『The Positive Gene Podcast』のカバーアート

The Positive Gene Podcast

The Positive Gene Podcast

著者： Sara Kavanaugh
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Welcome to The Positive Gene Podcast, where we empower those navigating hereditary cancer risks with hope and optimism. Hosted by Sara Kavanaugh, a hereditary cancer previvor living with Lynch Syndrome (MSH6) and CHEK2 genetic mutations, this show offers a unique perspective on proactive well-being. Drawing on her own experiences and work as an advocate for FORCE, Sara bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and the realities of life as a previvor.

Through engaging discussions with experts, advocates, and fellow previvors and survivors, Sara simplifies the complexities of hereditary risk and provides insights that empower listeners to face challenges with confidence. With a background as a communications expert and storyteller, she creates a space where education meets inspiration, and science meets everyday life.

Whether you’re managing genetic risk, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how genetics shape our health, this is your space to discover the power of awareness and prevention.

Visit www.positivegenepodcast.com to read the podcast blog, explore resources, or book Sara for your next speaking engagement!

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. 個人的成功 自己啓発 衛生・健康的な生活 身体的病い・疾患
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  • Your Voice Matters: How Patient Advocates Shape Healthcare Policy with TN Representative Bob Freeman

    Your Voice Matters: How Patient Advocates Shape Healthcare Policy with TN Representative Bob Freeman
    2026/07/05
    Your Voice Matters: How Patient Advocates Shape Healthcare Policy As patient advocates, we have the opportunity to help shape healthcare policy by sharing our lived experiences with the people making decisions that affect our lives. In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Tennessee State Representative Bob Freeman for a candid conversation about how legislation really works, why patient stories matter, and how advocates can help influence meaningful change. Sara first met Representative Freeman during Susan G. Komen Advocacy Day at the Tennessee Capitol. Walking into those legislative meetings initially felt intimidating, but she quickly realized something that changed her perspective forever: legislators don't just need data. They need to understand how policies affect real people. Together they discuss: Why patient and caregiver stories carry so much weight with legislatorsHow healthcare legislation actually moves through the processWhy advocacy organizations are so importantWhat makes an advocacy meeting memorableHow research, insurance, and access to care intersect with public policyThe role each of us can play in improving healthcare, regardless of political affiliation One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is that medical professionals are experts in the science. Legislators are experts in the policymaking process. Patients and caregivers are the experts in living with the consequences of those decisions. Every one of those perspectives belongs at the table. Whether you've participated in an Advocacy Day before or have wondered if your story could ever make a difference, this episode will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and empowered to use your voice. If this episode resonates with you, consider joining an advocacy organization such as FORCE, Susan G. Komen, Fight Colorectal Cancer, or another organization aligned with your cause. Advocacy is often easier - and more impactful - when we work together. Because meaningful change doesn't happen by accident. It happens when people show up. Resources Mentioned Advocacy Organizations FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered): https://www.facingourrisk.orgSusan G. Komen: https://www.komen.orgFight Colorectal Cancer: https://fightcolorectalcancer.orgLynch Syndrome Awareness & Education: https://lynchsyndromeawareness.com/ Learn More Representative Bob Freeman - TN General Assembly Site https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/LegislatorInfo/Member?district=H56&ga=114Find your Tennessee legislators: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/fml/searchFind your U.S. elected officials: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials Connect with Sara Kavanaugh 🌐 Website: https://www.sarakavanaugh.com 🎙️ The Positive Gene Podcast: https://thepositivegenepodcast.podbean.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivegenepodcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakavanaughspeaks/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarakavanaughspeaks Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or inspired you, please consider: ⭐ Following or subscribing to The Positive Gene Podcast ⭐ Leaving a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform ⭐ Sharing this episode with a friend, caregiver, healthcare professional, or fellow advocate Your support helps us reach more individuals and families navigating hereditary cancer risk. Remember: Knowledge is power. Prevention is possible. And your voice has the power to create meaningful change.
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    49 分
  • Walking the Genetic Line: Emotional Truths of Hereditary Cancer Risk with Sara Champie

    Walking the Genetic Line: Emotional Truths of Hereditary Cancer Risk with Sara Champie
    2026/05/21

    Episode Summary In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, Sara Kavanaugh sits down with therapist, BRCA1 previvor, and podcast host Sara Champie for a deeply honest conversation about the emotional realities of hereditary cancer risk. Together, they explore the layers of fear, grief, agency, trauma, identity, and healing that can emerge after genetic testing and prevention decisions.

