In this hopeful closing episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Amanda Blackburn and Mical Roy reflect on how their families have navigated life after cancer and found ways to thrive. They share the changes in daily routines and family life that came with a cancer diagnosis, and how they worked together to create a new sense of normal.  Amanda and Mical discuss the vital role of community, friendships, and support systems in helping their families move forward, and highlight the lessons, growth, and new perspectives that emerged from their experiences. Looking ahead, they explore what thriving and living beyond cancer means for their families today and into the future. Their stories offer insight, inspiration, and practical hope for families seeking to reclaim joy and connection after cancer.

In this heartfelt episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, we hear from Jeff and Francesca Hlavacek as they navigate life after the loss of their wife and mother, Erika, to lung cancer. Jeff, a colorectal cancer survivor himself, and Francesca share how their family coped with grief, supported each other, and learned to carry on while honoring Erika’s memory.  They reflect on the most challenging moments of loss and the ways grief touched each member of their family differently. Jeff discusses the balance of guiding his children through mourning while processing his own pain, and Francesca shares how she supported her siblings and her father during this difficult time.  Looking back, they explore the practices, perspectives, and memories that have helped them heal together and individually. Their story is a moving example of how families navigate grief, find strength in one another, and continue to celebrate the life of a loved one even after profound loss.

In this episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer Survivorship, Kimber and Justin Harris share how Kimber’s cancer diagnosis reshaped their lives as partners and parents of three. They reflect on the shock of those first days, the challenges of navigating treatment while caring for a newborn and two young children, and the very different ways they each coped.  High school sweethearts together for more than 25 years, Kimber and Justin open up about what true partnership looked like through illness, how they supported one another in both practical and emotional ways, and how cancer continues to influence their marriage, parenting, and everyday approach to life.

The How to Cancer Series is back on the Campfires of Hope Podcast! In this episode, melanoma survivor Janna Jones shares How to Survive With Cancer. She offers heartfelt advice on navigating survivorship, including reinventing play, embracing the present moment, and finding positivity in everyday life. Tune in to hear her personal strategies for thriving after cancer and making each day meaningful. www.epicexperience.org/how-to-cancer-series

We welcome back former Campfires of Hope guests Michael and Amanda Ferro, both cancer survivors who found love through the Epic Experience community and are now happily married, to “When Cancer Hits Home.” They share their journey from meeting at an Epic event to dating as survivors, navigating the challenges and joys of building a relationship after cancer, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. As they prepare for their first baby, Michael and Amanda reflect on how surviving cancer has shaped their vision for parenthood, the way they approach life together, and the hope they carry into this next chapter. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that love and new beginnings are possible, even after life-changing experiences.

In this episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series, we hear from Patrick Brennan, Molly Agner, and Eliza and Beckett Smith, all young people whose parents have faced cancer. They share candid reflections on what it’s really like to grow up with a parent undergoing treatment, including moments of bravery, the people and resources that made a difference, and the challenges of talking about cancer with friends who may not understand.  As Peer Leaders at Pickles Group, they also offer heartfelt advice for other kids navigating a parent’s diagnosis and highlight what they wish more people understood about their experiences. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the resilience, insight, and courage of young people facing the ripple effects of cancer at home.

We sit down with Hazel & Ali Senz and Julia & Madeleine McGuire to explore the unique challenges and lessons that come when a parent faces cancer in this episode of Campfires of Hope’s “When Cancer Hits Home” series. Together, each mother-daughter duo reflects on what it was like to hear the diagnosis, how it reshaped family dynamics, and the different ways they each processed the experience at their stage of life. From parenting through uncertainty to growing closer through shared struggle, their honest conversation sheds light on both the hardships and the unexpected growth that cancer can bring.

In this episode of “When Cancer Hits Home”, our guests Kelsey Mora and Chris Balmaceda—mental health professionals who specialize in supporting both kids and adults in families impacted by cancer—share insights on the emotional and relational challenges families often face during a loved one’s cancer journey. They offer practical communication strategies to help families process the experience, build trust, and create emotional safety. We also explore key signs that it may be time to seek outside support, and the therapeutic approaches Kelsey and Chris prioritize in their work. Finally, we take a closer look at where mental health care in the cancer space still needs to grow.

In the first episode of our “When Cancer Hits Home” series, Nancy Ferro and Mark Agnew share powerful stories of how cancer impacted their families and how those experiences ultimately led to the founding of two remarkable organizations: Epic Experience and Pickles Group. Nancy and Mark reflect on how a cancer diagnosis reshaped their relationships, family dynamics, and life paths. We explore the origin stories, missions, and impact of their organizations, each created to support families navigating cancer. As they look back on their personal and organizational journeys, Nancy and Mark offer meaningful takeaways for families facing cancer today—and hope for what comes after.

