In this powerful episode of the Healing Pen and a Mic companion podcast, host Talaya Dendy sits down with Lisa Beckendorf, a celebrated cancer survivor and patient advocate.

Lisa shares her personal journey through multiple cancer diagnoses and the pivotal moment she transitioned from a career in commercial real estate to full-time advocacy. Initially asking, "Why me?", she realized her experience was a powerful way to give back to the cancer community.

This conversation dives into the transformative impact of journaling and storytelling in the healing process. Lisa highlights how the practice, central to the Healing Pen and a Mic Workshop offers emotional release, fosters deep community connections, and is a critical tool for personal growth.

Whether you are navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or seeking to turn your personal story into powerful action, this episode offers invaluable insights on finding solace, strength, and purpose through writing and community.

Support Our Mission / Partner With Us:

• Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you!

• Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community.

For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com.

💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible!

✨Episode Highlights:

01:44 Lisa's Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy

04:49 The Healing Power of Journaling and Storytelling

09:15 Observations and Impact from the Healing Pen Workshop

12:21 Advice for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers

15:07 Lisa's Role in Advocacy and Research (ECOG-ACRIN, MNCCTN)

Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen4

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/nctnewsletter and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a life-changing conversation.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this powerful and heart-centered episode, Talaya Dendy welcomes Jennifer Schultz, a four-time melanoma survivor, university professor of public speaking, and passionate advocate.

Recorded live during The Healing Pen and a Mic Journaling Workshop at the Mali Center in St. Paul, Jenn shares the intimate reality of her 10-year battle with recurrent cancer and her journey into survivorship. Drawing from her personal experience and professional expertise, Jenn offers hope, discussing how she found safety, community, and solace not only through support groups but also by harnessing the transformative impact of journaling.

Tune in for Jenn's inspiring story and her dedication to educating and empowering cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. This episode is filled with invaluable life lessons and a strong sense of community.

Support Our Mission / Partner With Us:

• Bring Healing to Your Community: Interested in hosting The Healing Pen and a Mic workshop in your city or organization? We'd love to partner with you!

• Sponsor Future Workshops: Help us continue offering these much-needed, workshops to the cancer community.

For partnership or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com.

💜Thank you to the St. Paul chapter of the Awesome Foundation for sponsoring this episode and the Healing Pen and a Mic workshop. Your support makes this life-changing work possible!

✨Episode Highlights:

01:13 Recurrent Melanoma: Jenn’s 10-Year Journey and Diagnosis

04:15 Solace: Support, Community & Healing

07:16 Journaling: Transformative Writing Impact

08:53 Bravely Becoming: Insights into Jenn’s Book and Upcoming Project

10:35 Community Connection: Impact of the Workshop and Final Thoughts

Transcript: https://bit.ly/healingpen_3

Connect & Engage with Jenn:

Website: https://jennpatrice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenn_patrice/ https://www.instagram.com/thenextchapterwithjenn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferpschultz/

Book: Bravely Becoming: Overcoming Grief and Loss to Find Yourself Again, https://a.co/d/dTLjuwR

Subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/nctnewsletter and follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a life-changing conversation.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join host Talaya Dendy on Navigating Cancer TOGETHER for another inspiring conversation with the truly remarkable Wenora Johnson.

Wenora is a three-time cancer survivor (colorectal, endometrial, and basal cell carcinoma) and a passionate patient and research advocate. In this episode, she shares her incredible, decades-long journey and how her background in the Navy instilled the grit and discipline she needed to face these health challenges.

What You'll Learn:

• Lynch Syndrome & Genetic Testing: Wenora discusses the pivotal role that genetic testing and the discovery of Lynch syndrome played in her early detection and survival. This segment is a must-listen for anyone considering testing.

• The Power of Policy Change: Hear about Wenora's dedicated work in patient advocacy, including her efforts to push for policy changes that would lower the recommended age for initial colonoscopies.

• Self-Advocacy & Resilience: Get real-world advice on how to stand up for yourself in the healthcare system and how Wenora harnessed her inner resilience to overcome multiple diagnoses.

• Caregiving Insights: The conversation touches on the often-overlooked challenges and realities faced by caregivers.

Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or simply looking for a story of extraordinary determination, Wenora's insights and message of hope are invaluable. Don't miss this episode!

✨Episode Highlights:

02:12 Meet Wenora Johnson: A Three-Time Survivor

06:22 The Impact of Lynch Syndrome on Her Journey

10:08 Why Genetic Testing Is So Important

16:04 Fighting for Change: Advocacy and Policy

33:00 Understanding Caregiving Challenges

36:19 Tips for Self-Advocacy and Building Resilience

43:19 Wenora's Final Thoughts and Resources (FORCE)

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript177

Resource: FORCE, https://www.facingourrisk.org/about-us

Inspired by Wenora's resilience? Start your journey with calm. Download your FREE Guided Meditation: "Calming Your Mind After a Cancer Diagnosis." Get inner peace now! https://www.ontheotherside.life/guidedmeditation

🔺Let us know what you think about this episode on our private Fanlist page. https://fanlist.com/nctpodcast

If Wenora's story and tips resonated with you, or you know someone else who needs to hear this important conversation, please share this episode! Your share can make a huge difference!💜

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. Thank you for your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.