The Support Report with b-present

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Jan 2025

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About the show

The b-present Foundation shares real stories from young adults and dives deep into how support changed their lives. We’ll explore their challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. We’re here to inspire, entertain, and empower you to create your own stories of support and presence for others within your community.

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38 recent

January 23, 202528 min

Legacy Planning: Create Your Own Closure Notebook with Heidi Currey

In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, we sit down with writer, speaker, and entrepreneur Heidi Currey. Heidi shares her deeply personal story as a caregiver for both her mother and father, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges she faced, especially when there wasn’t a clear plan for what they wanted after their passing. Despite her background in finance, Heidi found herself navigating an entirely new and overwhelming learning curve as she balanced caregiving for loved ones with cancer. This experience inspired her and her best friend to create First40, a “create your own closure” workbook designed to help families prepare for the unthinkable. First40 is a compassionate guide filled with prompts, questions, and activities to help you plan for what comes next after a diagnosis. It dives step-by-step into topics we often avoid or overlook, from documenting cherished stories to outlining how you want to be remembered. By breaking down these essential tasks into manageable steps, First40 transforms a daunting process into one that feels less overwhelming—and more empowering. Tune in to hear Heidi’s story and learn how First40 can help you and your loved ones navigate life’s most difficult moments with clarity and connection. Learn more at first40.net Create Your Own Closure Map Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation

January 10, 2025Episode 3844 min

Finding Humor in the ‘Crappiest’ Cancer Diagnosis with Lauren Ver Steeg

Meet Lauren, a young professional in New York City, who was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in October 2023. In this episode, Lauren opens up about her cancer experience and sharing how humor and a strong support system encouraged her along the way. She talks about why she named her tumor "Stu" and how humor became her key to staying sane. Lauren also reveals advice from her mentor that every cancer patient needs to hear, along with how her amazing support system of friends and family became her ultimate power source. Lauren’s story is a testament to the power of humor, resilience, and connection, proving that even in life’s “crappiest” moments, laughter and love can light the way. Follow @laurenvers on Instagram Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Follow @ohyouresotough for WTF Wednesday content Looking for a cancer bestie? Check out these resources: https://imermanangels.org/find-mentor-angel/ https://cancerwellness.com/resilientship/ https://youngsurvival.org/ https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/ Learn more about b-present Foundation.

September 26, 202439 min

Roadmap To Parenthood and Improving Cancer Survivorship with Clinical Psychologist Catherine Benedict

In this insightful discussion, clinical psychologist Catherine Benedict sheds light on the vital role of patient advocacy and the critical ways clinicians can provide better support during times of uncertainty. Drawing from her extensive experience in healthcare, Catherine highlights the gaps she’s observed in patient care—particularly when it comes to addressing fertility and family-building concerns for young adults after cancer treatment. One key focus is her groundbreaking clinical trial, "The Roadmap to Parenthood," which exposes the unmet needs of patients and the emotional challenges they face when navigating decisions about treatment and fertility. Catherine speaks passionately about empowering patients with the knowledge and resources they deserve, helping them advocate for their needs, and ensuring their voices are heard. Tune in to learn more about how Catherine is working to create a more supportive healthcare environment and the tools available to guide patients on their journey to parenthood and beyond. The Roadmap to Parenthood Study: https://roadmaptoparenthood.stanford.edu/ Follow @roadmaptoparenthood on Instagram Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org. Read the blog: Foods to Avoid While Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Guide for Supporters

April 18, 202446 min

Cultural Differences in Cancer Support with Harjeet Kaur

As a South Asian young adult diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Harjeet Kaur experienced firsthand the challenges of seeking and offering emotional support within a culture that often values emotional restraint. Despite the immense love and support from her family, she grappled with the silence surrounding cancer within her community, leaving her feeling isolated. Harjeet candidly shares her story in this episode, advocating for a shift toward open dialogue and the importance of support networks. Inspired by her own struggles, Harjeet established a supportive Facebook Group dedicated to providing a safe space for South Asians impacted by cancer – whether patients, caregivers, friends, or family. If you or someone you know could benefit from this group, join the community. Learn more about Harjeet Follow Harjeet on Instagram @hk_thriver Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation Read: 10 things not to say to cancer patients

