In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, Hayley sits down with Kevin Donaghy, who joins her from Scotland to share his remarkable journey with stage IV metastatic melanoma. After initially being told his stage II melanoma had been successfully treated, Kevin received the devastating news 18 months later that the cancer had spread to his lung and spine. Diagnosed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced not only a life-threatening illness but also the isolation and uncertainty that came with lockdowns and cancer treatment.

Kevin opens up about the emotional impact of his diagnosis, his experience with immunotherapy, and the unexpected hope he found through an online melanoma support group. Surrounded by others facing similar challenges, he discovered the power of shared stories and meaningful connection—something that became a vital part of his healing journey.

Inspired by the hope he gained from others, Kevin went on to create Stories of Cancer and Hope, a collection of personal stories from cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones around the world. The book has touched thousands of lives, helping readers feel less alone in their own cancer journeys. Today, all royalties from the book are donated to Maggie’s, a UK-based cancer support charity that provides free emotional, practical, and social support to people affected by cancer.

For more information, go to storiesofcancerandhope.co.uk

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

In this inspiring episode, Hayley sits down with Josh Vintner-Jackson, a young adult living with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Diagnosed at just 29 years old while living in Austin, Texas, Josh shares his unexpected cancer journey—from emergency surgery during the COVID pandemic to years of treatment, recurrence, and ongoing challenges.

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, more than 40 rounds of chemotherapy, and countless hospital stays, Josh has remained committed to living fully. He opens up about the mindset shifts, daily habits, and resilience practices that have helped him navigate uncertainty, maintain hope, and keep moving forward through adversity.

Josh also discusses the importance of connection for young adults facing cancer and shares how his experience led him to create Chat Cancer, a support community designed to help younger cancer patients find understanding, encouragement, and camaraderie from others who truly "get it." This conversation is a powerful reminder that while we can't always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond—and continue finding purpose, meaning, and joy along the way.

Where Josh can be reached:

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-vintner-jackson-91a5b650/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatcancer/?viewAsMember=true

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/joshvintnerjackson/

https://www.instagram.com/chat.cancer/

Substack

https://resiliencereborn.substack.com/

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com

In this episode of The Cancer Liberation Project, Hayley sits down with cancer survivor, coach, researcher, and patient advocate Teresa Ferreiro to talk about navigating cancer with more agency, resilience, and self-trust. Teresa shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 36 years old after already enduring the heartbreak of losing a baby late in pregnancy. Her husband discovered the lump, and what followed was an intense journey through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation — but also a powerful inner search for healing, balance, and empowerment.

Throughout the conversation, Teresa opens up about making informed choices in her treatment journey, including her decision to prioritize lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and eventually pursuing pregnancy after cancer. Despite fear and criticism from others, she followed what felt aligned for her, later becoming involved in advocacy and international research helping prove that pregnancy after hormone-positive breast cancer can be safe. Her story is one of courage, self-advocacy, and using personal pain to create meaningful change for others.

Hayley and Teresa also explore the role of coaching during a cancer diagnosis and why helping people reconnect with their own inner wisdom can be transformational. Rather than simply giving advice, Teresa’s coaching approach focuses on asking empowering questions that help people make decisions from a place of clarity and confidence. She explains how cancer can often make people feel like they’ve lost control of their identity and how coaching can help restore a sense of leadership over one’s own life and healing journey.

She also shares insights from her PhD research and her upcoming book, Navigate Cancer: Coaching for Resilience, which offers practical tools and exercises to help people move through fear, uncertainty, relationships, work, and personal growth during cancer. The conversation is a hopeful reminder that while cancer changes you, it can also become a catalyst for deeper self-awareness, resilience, and purposeful living.

For more information, go to https://teresaferreiro.com/ & https://kimberlite.es/en/home/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaferreiro

Instagram: @Teresa.Ferreiro

Book: http://www.navigatecancer.eu/

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by thekarlfeldtcenter.com