Roberta Lombardi and Infinite Strength
Roberta Lombardi wanted to do something for the Connecticut moms and kids with breast cancer, but that *something* quickly morphed into a nonprofit effort to help break through barriers in the lives of moms with MBC. Laser focused on single moms with kids under 19 living at home and financial need, Roberta took her nonprofit (she calls it her fourth child) nationwide in mid-2023 and is already serving women in 27 states. While providing 6 months of financial support to approved applicants remains the core of Infinite Strength, Roberta has added to the support through one-day local (Connecticut) mom-and-kid retreats, in-person and online panels with some of the best experts in cancer care, a 2024 MBC conference, and a groundbreaking effort to change the picture through the Connecticut Coalition of Oncologists. This is a woman who does not sit still and we are so lucky to have her as an ally for people living with MBC. This episode may inspire *you* to get out there and do something!
Newly Diagnosed with MBC: Tests, Terms, & Tips with Dr. Rebecca Shatsky
Being diagnosed with MBC can feel like you’ve been dropped into a dangerous and alien landscape, one whose inhabitants speak a new and confusing language. Numb and bewildered, you face a mountain of medical decisions—each with seemingly high stakes. The last in Our MBC Life’s 3-part series for people newly diagnosed with MBC, this episode's interview with Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, interspersed with experienced-patient voices, sheds light on cancer types, tests, and treatment—and empowers listeners to navigate this challenging new terrain with understanding, knowledge, and confidence.
Newly Diagnosed & Trailblazing: An Interview with Michelle Anderson-Benjamin
In this episode, Our MBC Life sits down with patient and advocate Michelle Anderson-Benjamin, founder of The Fearless Warrior Project. During the pandemic, Michelle was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and then with metastatic breast cancer shortly after she completed initial treatment. An experienced healthcare professional, a mom of two kids, and a wife who poured all her energy into others, Michelle says the diagnosis of MBC put a "battery in her back" to refocus attention on herself. This candid conversation has a lot to offer those newly diagnosed with MBC, and will inspire all of us.
Newly Diagnosed with MBC: Keeping Your Balance on the Emotional Rollercoaster
Hearing the words “you have metastatic breast cancer” is devastating. Whether your diagnosis comes de novo or months, years, or even decades after treatment for early-stage breast cancer, there is no way to prepare for the terror, anger, despair, and sense of freefall that follows. You’ll hear from oncology social worker Lisa Nelson and a candid group of patients on the challenges of processing the diagnosis.
MBC Advocacy: Finding Purpose in Adversity
After a Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) diagnosis, patients and the people around them are often left reeling and looking around to figure out how to make some sort of meaning from the trauma. The guests and representatives from LBBC and METAvivor on this episode share how finding purpose in the midst of adversity has helped them to truly LIVE with MBC. Don’t forget to listen all the way to the end as guest producer, Abigail Johnston, has some specific calls to action to share!
Advocacy from a Legislator’s Perspective - Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz shares with us the power of the patient advocate voice and the impact of personal stories. She talks about how her own experience with breast cancer has shaped her approach to issues related to healthcare. We are so thrilled to get a legislator’s perspective as we explore Our MBC Life.
Policy and the Power of Patient Advocacy
“I see so much in the metastatic community this idea of just paying it forward, this idea of, yeah, this might not actually help me right now, but I'm still going to bring it up and I'm still going to advocate for it because it will help somebody else.” This is the story about the power of advocacy. Meet some of the individuals and organizations who are advocating for metastatic breast cancer every day wherever the work takes them.
GRASP: Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships
Co-host Natalia Green finds out how Christine Hodgdon and Julia Maués, co-founders of GRASP (Guiding Researchers and Advocates to Scientific Partnerships) saw an opportunity last year to bridge the gap between researchers and MBC advocates in the pursuit of better research connections.
Working while Living with MBC
Working while Living with MBC. A panel of MBC patients share their experiences working while living with MBC and we talk to an Alison Greenberg, an employment lawyer about what’s important when communicating your diagnosis at work.
Carol Evans, CEO and Executive Director, joins us to talk about her vision for SHARE’s future, how the metastatic community has changed how she thinks about breast cancer and her trailblazing career in media. We also talk about coping with COVID and cancer in the workplace.
Re-release ~ Our Inaugural Podcast
Join us as we revisit our inaugural episode with Maimah Karmo of the Tigerlily Foundation. Hear about how Jersi Baker raised her voice asking “where are the people who look like me?” How the #InclusionPledge began and an update on the first six months. We’ll have more on the pledge when we air a new podcast with Maimah later this month.
Just Gotta SHARE - Trailblazer
After her TNBC early stage diagnosis our October Trailblazer, Tiah Tomlin, wanted to be a part of the solution. Hear how she did that with her non-profit organization which is “dedicated to providing a cancer educational program and hands-on supportive services to build confidence in people of all ages, leading to a better quality of life.”
Male Breast Cancer & Remembering Ryan Keith
Kate Keith and Michael Singer share their experiences with male breast cancer. Kate shares personal stories about her husband Ryan who died earlier this year from metastatic breast cancer.
Mets Monday Advocate Spotlight on Katherine O’Brien
Kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Katherine O’Brien, a leading force in MBC advocacy. In her interview with Lisa Laudico she talks about the continuing lack of MBC awareness and the MBCA’s new Here ALL Year initiative launching this month.
Dept. of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program
Dr. Gayle Vaday, Program Manager of the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs focused on Breast Cancer (BCRP), joins co-hosts Sheila McGlown and Lisa Laudico for a conversation about MBC funding and research and how the funds are distributed. In addition, Sheila McGlown talks about her experience as a consumer reviewer at DoD and her special connection to this critical research funder.
Voices challenging racial disparities in MBC and healthcare
In this episode, our conversation with two women, Jersi Baker and Maimah Karmo who are using their voice to ask questions, challenge norms, and demand a change to who is sitting at the table and striving to create racial equity in the MBC and BC community.