anthony Lopes · Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by ...
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    33 分
  • 065: Behind the Breakthroughs: How AACR Funds Cancer Research

    065: Behind the Breakthroughs: How AACR Funds Cancer Research
    2026/02/18
    Behind every breakthrough in cancer science and medicine is a complex ecosystem of funding, peer review, and strategic support that allows innovative investigators to thrive. On this episode of Believe in Progress, we meet two of the key players in that ecosystem at the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR). Dr. Yixian (John) Zhang is the Vice President of Research and Grants Administration at the AACR. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector and industry, Dr. Zhang oversees AACR’s grant giving in the most promising science through a rigorous peer review process. He manages a diverse grant portfolio that supports researchers from postdoctoral fellows to independent investigators, balancing high-risk, high-reward research projects with implementation science that makes a difference for patients. Dr. Frédéric Biemar is the Vice President and Head of the Education Division at the AACR. A former assistant professor and researcher in developmental biology, he ensures that the global community of AACR’s more than 61,000 members in 143 countries and territories stays connected and supported throughout each stage of their careers. Dr. Biemar is also pioneering new educational approaches to meet the needs of millennials and Gen Z scientists entering the field. Together, Dr. Zhang and Dr. Biemar represent the fuel and the workforce behind the progress the AACR nurtures. In this episode, they discuss why the cancer mortality rate is dropping, how immunotherapy is transforming treatment, and why we're at a critical juncture where continued investment in research and education will accelerate the pace of breakthroughs in cancer science and medicine. This conversation reveals the infrastructure that makes cancer progress possible and the strategic decisions that shape which research gets funded and how the next generation of scientists gets trained. Featured Guests: Dr. Yixian (John) Zhang - Vice President of Research and Grants Administration, American Association for Cancer Research A strategic leader in cancer research funding, Dr. Zhang discusses the AACR's rigorous peer review process, how the organization balances high-risk innovation with implementation science, and why early career scientists are the "fresh soldiers" we cannot afford to lose as we seek breakthroughs in cancer research. He shares compelling data showing cancer mortality rates dropping and survivor numbers increasing every year. Dr. Frédéric Biemar - Vice President and Head of the Education Division, American Association for Cancer Research Leading educational innovation for a global research community, Dr. Biemar explains how the AACR serves its tens of thousands of members worldwide, why professional development must adapt to new technologies and career paths beyond academia, and how the organization is launching programs from high school summer research to AI training to ensure the next generation has the tools they need to succeed. Key Topics: · AACR's Global Research Community · The State of Progress in Cancer Research · AACR's Grant Portfolio and Peer Review Process · Serving the Global Cancer Research Community · Industry Partnerships and Collaboration · The Workforce Challenge: Keeping Scientists in the Field · AI and the Future of Cancer Research · Educational Innovation at the AACR · The Honest Broker Mission · Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond Take Action to Advance Cancer Research: - Donate to the AACR: https://AACR.org/Give - Share this episode: Help amplify the message that strategic funding and education drive breakthroughs - Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts - Learn about AACR programs: Explore grants and educational opportunities offered by the AACR at https://AACR.org Production Credits: Host: Mitch Stoller Guests: Dr. Yixian (John) Zhang, Vice President of Research and Grants Administration, AACR; Dr. Frédéric Biemar, Vice President and Head of the Education Division, AACR Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes Executive Producer: Michael Leary Producer: Mitch Stoller Producer: Heather Holland Director: Anthony Lopes Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary Writer: Anthony Lopes Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC. Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
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    32 分
  • 064: How High School Students Raised More Than $500,000 for Cancer Research

