Beyond The Clinic: Living Well With Melanoma AIM at Melanoma Foundation

Surviving cancer or finishing treatment often leaves survivors feeling elated, as if they've conquered the world. However, there's also a profound, more vulnerable emotion that many experience: the fear of recurrence, or the dread of cancer returning.



Although it's a common fear among survivors, dealing with this fear can be challenging. It poses a significant obstacle, particularly when all you desire is to progress and live your life.



To learn more about fear of recurrence and how to manage it, we tapped an expert at Banner Health, Dr. Rena Szabo, PsyD as our guest for this episode.



Dr. Szabo works at the intersection of psychology and medicine. Dr. Szabo specializes in exploring the biological, psychological, cultural, societal, spiritual, and environmental factors of life and how each of these affects physical health and quality of life. Her use of evidence-based practices within an integrative oncology setting allows her to provide holistic, person-centered care.



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In today’s episode, we're talking about a profoundly touching topic—caring for someone with melanoma. Today, we're discussing the roles, challenges, and triumphs of those who stand by their loved ones in the fight against melanoma—caregivers. They are the unsung heroes who provide the support and strength needed to face each day anew.

Our guests:

Sue Capozzi: Sue has devotedly served as a caregiver for her husband, John, who, despite his current stability, was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in 2019, which progressed to Stage IV the following year. Throughout his challenging treatment journey, John has faced numerous hurdles but is currently doing well.

Now retired, Sue and John reside in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, a stone's throw away from the beach. They cherish their time sailing, kayaking, and enjoying moments with their dog, always mindful to apply copious amounts of sunscreen. The couple enjoys the company of their married son, a granddaughter, and eagerly await the arrival of another grandchild in the spring of 2024.

Driven by the importance of melanoma education, Sue became a Peer Connect mentor in 2022. In this short span, she has provided guidance to several caregivers, finding deep fulfillment in offering support. Sue hopes to extend the same level of support and understanding she has received, contributing positively to the lives of others on their melanoma journeys.

Nancy Earle: Nancy devoted herself as a caregiver to her son, Will, following his Stage III melanoma diagnosis in 2016, which escalated to Stage IV within the same year. She took a two-year hiatus from her career to support him daily through his illness and treatment. Together, they navigated the complex landscape of medical opinions, trials, and treatment centers. On March 4, 2018, Nancy and her family bid a heartfelt farewell to Will.

Before retiring, Nancy had a dynamic career as a lawyer and event producer. Now, she relishes her retirement in Bellport Village, New York, alongside her husband. They take joy in their three surviving sons, their partners, and their grandchildren. Driven by a desire to honor Will's altruistic spirit, Nancy engages with several organizations. She serves on the advisory board of INTERSOS, a Rome-based international NGO, working to raise awareness of its humanitarian programs. Locally, she contributes to the environmental committee and has begun writing a book chronicling Will's courageous battle over his final two years.

In 2021, Nancy became a Peer Connect mentor, driven by the critical need for melanoma awareness. She supports caregivers, some fortunate to have loved ones in remission and others mourning their loss. Offering a beacon of information and comfort is crucial for caregivers, who often grapple with fear and emotional turmoil. Nancy provides a compassionate ear and guidance to help them take the next step forward.



Contact & Follow Us:


Website: AIMatMelanoma.org
Twitter: @AIMatMelanoma
Instagram: @AIMatMelanoma
Facebook: @AIMatMelanoma
Email: Engageus@AIMatMelanoma.org



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Ever wondered how animals can make a huge difference in people's lives? 🐶🐱 In this podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of animal-assisted therapy and explore its incredible benefits for both physical and mental well-being. From calming anxiety to promoting social interaction, animals undeniably impact human happiness and healing. 🌟

Join us as we unveil heartwarming stories and scientific insights about the transformative power of furry companions.



About our guest:
DR. AUBREY H. FINE

Dr. Fine received his graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1982 and has been on the faculty at California State Polytechnic University since 1981. His leadership among faculty and teaching excellence earned him the prestigious Wang Award in 2001,  given to a distinguished professor within the California State University system (23 Universities), in this instance, for exceptional commitment, dedication, and exemplary contributions within the areas of education and applied sciences. Dr. Fine is a licensed psychologist who opened his practice in Southern California in 1987. His practice specializes in treating children with ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, and parent-child relations.


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Writing has been medicine for Nancy Slonim Aronie. At nine months old, her son Dan was diagnosed with diabetes. Then, at twenty-two, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During the years she and her husband took care of Dan, and when he died at age thirty-eight, Aronie could not find the book she needed. So she wrote her memoir.

In teaching memoir writing, Aronie has found that everyone has a story to tell and that telling it is important. Sharing “this is who I am, these are the things that shaped me, this is where I am now” allows a kind of magic and healing to happen. In this podcast she shares how to write through where YOU have been and experience deep understanding, profound healing, and even unexpected joy.



About Our Guest:

Nancy Slonim Aronie has been a commentator for National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. She was a Visiting Writer at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, wrote a monthly column in McCall’s magazine and was the recipient of the Eye of The Beholder Artist in Residence award at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Nancy won teacher of the year award for all three years she taught at Harvard University for Robert Coles.


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Join us as we dive deep into the emotional path of survivorship. Dr. Liu sat down with Samantha Siegel, MD, a relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma patient, to discuss her walk as a physician, caregiver, cancer patient, mom, and wife. This powerful podcast episode explores the highs, lows, and everything in between. Dr. Sam shares her inspiring story of resilience, hope, and healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking strength and support on their own survivorship path.



Our Guest:

Samantha Siegel, MD, Physician. Cancer/BMT Crusher. Survivorship Advocate and Integrative Medicine Enthusiast. Addressing resilience and burnout in healthcare through storytelling.
Primary care doctor, 2X cancer survivor including BMT, survivorship physician, cancer advocate/activist, speaker, connector, student of integrative medicine.







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In 2010, Mary Elizabeth Williams was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The following year, she was offered the opportunity to participate in a Phase 1 immunotherapy clinical trial. She wrote about that experience in A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles: A True Story of Love, Science, and Cancer. In this episode, Mary Elizabeth shares her story and insights into her journey as a clinical trial participant. Williams says she was in a place of desperate and deep panic, but she remembers having a conversation with someone who said, "This doesn't have to be your last resort. This can be our first resort for you." That perspective-changing conversation began her belief in the special relationship between hope and science.



About our guest, Mary Elizabeth Williams

Mary Elizabeth Williams is a metastatic melanoma survivor, clinical trial veteran, and the author of "A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles: A True Story of Love, Science, and Cancer." She has written for the LA Times, the Guardian, Health, and other publications. In 2021, her New York Times essay was adapted for the second season of Amazon Prime's "Modern Love." She has spoken for ASCO, PRIM&R, Bristol Meyers Squibb, DIA, and is the 2020 AMWA Walter Alvarez Award winner. She is currently a doctoral student of Medical Humanities at Drew University, where she recently completed her conflict resolution certification.


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