SARC Talk Rise to Face The Sun: The Patient Experience

SARC Trials
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine
  • Daily

The SARC Talk Patient Experience podcast highlights adolescents and young adults with sarcoma. Hosted by Daphne Edgren, Rise to Face the Sun shares real stories of diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and identity. Guests reflect on what helped them through the hardest moments and what they want others facing sarcoma to know. Whether newly diagnosed or years into survivorship, listeners are reminded they are not alone. For more information about SARC, please visit www.sarctrials.org.

Episodes

  1. Sep 25

    Terry Healey

    When a Tumor Tries to Take Your Face: Terry Healey on Surviving Sarcoma and Rebuilding Who You Are. In 1984, Terry Healey was a 20-year-old student at UC Berkeley when he noticed a small bump on his nose. It turned out to be fibrosarcoma. At the time, sarcoma centers were rare and there was no clear path for treatment. Terry went through months of misdiagnoses, waiting, and biopsies. Then a tumor board reviewed his case and presented a surgical plan he could hardly take in: he might lose half his nose, his right eye, part of his cheek, his palate, and several teeth. He tells us about the 11-hour surgery, radiation, radioactive seed implants, and 25 reconstructive procedures that came after. But he's clear that the cancer wasn't the hardest part. The hardest part was learning to live in a changed face and letting go of the hope that he could go back to the person he was before. A single conversation in Chicago finally made him face the scars no one could see. In this episode: Why rare cancers like sarcoma are so hard to catch early How a tumor board can change a treatment plan in one day Rebuilding confidence after disfiguring surgery How support groups, vulnerability, and empathy changed his recovery The daily habits Terry now teaches in The Resilience Mindset: gratitude, reflection, visualization, and choosing the right people around you This is a story about keeping going after the life you planned is gone, and building resilience one small, honest step at a time. For patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone rebuilding after a life-changing diagnosis.

  2. Jul 27

    Gianna Cericola

    When most people think cancer, they think about one tumor. Gianna didn’t have one. She had over 400. Gianna Cericola, a sarcoma survivor who faced over 400 tiny tumors and a years-long battle, opens up about the raw truth of her journey — from the shock of diagnosis and losing her hair, to the emotional weight of scars and the relentless rollercoaster of treatment. But her story isn't just about surviving. It's about redefining strength, embracing body positivity, and finding joy right in the middle of the chaos. You'll discover how Gianna faced down the fear of the unknown, endured the mental and physical toll of chemo and radiation, and held tight to an unshakable message of hope for anyone walking a similar path. We dig into the power of community, the importance of trusting your instincts, and why treating yourself with kindness is a vital part of healing — especially in a world that expects perfection. This episode is a reminder of something powerful: authentic stories create connection and spark awareness for rare cancers like desmoid sarcoma. Whether you're facing your own health challenge, searching for the fuel to keep fighting, or simply curious about what real resilience looks like — this one's for you. A passionate advocate and graphic designer from Philadelphia, Gianna is known for her honesty and infectious positivity, even in her darkest moments. Her story invites us all to find beauty in our scars, hope in despair, and strength in vulnerability. If you believe in the human spirit — or just need a reminder that hope always persists — press play. Join us for a heartfelt conversation full of courage, honesty, and a rallying call to spread awareness — because everyone deserves to know they are never alone in their fight. Ready to be inspired? Hit play and discover the extraordinary resilience of one woman's fight against one of the rarest sarcomas.

