Episodes
Nov. 19, 2024
Unforgettable Smells: Cancer Survivors Share Sensory Triggers
In this bonus episode of Life on Pause , young adult cancer survivors open up about the powerful sensory triggers that bring back memories of their cancer treatment. From the sharp scent of hand sanitizer to the saline flush…
Nov. 12, 2024
Sweet and Salty: How Cancer Changes Your Relationship with Food
In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause , Corene Parrish and a group of young adult cancer survivors gather to explore the complex relationship between food and cancer. Reflecting on life before, during, and after treatme…
Oct. 29, 2024
Survivorship Clinics: Facing the Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer
Surviving cancer is only the beginning of the journey. In this episode of Life on Pause, Nathan Smelser, Corene Parrish, and Sammy Szurkowski dive into the emotional and practical challenges of navigating life after cancer. …
Oct. 22, 2024
The Real and Raw Side of Friendships During Cancer
Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a teenager is challenging, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. In this episode of Life on Pause, we hear personal stories from Corene Parrish, Nathan Smelsar, and Sammy…
Oct. 15, 2024
Real Stories of Young Cancer Survivors: Balancing School and Treatment
Returning to school after a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming challenge, filled with unique hurdles and unexpected moments. In this episode of Life On Pause, young adult cancer survivors Sammy, Nathan, and Corene share…
Aug. 30, 2024
Exploring Family Planning After Cancer: Joe Apgar’s Adoption Journey
In this compelling episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Joe Apgar, a cancer survivor and CEO of Pelotonia, to explore the deeply personal journey of family planning after a cancer diagnosis. Joe sha…
Aug. 29, 2024
Infertility After Cancer: Reflections on Parenthood and Life
In this poignant episode of Life on Pause, hosts Corene Parrish and Jill Robertson dive into the complex and emotional journey of navigating infertility, especially in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Corene shares her person…
Aug. 28, 2024
Dealing with Infertility & Cancer: A Survivor’s Perspective
In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish shares her personal journey of managing life after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 16. Join Corene and Jill Robertson as they discuss the emoti…
Aug. 27, 2024
Exploring Fertility Preservation During Cancer Treatment: Expert Insights from Penn State Health
In this episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Dr. Stephanie Estes, a fertility specialist at Penn State Health, to explore the complex intersection of cancer treatment and fertility preservation. Bui…
July 2, 2024
Rising Above: Stories of Resilience from Young Cancer Survivors
In this inspiring episode of Life On Pause, join host Emma G as she celebrates the resilience and triumphs of young cancer survivors at the Four Diamond Graduation Party. Hear from Tucker Haas, a four-time cancer survivor tu…
April 18, 2023
Lessons Learned
People experience many impactful lessons throughout young adulthood. Although a cancer diagnosis can change a young adult's life trajectory, it also provides learning opportunities and influential experiences. These lessons …
March 21, 2023
Forced Realities and Choices
Experiencing a serious health event, like a cancer diagnosis, can change a person's priorities, decisions, and overall life path. Young adults with cancer experience different obstacles as they undergo uncontrollable life ch…
Feb. 21, 2023
The Many Sides of Fear
Everyone has fears that develop and change throughout their life. However, significant health events like a cancer diagnosis can simultaneously alter many aspects of life as they reveal a new set of potential outcomes - and …
Jan. 24, 2023
Looking Back To Look Forward
Those impacted by cancer gain strength and resiliency from their experiences, which carry them from year to year and remain present throughout their lifetimes. As we enter a new year, reflecting on the past can help us recog…
Jan. 10, 2023
Cancer in a Strange Land
As a part of life, people often face new situations that take them out of their comfort zones. A unique experience like traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but unfamiliar circumstances can also cause significant …
Nov. 8, 2022
Toxic Positivity and Grief Tourism
Society generally expects people to maintain behaviors and attitudes considered "appropriate" for the situations they face. But when a person is experiencing cancer, acting according to other people's expectations can be inc…
Oct. 25, 2022
Challenges vs. Comfort
Life constantly presents people with new scenarios that can be challenging, causing them to seek the security of their comfort zones. Young adults who experience cancer often face significant challenges regarding their treat…
Oct. 4, 2022
Dating After Cancer
As if dating as a young adult wasn’t complicated enough, cancer survivors must navigate additional circumstances surrounding their past and current health. Unfortunately, this can make several aspects of the dating process t…
Sept. 20, 2022
Radiation Therapy
For those who have not gone through cancer treatments before, many aspects of experience may be unknown. This can mean that new cancer patients feel surprised and caught off guard by the processes and side effects of various…
Sept. 6, 2022
Survivors In Healthcare
The cancer experience can be challenging, painful, and even traumatic. Still, there are healthcare professionals who have experienced cancer themselves and make it their mission to help other patients overcome their health b…
Aug. 23, 2022
Parenting During A Bone Marrow Transplant
Cancer can come in many forms and may involve different patient treatments. There is no typical cancer journey, and factors like interpersonal relationships, treatment methods, and individual coping strategies can influence …
Aug. 9, 2022
Survivorship Day Exploration Part 1
Cancer affects many lives in different ways, leaving survivors and their loved ones with unique experiences and stories. And while it is essential to support cancer patients currently battling cancer, recognizing the effort …
July 19, 2022
Changes and Fitting In
As if young adulthood wasn’t challenging enough, experiencing cancer at this stage of life can cause one to feel disconnected from their peers. It is common for cancer patients to lack a sense of belonging with others, espec…
July 5, 2022
Exercise with Treatment
Exercise plays a vital role in our quality of life. But for cancer patients focused on recovery, many are uninformed on healthy exercise practices for people in treatment. Unfortunately, exercise oncology is still an underse…