Hosted by Blood Cancer United · EN
Samuel Brotkin, PhD, Chelsea Kaye, LCSW and Elissa Baldwin Recorded onsite at CancerCon®, a young adult cancer conference presented by Stupid Cancer®, we talk about what resilience really means after a cancer diagnosis, and why it’s not about always being “strong.” Join us alongside Sam Brotkin, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Bull City Behavioral Health and Chelsea Kaye, LCSW, an Information Specialist at Blood Cancer United. In this episode, we share compassionate, practical strategies for building lifelong resilience. Learn how to manage expectations, find trusted support, and give yourself grace exactly where you are today. Although this discussion comes from a young adult cancer conference, the insights shared are relevant across all ages and experiences. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Information Specialists Young Adult Resources Young Adult Online Chat Bobby’s Coaches Stupid Cancer The Bloodline Live: Emphasizing the Patient Voice in Young Adult Cancer Care – featuring Dr. Abby Rosenberg Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: Financial support Free Nutrition Consultations Clinical Trial Support Center Free telephone/web patient programs SHARE web series Online videos Free booklets Patient Community Support groups Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Survivorship Workbook Advocacy and Public Policy Mental Health Resources Episode supported by Merck & Co., Inc. The post The Bloodline Live!: Redefining Resilience first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Chris Pagliarulo A cancer diagnosis in your 20s or 30s can raise questions most people never expect to face so early in life. In this episode, we speak with Chris Pagliarulo, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 29, about the medical, emotional, and practical realities of cancer during early adulthood. We explore issues that are especially relevant for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, including delayed diagnosis, fertility preservation, treatment side effects, career disruption, relationships, and finding connection with others who understand. While this conversation highlights experiences unique to AYAs, patients and caregivers of all ages may hear pieces of their own experience reflected in what Chris shares. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Young Adult Resources Hodgkin lymphoma Fertility and family planning resources Patti Robinson Kauffman First Connection® Light The Night Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: Information Specialists Financial support Online Chat Free Nutrition Consultations Free telephone/web patient programs Free booklets Clinical Trial Support Center Support groups Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Survivorship Workbook Advocacy and Public Policy Patient Community Mental Health Resources The post A Young Adult Story: Cancer, Connection, and Life After Treatment first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Ann Grace MacMullan, C-IAYT In this episode, we sit down with Ann Grace MacMullan, Director of Integrative Wellness at the International Waldenstrӧm’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), to explore how wellness can become a powerful part of life after a cancer diagnosis. Ann Grace shares practical, calming techniques, including breathing exercises, “Bee’s Breath”, and guided meditation, that you can do anywhere to reduce stress and feel more grounded. We’ll also dive into what integrative wellness really means, why it matters for blood cancer patients, and how concepts like the “self-care sandwich” can help you start and end your day with intention. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Integrative oncology Palliative care How Do I Use Breathing To Manage Anxiety? IWMF wellness videos Integrative Oncology podcast episode International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF) Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Financial support Clinical Trial Support Center Online Chat Free telephone/web patient programs Free booklets Young Adult Resources Support groups Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Survivorship Workbook Advocacy and Public Policy Patient Community Mental Health Resources The post Hope Meets Healing: Simple Practices for Stress Relief first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
When cancer enters a family, it changes everything – routines, roles, and relationships. In this episode, we talk with Lindsey and Thomas Kealey about what it means to navigate cancer together as a care partner and patient. From unexpected diagnoses to months spent living in a hospital room, Lindsey shares how she balanced caregiving, work, and self-care while learning to hold space for difficult emotions. Together, they offer practical tips for caregivers, like creating healing spaces, communicating with care teams, and finding small moments of gratitude amid uncertainty. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that behind every patient is someone quietly carrying so much and they deserve to be seen too. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Additional LLS Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Free telephone/web patient programs Clinical Trial Support Center Write it Out Journal Advocacy and Public Policy Free booklets Financial support Young Adult Resources Support groups Survivorship Workbook Community Mental Health Resources The post Supporting the Supporter: Real Talk for Caregivers first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Bethany Lilly Choosing the right health insurance plan can make all the difference in protecting your health and finances. In this episode, Bethany Lilly, Executive Director of Public Policy at Blood Cancer United, discusses important updates to healthcare insurance enrollment for 2026. Bethany explains what patients and caregivers need to know about changes to the Healthcare Marketplace and Medicare, how to avoid falling into medical debt, and the resources available to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re reviewing employer coverage, Marketplace plans, or Medicare options, this episode will help you prepare with confidence. