Writer, podcaster, and healthcare advocate Kristin Flanary—or Lady Glaucomflecken as she's known online—first introduced Your Stories host Dr. Mark Lewis to the concept of co-survivorship two years ago. As her husband Will went through two testicular cancer diagnoses and a sudden cardiac arrest, she later realized that she hadn't just supported him through those experiences and challenges—she had shared them with him.

For National Family Caregivers Month, Kristin returns to Your Stories to reflect on her discussion with Dr. Lewis, her feelings on co-survivorship, and the importance of showing up for the loved ones of people with cancer.

Professional snowboarder Kimmy Fasani was still breastfeeding her second child when she found a lump under her armpit. Just days later, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and found herself preparing for chemotherapy. Having lost both her parents to cancer, it was a terrifying moment for her, but she tried not to let her family history loom over her as she began treatment. Instead, she focused on the lessons learned from years spent tackling mountain peaks—to stay flexible and adaptable when her plans were upended and to find beauty in the adventure even if she hadn't asked for it.

At the time of her diagnosis, Kimmy and her husband Chris were filming a documentary following five years of their lives and careers. As she faced the challenges of chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy, she opted to keep the cameras rolling, documenting the highs and lows of her treatment with unflinching honesty. As difficult as it could be to show the world her most vulnerable moments, Kimmy came out on the other side inspired and hopeful that she could remind others like her that they aren't facing cancer by themselves.

In this episode of Your Stories, Kimmy speaks with host Dr. Mark Lewis about the power of advocating for herself, leaning on loved ones, and looking towards the future.

When Molly Hones was diagnosed with fibrolamellar cancer for the second time in less than two years, she made two critical decisions. First: She wouldn’t focus on the unknowns of her condition and would focus on the positives instead.

Second, she would give back by participating in research. And so, in June 2023, Molly traveled to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where oncologist and Conquer Cancer grant recipient Marina Baretti, MD, was running a clinical trial for people with fibrolamellar cancer. “I like to say I’m donating my body to science while I’m still alive,” Molly says. “And how cool is it to see my legacy when I’m still around?”

Which is how she found herself in Baltimore, Maryland, on the day she received an unthinkable phone call: Her husband Grant had passed away at age 45 from a brain aneurysm.

Even faced with such devastating news, Molly remained committed to moving forward with her treatment, connecting with other fibrolamellar patients, and celebrating life whenever she could. Being brave and facing challenges with a smile on her face, she says, is her way of honoring the people she’s lost and the people she’s met through her cancer journey.

In this episode of Your Stories, Molly speaks with host Dr. Mark Lewis about her experience with fibrolamellar cancer, the importance of community when facing a rare cancer, and her hopes of contributing to a world where every person with cancer can live life to the fullest.