Five Battles, One Warrior Spirit
11/26/24 • 43 min
In this deeply personal and empowering conversation, Val Howell, a five-time cancer survivor, healthcare leader, and former NFL cheerleader, takes us through her extraordinary journey of resilience, advocacy, and hope. She talks about her diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and three additional cancers from following a challenging road to diagnosis, to her transformative work with CanCare, Val opens up about the lessons she’s learned and the lives she’s touched.
We explore her experience navigating treatment and recovery, the bright moments that gave her strength, and the ways she rediscovered confidence and purpose. Val reflects on the profound impact of volunteering, sharing unforgettable stories of connection and hope through CanCare.
Through her advocacy, professional achievements, and personal reflections, Val shows what’s possible after a cancer diagnosis—offering invaluable advice on self-advocacy, mental health, and finding purpose in the face of life’s challenges. Whether you’re a cancer survivor, caregiver, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation with Val is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and motivate.
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare- www.cancare.org
About the Guests
Val Howell- 5-time cancer survivor, former NFL cheerleader, long-time CanCare volunteer, and a trailblazing leader in healthcare with over 25 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
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In this deeply personal and empowering conversation, Val Howell, a five-time cancer survivor, healthcare leader, and former NFL cheerleader, takes us through her extraordinary journey of resilience, advocacy, and hope. She talks about her diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and three additional cancers from following a challenging road to diagnosis, to her transformative work with CanCare, Val opens up about the lessons she’s learned and the lives she’s touched.
We explore her experience navigating treatment and recovery, the bright moments that gave her strength, and the ways she rediscovered confidence and purpose. Val reflects on the profound impact of volunteering, sharing unforgettable stories of connection and hope through CanCare.
Through her advocacy, professional achievements, and personal reflections, Val shows what’s possible after a cancer diagnosis—offering invaluable advice on self-advocacy, mental health, and finding purpose in the face of life’s challenges. Whether you’re a cancer survivor, caregiver, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation with Val is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and motivate.
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare- www.cancare.org
About the Guests
Val Howell- 5-time cancer survivor, former NFL cheerleader, long-time CanCare volunteer, and a trailblazing leader in healthcare with over 25 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
Previous Episode
Crossing the Bridge
We are honored to be joined by Leonard Donaldson, a deeply beloved CanCare volunteer and 32-year survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Leonard has dedicated decades of his life to offering emotional support to those facing cancer, having served over 100 individuals with compassion and wisdom. Often referred to as having a "sixth sense" when connecting with the people he supports, Leonard shares his profound insights on what it truly takes to walk alongside someone through their cancer journey. His message of hope, resilience, and the power of showing up for others is sure to inspire listeners. Join us as Leonard reflects on his remarkable journey and the passion that drives him to continue making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare- www.cancare.org
About the Guests:
Leonard Donaldson - A 32 year cancer survivor and a dedicated CanCare volunteer of 24 years who has walked alongside over 100 individuals through their cancer journeys. Known for his compassionate listening and deep empathy, Leonard brings a calming presence and unwavering support to those he meets. Beyond his volunteer work, he is a devoted husband, a proud father, a community leader, and a cherished friend to many.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
Next Episode
A Legacy of Care
In this powerful episode of Hope in the Face of Cancer, we welcome Dr. Ishwaria Subbiah, a trailblazer in oncology and palliative care. Dr. Subbiah shares her inspiring journey growing up in a family of physicians and how it shaped her passion for whole-person cancer care.
She discusses the transformative power of patient advocacy, the importance of equitable access to clinical trials, and how health policy can ease the burden for patients and caregivers alike. With her focus on activation—helping patients reclaim control—Dr. Subbiah offers hope and actionable steps for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of cancer care, from patients to caregivers to healthcare professionals.
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare: Find support and resources at CanCare.org
About the Guest:
Dr. Ishwaria Subbiah is a medical oncologist, palliative care expert, and a CanCare board member. Her work spans some of the leading cancer institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Subbiah is passionate about bridging gaps in cancer care, advocating for equitable access to clinical trials, and shaping health policies to improve patient outcomes.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
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