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Medical Debt Case Management (help choosing the right plan) How Do I? Insurance video series Healthcare.gov (Marketplace open enrollment) Medicare.gov (Medicare open enrollment) SHIP (State Health Insurance Plan) Get Involved: Renewing Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Advocacy and Public Policy State Marketplaces Open Enrollment Information Additional LLS Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Free telephone/web patient programs Clinical Trial Support Center Free booklets Financial support Young Adult Resources Support groups Survivorship Workbook Community Caregiver support Caregiver WorkbookMental Health Resources The post Health Coverage for 2026 and Protecting Yourself from Medical Debt first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Anand Jillella, MD In this episode of The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United, Elissa and guest co-host, Kristen Parker, speak with Dr. Anand Jillella, of Georgia Cancer Center. Together, they explore acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)—a rare but highly curable subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Jillella explains the rapid onset of APL, its hallmark signs and symptoms, and how targeted treatments have transformed outcomes for patients. Kristen, an APL survivor and Blood Cancer United Patient & Community Outreach Manager, also shares her personal perspective. Listeners will gain valuable insight into why APL stands apart as one of the most treatable forms of leukemia today. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) Differentiation syndrome SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program) database Additional LLS Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Free telephone/web patient programs Clinical Trial Support Center Advocacy and Public Policy Free booklets Financial support Young Adult Resources Support groups Survivorship Workbook Community Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Mental Health Resources The post Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): Advances, Hope, and Healing first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Dianne Callahan In this episode, we speak with Dianne Callahan, four-time cancer survivor, best-selling author, speaker, and patient advocate. Dianne shares her experiences with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer, stem cell transplant, and survivorship while highlighting the importance of advocacy, joy, and intention in life after diagnosis. From her work with fundraising campaigns to legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill, Dianne offers inspiring insights on resilience, hope, and the power of living intentionally. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Stem cell transplantation Allogeneic stem cell transplantation animated video NMDP (formerly Be The Match) Light The Night Visionaries of the Year Team In Training Advocacy and Public Policy Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Mental Health Resources Additional LLS Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Free telephone/web patient programs Free booklets LLS Clinical Trial Support Center Financial support Young Adult Resources Support groups Survivorship Workbook LLS Community Supported by Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group.The post Joy, Hope, and Healing Beyond a Cancer Diagnosis first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Julie Larson, LCSW Simantinee Roy, Matt Hunt, Alfredo Martinez, and Casey Kang The cancer experience isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. Join us for this special episode recorded onsite while filming our SHARE Project video series, exploring emotional well-being in cancer survivorship. Listen in as four blood cancer survivors share how their diagnoses impacted their mental health and what helped them cope. Key Opinion Leader, psychotherapist Julie Larson, LCSW, then joins us to discuss signs of emotional distress, the role of therapy, and how resilience and support can shape the healing journey. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: SHARE Project Video Series Young Adult Resources YAconnect: Young Adults Living with Blood Cancer Online Chat Mental Health Resources How Do I Use Breathing To Manage Anxiety Additional LLS Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Financial support Free telephone/web patient programs LLS Clinical Trial Support Center Advocacy and Public Policy Free booklets LLS Online Chat Support groups Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Survivorship Workbook LLS Community The post LIVE! At SHARE: Emotional Wellness in Survivorship first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Mary Wells In this episode, we speak with Mary Wells, who was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis in 2018, a rare blood cancer that falls under the umbrella of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Mary walks us through her journey, from the side effects and emotional toll of cancer to finding the right treatment that allowed her to reclaim her life. Mary shares the ups and downs of watch-and-wait periods, switching medications, and navigating side effects. Along the way, she advocated for her own care and partnered closely with her doctor, making shared decisions that ultimately led her to a treatment that works best for her. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Primary Myelofibrosis Shared Decision Making podcast episode MPN Online chats LLS Clinical Trial Support Center Advocacy and Public Policy Additional LLS Support Resources: Free Nutrition Consultations Information Specialists Financial support Free telephone/web patient programs Free booklets Young Adult Resources Support groups Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Survivorship Workbook LLS Community Mental Health Resources Supported by GSK plc.The post Choosing the Path Forward: Shared Decisions in Myelofibrosis Care first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
Join us as we speak with Ashlee and Michael Cramer, the mother-son duo behind the Michael and Mom Talk Cancer podcast. Diagnosed at 19 with a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma, Michael endured intense treatments while Ashlee became his full-time caregiver. Together, they turned their pain into purpose—creating a platform to support other young adults and caregivers navigating cancer. In this episode, they open up about diagnosis, survivorship, and the unbreakable bond that grew from their shared experience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding strength, hope, and beauty in life’s hardest moments. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Young Adult Resources Non-Hodgkin lymphoma booklet Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma Stem cell transplantation Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) Michael and Mom Talk Cancer podcast CancerCon® CureFest® CancerBuddy® Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Additional LLS Support Resources: Information Specialists Free Nutrition Consultations – LLS Nutrition Education Resources Center (NESC) LLS Clinical Trial Support Center Financial support Free telephone/web patient programs Free booklets Online chats Support groups Advocacy and Public Policy Survivorship Workbook LLS Community Mental Health Resources The post Unbreakable: A Mother & Son’s Fight Against Cancer first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.