When Chris Brewer was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in 1996 he met another young cancer survivor named Lance Armstrong. Armstrong and Chris shared a passion for cycling and helping people. When Armstrong started the LIVESTRONG foundation he didn't think it would be the definitive place for cancer survivors to go to for support. Find out more abo…

When Rachel Pappas was diagnosed with breast cancer she wanted to create a website that focuses on the positive aspects of cancer. She created 1UpOnCancer that does just that. We also talk about her battle with bi-polar disorder and her upcoming book Hopping Rollercoasters. The Cancer Warrior - September 16 2011- Rachel Pappas "One Up On Cancer"…

Comedianne Michelle Ryan is Mel's guest on this weeks show. She is very funny and author of the book "Floor it, Road Trips down the humor Highway." Proceeds from the book will benefit ovarian cancer organizations worldwide. Join us this week as she talks about how ovarian cancer has touched her life and what comedy love is. The Cancer Warrior Show…

When Steve Mazan found out he had incurable liver cancer he decided to pursue his dream of performing stand up comedy on The David Letterman Show. Mel sits down with this hilarious comedian and finds out why David Letterman and more about his documentary he made pursuing his dream Dying to do Letterman. http://www.empowerradio.net/podcasts/cancersu…

Mel sits down with "Momcologist" Mindy Finch of 46 Mommas. Her son Gregory was only 3 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Juvenile Mylo Monocytic Leukemia, wanting to help other parents with kids with cancer she joined 46 mommas, a group that was well publicized on last years Stand Up 2 Cancer telecast. This year a new set of 46…

Mel sits down with Adana Barbieri,a cancer survivor and one of the initiators of the Courageous Living, Fearless Women retreat at the Shambala Mountain Center in Colorado. It is a 5 day retreat focusing support as well as physical, spiritual and emotional healing. Shambala is also giving away 2 spots to this retreat and there are only a few days le…

Mel sits down with Alana Brody, VP of Social Media for Cancer Connect, a free online support website for survivors and caregivers. Mel is a moderator in the survivorship community and talks about how cancer connect has helped her as well has helped her connect with other survivors. You can also find out about how you can connect live with world ren…

Cruising for the Cure is a classic wooden boat show that benefits pancreatic cancer research. Mel sits down with Rick Thie of Cruising for the Cure and talks about his mom Jane Thie, the inspiration for the boat show and the Jane H. Thie Memorial fund. Mel is on the board of directors of Cruising for the Cure, and is a fan of wooden boats, so being…

When Eric Naughton was diagnosed with cancer at age 38 one thing kept him going: Hockey. Eric followed his favorite team The Pittsburgh Penguins during the hockey season. On his 40th birthday he decided to learn how to skate and play hockey and film a documentary of his story. Eric and I obviously have a lot in common. Find out more about this insp…

It is hard to stay positive when you are battling cancer, let alone surviving 4 cancers. Tim Mayer is a four time cancer survivor and he shares his tips for staying positive in the face of cancer and during survivorship. Find out more about Tim on his blog. http://www.empowerradio.net/podcasts/cancer_survivor_fourtimecancersurvivortimmayer_061711.m…

I love watching the Olympics. Especially the swimming events. I recall seeing my guest Eric Shanteau find out he had testicular cancer during the 2008 Bejing Olympics and he still competed! Eric talks about the Olympics, his cancer, his involvement with the Livestrong Foundation and his event in October Eric Shanteau's Swim for Life, where you can …

Mel sits down with her friend Angella Hamilton of Inner Tough Girls. Angella is a breast cancer survivor and pilates instructor. We talk about how important exercise, or just simply getting out and moving is important before, during and after treatment. We also talk about Angella's new DVD Tough Girls Guide to Life after Cancer: Movement Heals, and…

Jason Sissel of "Endure To Cure" returns to talk to The Cancer Warrior and fill her in on what has been going on with Endure to Cure. Jason just completed The Marathon Des Sables, a 150 mile run across the Sahara Desert, where he raised $7000 to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. Find out more about one of my favorite organizations and how you …

This is the question that no cancer survivor wants to ask themselves: Would you choose quality of life over quantity? Sarah Feather, a survivor who has been battling ovarian cancer on and off since 2006 had to make that decision. When her cancer spread to her lungs, she decided to forgo treatment and spend her remaining days being at home close to …

Wouldn't you like to help cancer survivors everywhere? Here is your chance. Bike4breastcancer ride in Northern Michigan is seeking recipes for their cookbook A leep of Faith. Mel talks to coordinator Sue Morris about the cookbook, how you can include your recipes in it, and how you can start your own ride in your state. Just think, your recipes cou…

How many adult cancer survivors can say they found out they had cancer from their own mom? Owen Applequist did. His mom is a physician. Owen was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma when he was 26. Not letting that stop him he kept working and staying active. 15 months later he was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma. Owen had already planned to climb…

When Danielle Leach lost her 5 year old son Mason to brain cancer she turned greif into action. She founded the Mason Leach Superstar Fund to benefit Children's National Medical Center, to encourage and empower patients to recognize their inner strength and feel like a superstar. She is also the director of partnerships at Inspire, an organization …

When Joanna Isbill was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 2 years ago at the age of 24 she couldn't find any other thyroid cancer survivors her own age, let alone information about the disease. She was fortunate to find Dear Thyroid founded by Katie Schwartz who has graves disease, another thyroid auto immune disease. Now Joanna is one of the main blogg…

Ann Fonfa was diagnosed with breast cancer 19 years ago. Because of her severe allergic reactions to chemicals she opted not to do chemo and radiation, but instead tried a variety of complementary therapies. Although she had several recurring tumors on her chest wall during the 8 years she battled cancer from 1993-2001 she continued to use compleme…

Jonny Imerman was 26 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. While he was going through treatment he sought out other young adult survivors. Unable to find any he founded Imerman Angels, a one on one cancer support group that matches a person touched by or battling cancer with another person affected by the same type of cancer. Jonny started …

Sean Swarner was your typical 13-year-old when he was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. He was diagnosed again when he was 16 and given 2 weeks to live. He spent all of age 16 in a medically induced coma during his round the clock chemo treatment. After he was declared cancer free he decided that no challenge would be too great. Beating the…

When Scott Seaman was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma little did he realize how much of an impact he and his wife Charlene McMann-Seaman would make in the cancer community. Both are tireless advocates, they have raised millions of dollars for lymphoma research, written the book "Battling and Beating Cancer - The Cancer Survival Book", and are …