  3. Jul 20

    Julie Kramer

    Most people don't realize how relentless and unpredictable cancer can be—until it strikes. Julie Kramer was diagnosed with stage four synovial sarcoma at 23, facing a prognosis of just three months to live. Yet her resilient spirit, groundbreaking treatments, and unwavering hope turned her story into a powerful testament that survival is possible—and life is worth fighting for. In this candid episode, Julie shares her raw journey through diagnosis, brutal treatment cycles, and visceral moments of despair—and hope. She reveals how aggressive the disease was, growing to the size of a watermelon in just five months, and the incredible resilience it took to beat the odds. You'll discover how she navigated advanced chemo, surgical removal of parts of her lung and ribs, and proton radiation—all while battling physical pain, emotional trauma, and the fear of recurrence. We break down the essential lessons she learned about managing side effects, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of vulnerability. Julie discusses the vital role of mental resilience, the necessity of hope, and her unique approach to advocating for rare cancer awareness. She shares practical advice for newly diagnosed patients—what to pack, how to safeguard your mental health, and why hope is your greatest weapon. This episode isn't just about surviving—it's about redefining what it means to live after a life-altering diagnosis. Julie's story highlights the critical need for continued research, community support, and holistic care for rare cancers like synovial sarcoma. Her journey from a 23-year-old given three months to live to a mother fighting for her son's future is nothing short of inspiring. Perfect for anyone facing a serious health challenge, cancer survivors, medical professionals, or advocates in the rare disease space—this episode is a masterclass in resilience, hope, and community-powered healing. Prepare to be inspired by a story that proves even in the darkest moments, hope can light the way—and sometimes, life can surprise you with a second chance.

  4. Jul 6

    Alison Silberman

    Most people don’t realize how different and isolating a cancer diagnosis can be for young adults. Combining honesty, humor, and profound insight, Alison Silberman shares her heartfelt journey of caring for her brother Bobby, a 24-year-old diagnosed with stage four Ewing sarcoma. Her story reveals the raw realities of navigating rare cancers in young adulthood and the unexpected ways it shapes advocacy, community, and hope. In this episode, Alison takes us through Bobby’s vibrant personality—his humor, resilience, and sharp wit—and how those traits persisted through grueling treatments.  You'll discover the critical gaps in care and awareness for AYAs with sarcoma in 2006, an era with fewer treatment options and less tailored support. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of young adulthood disrupted by cancer, from initial symptoms to hospice, and the ways her brother’s optimism changed her view on illness and death.  We break down the progress made since then: how research, community support, and policy are finally beginning to address the unique needs of AYAs. Alison discusses her role at Stupid Cancer—an organization born from her personal experience—with efforts to unify young patients, empower caregivers, and advocate for targeted healthcare policies. Alison’s honest reflections highlight that even in the face of heartbreaking loss, humor, community, and advocacy can forge a brighter future.  Alison Silberman, CEO of Stupid Cancer, is a passionate advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting young adults with cancer. Her personal journey caring for her brother Bobby fuels her dedication to transform how we understand and serve this overlooked community. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, healthcare professional, or curious supporter, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical insights to help rebuild connection, foster resilience, and ensure no young adult faces cancer alone.

  5. Jun 29

    Valerie Stevenson

    The truth about young adults with rare sarcomas — it’s not what you think Ever wonder what it’s like to face a cancer that almost nobody knows about?Josh was thriving — just starting his career as a dentist — when suddenly, his world turned upside down. Diagnosed with a rare, aggressive sarcoma at just 33, he’s been fighting for more than two years with relentless chemo, surgeries, and radiation.  And the truth? Treatment hasn’t changed much in decades, and research is still painfully limited. What stood out most was the silence around sarcoma — so rare, so misunderstood, yet devastatingly impactful for young people in the prime of their lives. It’s a reminder that we need more awareness, more global collaboration, and better support systems. If you’re a parent, a friend, or just someone who wants to understand rare cancer better, this episode is for you. What’s one thing you think should change in rare cancer care?  Share below.

  6. Jun 22

    Julie-Anne Jean-Pierre

    In this inspiring episode, Daphne Edgren chats with the vibrant Julie-Anne Jean-Pierre, who shares her triumphant journey through sarcoma, a rare cancer. Julie-Anne opens up about her initial challenges in getting diagnosed and how she turned adversity into a story of resilience and hope. With a positive outlook and the unwavering support of friends and family, she navigated her treatment with courage and determination. Julie-Anne's story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and community. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt letter she wrote to herself, filled with optimism and encouragement for anyone facing tough times.