Multiple myeloma survivor and patient advocate Valarie Traynham returns for part 2 to share her insights on what action can be taken to create change in clinical research inequities. Valarie dives into the critical need to raise awareness about disparities in access and representation. She offers actionable ideas for improving healthcare support, building trust, and empowering historically marginalized communities through education and inclusion.

We’re joined by Valarie Traynham, a multiple myeloma survivor and passionate patient advocate, for the first of a two-part episode in a conversation on equity in healthcare and clinical research. Valarie explores the historical and systemic roots of medical mistrust and how they continue to impact clinical trial participation among racially diverse communities and people with disabilities. She sheds light on the misconceptions that discourage participation and offers thoughtful solutions for building trust and improving access to clinical trials.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Breelyn Wilky and Dr. Christopher Lieu from the University of Colorado Cancer Center, we dive deeper into the patient experience and the innovation behind clinical trials. They share guidance on when to consider a trial during your cancer journey, what a “day in the life” looks like for trial participants, and how trials differ from standard treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. We also explore the unique role of investigator-initiated trials—what they are, how they differ from pharmaceutical-sponsored studies, and why they’re essential for advancing personalized cancer care.

In the first of a two-part episode, we sit down with Dr. Breelyn Wilky and Dr. Christopher Lieu from the University of Colorado Cancer Center to explore the vital role of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment. They break down common misconceptions around trial safety and effectiveness, and explain how participation can benefit both patients and the future of oncology. Whether you're considering a trial or just curious, their expert advice brings clarity and encouragement.

Edie Harrison returns to Campfires of Hope to share her unique journey with clinical trials. Diagnosed as NED since 2022, Edie didn't need a trial for treatment purposes. Instead, she researched and sought out a “circulating tumor DNA” clinical trial—a cutting-edge approach to monitoring and detecting the return of her original cancer. Listen to Edie’s story to discover how clinical trials are transforming cancer care beyond treatment.

Diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 2015, Sarah Fay's journey to being NED nearly a decade later highlights the life-saving potential of clinical trials. In this Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer episode, Sarah shares an honest and inspiring account of her experience—from navigating complex logistics to managing the emotional challenges. Tune in to explore the transformative impact of clinical trials and her story of resilience.

Multiple cancer survivor Lana Boes returns to Campfires of Hope to share a detailed account of her journey through clinical trials and inspire others to take charge of their health. Lana opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of facing a recurrence in May, after five years of being NED (No Evidence of Disease), and how the strength of her community helped her rediscover her light.

In this episode of Campfires of Hope, cancer survivors Janna Jones and Eileen VanCleave open up about the deeply human experience of compassion fatigue. We explore what it is, why acknowledging it matters, and how it affects survivors, caregivers, and those in helping roles. Janna and Eileen offer heartfelt insights on self-care, forgiveness, and the power of sharing the load. This candid conversation is a powerful reminder that stepping back is not a weakness—it’s a sometimes necessary act of strength. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Denny hails from Louisville, KY, and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2022. Following treatment and surgery, he is now living life beyond cancer. Denny attended Epic Experience in March 2023, and it became a turning point — inspiring him to pay it forward by becoming a camp volunteer and supporting fellow survivors on their own journeys. A passionate advocate for the mental health side of cancer survivorship, Denny openly shares his story to bring hope and healing to others facing similar battles. Denny is married and the proud father of two boys. A former college baseball player at the University of Louisville, he stands 6’8” tall — hence the nickname “Stretch.” He’s a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds and all things UofL athletics. We’re thrilled to welcome Denny as our Director of Programs and Alumni Engagement at Epic Experience!

Mark Hanson is a multiple myeloma survivor whose journey is one of resilience, struggle, and ultimately, renewal. While he was deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his family and medical team during treatment, the true challenge came afterward—adjusting back to “real life.” Like many men, Mark suffered in silence, feeling like "damaged goods" until his wife helped him recognize he was battling depression. Determined to not let cancer define his entire story, he sought support and discovered healing through Epic Experience’s adventure camp. Now, Mark is sharing his story to inspire and uplift others, offering a message of hope to those facing the emotional and mental challenges of cancer survivorship—especially men who may feel alone in their struggles. His journey is proof that life beyond cancer is not just possible, but meaningful. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Despite experiencing trauma as a teenager and young adult, and being diagnosed with ovarian and uterine cancer in 2016—followed by breast cancer seven years later—Christen Clifford found her path to self-love and acceptance. During a time when she felt she had lost so much, she later realized that cancer had given her the gift of finding herself. She shares her transformational journey with us in this compelling episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org