March 22, 202438 min

Strength in Vulnerability with AYA Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Matthew Rosenblum

In this episode of The Support Report with b-present podcast, join co-hosts Chiara Riga and Justin Peters as Matthew Rosenblum shares his experience navigating the challenges of metastatic pancreatic cancer as a young adult. With raw honesty and profound resilience, Matthew opens up about his diagnosis, the trials of treatment, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. Through his story, we explore the strength found in vulnerability. Follow Matthew on Instagram Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation.

February 8, 202429 min

Transforming Cancer Support and the Birth of We Got This with Breast Cancer Thriver Elissa Kalver

In this episode of The Support Report with b-present, hosts Justin Peters and Chiara Riga chat with Elissa Kalver, a cancer thriver and the visionary behind the nonprofit We Got This. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at age 34, Elissa experience is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community support. Discover how facing cancer head-on led her to create the first-ever nonprofit gift registry for cancer patients, bridging the gap between wanting to help and knowing how to. Elissa shares the challenges of navigating life and treatment, the overwhelming support from friends and family, and her determination to make asking for and receiving help more accessible and less isolating for those facing cancer. _______________ Visit www.wegotthis.org Create a registry Follow We Got This on Instagram Contact: info@wegotthis.org Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation

December 21, 202325 min

Unveiling Wedding Dreams for Cancer Patients with Lacey Wicksall

Lacey Wicksall, the Executive Director at Wish Upon a Wedding, leads a compassionate non-profit organization dedicated to granting dream weddings and vow renewals for couples confronted with terminal illnesses or significant health challenges. They help couples alleviate the financial burden and time commitment of planning a wedding, focusing instead on dealing with their treatments and spending time with their loved ones. In our chat, Lacey shares moving stories about the people they've helped. We dive into the transformative power of love and commitment in the face of adversity and explore ways in which families and friends can offer meaningful support to their loved ones during such critical times. Visit wishuponawedding.org Apply for a wish Read about Steve and Shelly's Wish Contact Lacey: info@wishuponawedding.org Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation at b-present.org.

October 19, 202338 min

Strides and Struggles with Mindy Miller

In this candid conversation, Mindy Miller, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, opens up about her cancer experience and the intertwined challenges of fertility. As her running aspirations faced an unexpected hurdle with her diagnosis, the ebb and flow of support she received became a significant part of her story. Supporters often grapple with finding the right words, but Mindy says the power sometimes lies in a gentle presence beside a loved one dealing with cancer. Follow @msmindymiller Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation.

October 6, 202336 min

From Rage to Resilience with Megsie Chase

Megan-Claire Chase, aka Warrior Megsie, is a cancer survivor, speaker, and advocate. In this episode, Megsie opens up about her experience as a young adult with cancer. She shares the transformation it sparked in her life, blending her professional career with her personal experience as a patient. She also shares about her friends outside 'cancer land' and how her life is different now, shaped by the permanent side effects that remind her daily of her resilience. Megsie's story is about finding purpose beyond illness and doing it on her own terms, a message that resonates deeply with young adults facing unique challenges. More resources: Life on the Cancer Train Follow Megise on Instagram Follow Megsie on Twitter Follow @chiaravscancer Follow @justinleepeters Learn more about b-present Foundation

June 8, 202332 min

Unseen Scars: Trauma After Cancer with Melissa Miller

Melissa is a 13-year leukemia survivor. She was diagnosed as a young adult at age 24. Her mom was her full-time caregiver. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles reversed and Melissa's mom received a rare and devastating cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, Melissa dives into the trauma of losing her mother, navigating mental health struggles during cancer and beyond, and the unique challenges young adult cancer patients face. Follow ⁠@melissinthecity ⁠ Follow ⁠@justinleepeters⁠ Learn more about b-present Foundation at ⁠b-present.org⁠.