    064: How High School Students Raised More Than $500,000 for Cancer Research
    2026/02/04
    What does it take for high school students to raise more than $500,000 for cancer research? In this episode of Believe in Progress, we meet Suhani Makwana, who turned her teacher's cancer diagnosis into a movement that's funding breakthrough research in blood cancers. You will hear from two extraordinary individuals whose relationship exemplifies the ripple effect of mentorship, resilience, and purpose-driven education. Jena Brodhead was a teacher at Easton Area School District in Easton, Pennsylvania when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. She made a courageous choice: to turn her diagnosis into an educational opportunity for her students. Working through chemotherapy, she welcomed honest conversations about cancer, easing fear and stigma about the subject. Her transparency laid the foundation for what would become Brodhead's Heroes, a student advocacy team that has raised more than $500,000 for blood cancer research over six years. Suhani Makwana was just a sixth grader when she first met Mrs. Brodhead. Now an undergraduate biology major and Razor's Edge Research Scholar at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Suhani's path from middle school student to emerging pre-medical student was shaped profoundly by her teacher's cancer journey and the advocacy work it inspired. As a high school junior, Suhani led her team to raise more than $50,000 in a single campaign, earning a research grant for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Today, she's pursuing studies in biology with minors in pre-health, research studies, and bioinformatics, while working with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Kellen Foundation to advance lifesaving cancer science and medicine. Together, Jena’s and Suhani's stories capture the transformative power of mentorship, the critical role of early exposure to science and research, and how personal experiences with cancer can inspire future careers. Our conversation with them reminds us that advocacy isn't just about raising money; it's about raising voices, building community, and advancing science to benefit real people. Featured Guests: Jena Brodhead - Teacher, Easton Area School District; Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor; Inspiration for Brodhead's Heroes Suhani Makwana - Undergraduate Student, Nova Southeastern University; Razor's Edge Research Scholar; Student Visionaries of the Year Candidate Key Topics: • How Jena shared her cancer diagnosis openly with students while teaching through chemotherapy • Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign: Brodhead's Heroes raised $500,000+ over six years • Creative fundraising: emails to businesses nationwide, blood drives, bake sales, and the 50 States Challenge • How every contact became an opportunity to educate about cancer research • From Advocacy to Academic Pursuits - Suhani's journey: biology major with minors in pre-health, research studies, and bioinformatics at Nova Southeastern University • Internship with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: community health fairs and patient advocacy • Work with the Kellen Foundation on lifestyle medicine and cancer prevention • Future aspirations in hematology-oncology and evidence-informed care • Translating science for patients: explaining complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy • Treating cancer patients as whole people, not just clinical cases • Lifestyle medicine and holistic cancer care approaches • How ketogenic, plant-based, and other diets may impact cancer treatment • Patient stories of dramatic health improvements through dietary changes • The Patient Perspective: Jena's Reflections on living with cancer's long-term effects and choosing doctors who treat the whole person • Mentorship and Early Research Exposure: Why early exposure to advocacy matters and you don't have to wait to make a difference • Community-Centered Progress: How advocacy fuels funding, which drives research, which improves care Take Action in the Fight Against Cancer: If this episode moved you, here's how you can help: • Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation at https://AACR.org/Give • Share this episode: Help amplify the message that mentorship, early exposure to research, and community advocacy can transform lives • Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts • Learn about student programs: Visit https://AACR.org to explore high school and undergraduate research opportunities Production Credits: Host: Mitch Stoller Guests: Suhani Makwana; Jena Brodhead Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes Executive Producer: Michael Leary Producer: Mitch Stoller Producer: Heather Holland Director: Anthony Lopes Creative Director / DP: Michael Leary Writer: Anthony Lopes Editor: Michael Leary Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC. Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress
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    36 分
  • 063: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is Back: Eric M. Robbins and Carlos Rogers Share the Revival Story

    063: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is Back: Eric M. Robbins and Carlos Rogers Share the Revival Story
    2026/01/21
    What does it take to revive a beloved Philadelphia tradition after a decade-long hiatus? In this episode of Believe in Progress, a podcast of the AACR Foundation, we sit down with two men who are bringing professional cycling back to the streets of Philadelphia. Part One introduces the grassroots origins of the revival. We meet Carlos Rogers, a local hairstylist and cycling enthusiast who spent three years pitching a vision to bring the race back, and Eric M. Robbins, the business leader who joined forces to turn that vision into reality—the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. They discuss the pivotal moment former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined the team and the emotional weight of earning community trust. Part Two dives into the details of the race itself, scheduled for August 30, 2026. Carlos and Eric walk us through the iconic 14-mile circuit, including the grueling "Manayunk Wall" with its steep grade. They discuss the projected economic impact of more than 100,000 spectators and the race’s identity as "The People’s Race." And then the conversation turns to the heart of the mission: the collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) as the charity partner for the race to raise critical funds for lifesaving cancer science and medicine. The AACR Riders for Research participants will cycle the 14-mile course before the professional race begins. Eric also shares the personal story of losing his mother to ovarian cancer in 2004, highlighting how resilience is the driving force behind this Philadelphia comeback story. Featured Guests: Carlos Rogers - Co-Founder, Philadelphia Cycling Classic A Philadelphia native, professional hairstylist, and lifelong cyclist, Carlos is the visionary "spark" behind the initiative. His three-year grassroots campaign and refusal to let the tradition die led to the revival of one of the city's cherished sporting events. Eric M. Robbins - Co-Founder, Philadelphia Cycling Classic Bringing decades of financial and operational leadership, Eric is the strategist ensuring the race's success. Deeply connected to the Philadelphia community, he is driven by a desire to give back to the city and a personal commitment to cancer awareness following the loss of his mother. Key Topics: · The Origin Story: How a hairstylist’s passion project evolved into a major international sporting event · Building the Team: The critical involvement of former Mayor Michael Nutter and the emotional moment he told Carlos, "I believe in you" · The Course: A breakdown of the 14-mile loop, including the Ben Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive, and the infamous Manayunk Wall · Economic and Community Impact: Projecting more than 100,000 spectators and millions of dollars in economic impact for Philadelphia · Strategic Partnerships: The role of the AACR as the event’s official charity partner · Resilience and Loss: Eric’s personal reflection on his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer and how it shapes his work ethic · The 2026 Vision: Why the race was moved to August 30 and the plans for a multi-day fan festival Take Action to Propel Progress in Cancer Research: If this episode moved you, here’s how you can take action to advance cancer research: · Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving cancer research at https://AACR.org/Give · Share This Episode: Help amplify the message that bold ideas and global collaboration can change the future of cancer care · Team Up with AACR Riders for Research at the 2026 Philadelphia Cycling Classic – AACR Charity Ride: https://AACR.org/PCC · Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts · Learn More About the Philadelphia Cycling Classic at https://www.philadelphiacyclingclassic.com/ Production Credits: Host: Mitch Stoller Guests: Eric M. Robbins; Carlos Rogers Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes Executive Producer: Michael Leary Director: Anthony Lopes Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary Writer: Anthony Lopes Editor: Michael Leary Associate Producer: Heather Holland Check out more episodes: https://AACR.org/BelieveInProgress Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
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