    Sara Champie shares her personal journey after learning she carried a BRCA1 mutation following the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer, and how that experience ultimately shaped her work as a psychotherapist specializing in hereditary cancer and genetic risk. The conversation dives into trauma-informed care, the emotional weight of prevention decisions, the complexity of “being strong,” and why connection and storytelling matter so much in this community.

    They also discuss Sara’s podcast, Walking the Genetic Line, which creates space for the deeply human side of genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk.

    In This Episode
    • Sara Champie’s BRCA1 story and the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer
    • Why hereditary cancer risk is not a “linear” emotional journey
    • The connection between trauma, grief, anxiety, and prevention decisions
    • How “strength” can sometimes become emotional avoidance
    • Why agency and timing matter in risk-reducing decisions
    • Trauma-informed perspectives on genetic counseling and medical care
    • The emotional and somatic impacts of hereditary cancer risk
    • The importance of connection, community, and witnessing grief
    • The inspiration behind Walking the Genetic Line podcast
    Resources Mentioned
    • Walking the Genetic Line Podcast
    • Sara Champie, LCSW: Website: www.sarachampielcsw.com Instagram: @sarachampielcsw
    Connect with The Positive Gene Podcast

    Follow The Positive Gene Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

    Follow along on Instagram @positivegenepodcast for episodes, advocacy, education, and hereditary cancer conversations.

    Disclaimer:

    This podcast episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and should not be considered medical or mental health advice. Please consult your healthcare provider or licensed mental health professional for individualized support.
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    1 時間
  • The Story That Changed Everything: Diane Hardesty on Lynch Syndrome, Family History, and Prevention

    The Story That Changed Everything: Diane Hardesty on Lynch Syndrome, Family History, and Prevention
    2026/04/01

    As we close out Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this episode marks the final installment in our series on Lynch syndrome and hereditary cancer risk. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to go back and listen to the earlier episodes—each one offers a powerful and important perspective on what it means to understand and navigate inherited cancer risk.

    ****

    Episode Overview

    Diane Hardesty’s story is one that clearly shows what can change when awareness meets action.

    Before genetic testing, Diane’s family experienced ten cancer-related deaths connected to Lynch syndrome. Cancer wasn’t a possibility, it felt inevitable.

    But once Diane chose to pursue genetic testing, everything shifted.

    Through testing, proactive screening, and open family communication, her family has now experienced zero cancer-related deaths.

    In this conversation, Diane shares her personal journey, the emotional weight of growing up with cancer as an expectation, and how one decision changed the trajectory for future generations.

    This episode is a reminder that understanding your risk doesn’t create fear—it creates options.

    Key Takeaways
    • Family history matters more than many realize Patterns across generations can hold critical information about inherited cancer risk.
    • Genetic testing can change outcomes Knowledge allows for earlier screening, prevention strategies, and informed decision-making.
    • You are not only making decisions for yourself Testing and sharing information can directly impact children, siblings, and extended family.
    • Prevention and early detection are powerful Diane’s family story shows what is possible when risk is understood and acted on.
    • Conversations save lives Talking openly about cancer history within families is one of the most important steps people can take.
    Topics We Cover
    • Growing up in a family where cancer felt inevitable
    • The moment Diane first learned about Lynch syndrome
    • Deciding to pursue genetic testing
    • What changed after her family began testing
    • The emotional experience of learning her son did not inherit the mutation
    • Advocacy, awareness, and speaking on a national stage
    • Why sharing family health history is critical
    • How awareness continues to evolve—and where gaps still exist
    Resources
    • AliveandKick’n (Lynch Syndrome advocacy and support) https://aliveandkickn.org
    • FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) https://www.facingourrisk.org
    • Jacqueline Rush Foundation - Lynch Syndrome Advocacy and Education https://www.jrushfoundation.org
    • Lynch Syndrome Awareness & Education https://www.lynchsyndromeawareness.com
    • National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) – Find a genetic counselor https://www.nsgc.org
    • NCCN Guidelines for Patients (Evidence-based screening guidance) https://www.nccn.org/patients
    • My Faulty Gene (Advocacy + conference presence Diane supports) https://www.myfaultygene.org
    Final Thought

    Diane’s story is a powerful example of how knowledge can change a family’s future.

    If cancer runs in your family, or if those conversations have never happened, this episode is a place to start.

    🎧 The Positive Gene Podcast - https://thepositivegenepodcast.podbean.com/

    IMPORTANT: This episode is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for personal guidance.
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    46 分
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