Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful Melissa Berry

If you’re a breast cancer patient or caregiver seeking a one-stop-shopping resource, then look no further! Meet my friend Virginia Carnesale, founder and CEO of Stage. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, Virginia realized there was a significant lack of products designed to help cancer patients look and feel their best. 
In 2022, she launched ShopStage.co, a mission-driven marketplace offering everything from expert interviews to stylish, treatment-tested products. On ShopStage.co, you can find all kinds of breast cancer-related fashion, beauty, and lifestyle solutions all in one place. 
Join us as we dive into Virginia's inspiring story, explore the why behind her mission, discover how she finds and tests the products, and learn which ones are her favorites!
 

On National Clinical Trials Day, we're joined by my dear friend Ricki Fairley. She’s the founder of Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, and a 13-year triple-negative breast cancer survivor. 
Ricki shares her journey, highlighting disparities faced by Black women in breast cancer care. We discuss the vital need for inclusivity in clinical trials, stressing their importance for everyone.
 

As part of my special podcast series, “Your Voice. Your Health.” focusing on step therapy, we're joined by Maxine Miller, a dedicated advocate and Coordinator of Policy & Advocacy at Cancer Support Community. 
With a strong commitment to championing equity and access in healthcare, economics, and society, Maxine shares some advocacy efforts as well as groundbreaking research shedding light on the detrimental effects of step therapy protocols on patient health and well-being. Thank you to my sponsors Amgen, Merck and Daiichi-Sankyo for making this episode possible!
 

In this episode of "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful,”  I have the pleasure of introducing you to Y, the compassionate force behind the Women's Hair Loss Project. Join us as Y shares her personal journey through hair loss, shedding light on all of the emotional complexities that come with it. 
With 17 years of dedication to empowering women, Y offers invaluable insights into reclaiming femininity and confidence despite the challenges of hair loss. 
From practical advice on wig shopping to profound reflections on self-acceptance, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating similar experiences. Tune in as we celebrate beauty in and honor the resilience of the human spirit.
 

Meet my new friend Ali, the founder of Lost and Found Tattoo in Cranford, NJ. In this episode of "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful,” we’re going to delve into Ali's journey as a tattoo artist specializing in both illustrative designs as well as nipple and areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors.
Join us as we uncover Ali's passion for empowering women through her art and gain valuable insights into finding inspiration for meaningful tattoo designs.
Whether you're considering a nipple tattoo or seeking a meaningful post-mastectomy design, Ali's expertise and compassion shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone who’s considering either option.
 

Join me and Dr. David Charles, Chief Medical Officer of the Alliance for Patient Access and a distinguished neurologist, for a dynamic discussion. In this episode, Dr. Charles sheds light on step therapy, fail-first protocols, and care pathways, revealing their impact on patient care. Explore how the Alliance champions patient education and advocates for healthcare policy improvements. Tune in to delve into the intersection of patient advocacy and healthcare reform with Dr. Charles and the Alliance. Thank you to Amgen, Merck and Daiichi Sankyo for making this episode possible!