  7. Jun 9

    McKenna Avery

    Most cancer journeys take unexpected turns, and for McKenna Avery, they led to a discovery that changed everything: a rare sarcoma that nearly went unnoticed. Her story is a powerful testament to intuition, personalized care, and how unconventional healing practices can complement traditional treatment to create a truly holistic approach. If you're facing a life-altering diagnosis or seeking new ways to empower your health, this episode will open your eyes to possibilities you may never have considered. McKenna's remarkable journey begins with a mysterious leg swelling and blood clots, which eventually reveal a stage 3 synovial sarcoma — a diagnosis that struck her at just 23. She shares her raw, firsthand experience of navigating delay, misdiagnosis, and the emotional rollercoaster of fighting for expert care. Her story uncovers the importance of seeking specialized treatment alongside embracing integrative approaches, from proton radiation therapy to meditation, EMDR, and even paranormal encounters.

  8. May 29

    Sabina Ghebremedhin

    This episode brings Sabina Ghebremedhin into conversation about her daughter, Natasha Allen, the creator and advocate behind who shook the sarcoma community with her unmatched radiance. Across five years of experiencing synovial sarcoma, Natasha built an extraordinary community of more than 220,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram with work that was funny, candid, and refused the tired scripts handed to young people with cancer. She was a founding member of the Sarcoma Foundation of America's Adolescent and Young Adult Committee, the inaugural guest on its Sarcoma Stories podcast, and helped design a mentorship program for young patients that launched in her name after her death. Now, her mother is here with us to continue spreading her light. In this conversation, Sabina speaks as Natasha's mother and primary caregiver about the diagnostic delays so common for young adults with rare cancers, the texture of caregiving across years of treatment, and what it means to carry her daughter's work forward. She talks about the research fund established in Natasha's name, “Natasha Allen Research Fund,” about Natasha being honored at CancerCon 2026 (the conference where she had been scheduled to give the opening keynote the morning she passed away,) and the messages that continue to arrive daily from followers whose lives Natasha touched. What comes through this episode is a mother actively carrying her daughter's light by keeping Natasha's voice present in the rooms she helped build and pushing the conversation about rare cancers and AYA patients further than it has yet been pushed. Get ready to be moved by the kind of love that lives beyond death. May Natasha rest in power: November 21, 1996 – August 22, 2025.

  9. May 29

    Eli Galloway

    Most cancers can feel like a death sentence — unless you're Eli Galloway. Facing synovial sarcoma for the second time, Eli shares an intimate journey from misdiagnosis to recurrence, navigating a rare disease with strength, humor, and unwavering hope. His story uncovers the hidden realities of living with cancer young and the relentless work of staying ahead of disease in an era of new therapies. In this candid conversation, Eli breaks down how the disease first snuck up on him, why early symptoms are nearly invisible, and what it takes to face a cancer most people have never heard of. He walks through the realities of chemotherapy, the decision to amputate, and the mental work of rebuilding after losing a leg. We also dig into his experience with engineered T-cell therapy and how he stays steady in the face of uncertainty. You'll hear how rare cancers can hide behind small bumps and easily dismissed symptoms, the emotional terrain of recurrence, and what's kept Eli grounded: community, online support, and a fighting spirit that has carried him through. Eli is a construction worker at Tesla's Gigafactory, a sarcoma survivor, and an advocate for cancer awareness. His story highlights the urgent need for more research, better treatments, and a community that lifts each other up in the face of the unimaginable. Get ready to be inspired by resilience, innovation, and the unbreakable human spirit.

  • 9 Episodes

About

The SARC Talk Patient Experience podcast highlights adolescents and young adults with sarcoma. Hosted by Daphne Edgren, Rise to Face the Sun shares real stories of diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and identity. Guests reflect on what helped them through the hardest moments and what they want others facing sarcoma to know. Whether newly diagnosed or years into survivorship, listeners are reminded they are not alone. For more information about SARC, please visit www.sarctrials.org.

Information