Man Up to Cancer

Man Up to Cancer is fired up to welcome Blue Note Therapeutics as a flagship sponsor!

As someone who has experienced depression and anxiety during cancer, I’ve had the privilege of working as a patient advisor for Blue Note over the past year. They’re developing digital programs to help cancer patients cope with the emotional stress of our disease.

For the podcast, I interviewed Blue Note CEO Geoff Eich, and head of finance/operations Mark Elfers. Take a listen and find out how two ex-fighter pilots from the US Marine Corps ended up leading a movement to help the emotional well-being of cancer patients.

Check out their premier product, COVID Cancer Care, at covidcancercare.com, and we’ll keep you posted on more programs that they’re going to be releasing soon.

You can also visit their website, bluenotetherapeutics.com, and follow them on LinkedIn.

Cancer, Anger, & Airplanes

Last week, I almost got into a fight while waiting to board a plane with my family in Baltimore...

Naturally, that regrettable encounter inspired tomorrow's solo episode of the Man Up to Cancer Podcast. Served up with your Tuesday morning run, peloton ride, or laundry folding.

For better or worse, this is a solo deep-dive into the emotion of anger, and how it is experienced by people facing cancer.

SPONSOR SHOUT-OUT!

Today’s episode is brought to you exclusively by the good folks at Blue Note Therapeutics.

Blue Note creates digital therapeutics to help cancer patients cope with the emotional distress associated with our disease.

Check out their premier product, COVID Cancer Care, at covidcancercare.com, and we’ll keep you posted on more programs that they’re going to be releasing soon.

You can also visit their website, bluenotetherapeutics.com, and follow them on LinkedIn.

Michael Holtz of Knoxville, Tenn., is a colorectal cancer survivor, advocate, author, public relations professional, weightlifter, and more.

On today’s episode, I chat with Michael about his journey from being a cancer patient, to becoming an advocate. He encourages patients, survivors, and caregivers to volunteer for advocacy organizations, at any level you feel comfortable doing so, because as Michael says, “Every voice counts.”

Michael was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3b rectal cancer in March 2012, and following 11 months of treatment was declared cancer-free in May 2013.

As the Tennessee state lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Michael volunteers his time to push for new legislation and policy changes that will make life better for people facing cancer and their families.

Last year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network presented Michael with their Volunteer Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy. It's like the lifetime achievement award for cancer advocacy and the highest honor bestowed on an ACS CAN volunteer.

Michael is the author of “It’s Not Harder than Cancer: The Mindsets You Need to Survive and Thrive After Serious Illness.” He lives in Knoxville with his wife, Sarah, and their rescue dog, a Golden Bassett named Marley.

You can connect with him and check out his work at https://www.michaelholtzonline.com/

If you want to learn about the work of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and are interested in possibly becoming a volunteer, visit https://www.fightcancer.org/

SPONSOR SHOUT-OUT

Today’s episode is brought to you exclusively by the good folks at Blue Note Therapeutics.

Blue Note creates digital therapeutics to help cancer patients cope with the emotional distress associated with our disease.

Check out their premier product, COVID Cancer Care, at covidcancercare.com, and we’ll keep you posted on more programs that they’re going to be releasing soon.

You can also visit their website, bluenotetherapeutics.com, and follow them on LinkedIn.

Now fundraising on Patreon

There’s now a way for you to support the Man Up to Cancer Podcast, and to get some awesome perks while doing so. We are now accepting donations on Patreon.

Just go to www.patreon.com/manuptocancer, and you can see how it works. You can sign up for $5, $10, or $20 per month tiers, or you can make a one-time donation.

There are rewards for patrons, including shout-outs, discounts in the Man Up to Cancer store, exclusive merch, and a monthly hang-out with me and other patrons.

Well folks, I promised that I would never shy away from the tough or taboo subjects in #cancerland. So... here is a heavy one.

Today's topic is about the bonds we form in cancer support communities, and how we cope with the deaths of our friends.

If you take part in a cancer support group, I hope this gives you some comfort, and maybe even a few strategies, to cope with the inevitable losses that we face along the path.

I also hope it nudges you to confront your own beliefs and feelings around death. We are always learning and developing that relationship, and I continue to learn from all of you.

This episode is recorded in honor of Dennis Wilbur, and all of our departed brothers who have been beloved members of Man Up to Cancer's Howling Place group on Facebook. Fly high, brothers. We pick up your banners and carry them forward.

Here is a snippet:

"The genuine love and care that we see everyday in the Howling Place is astounding

And it really, really matters.

Because at the end of the day, as human beings we all want to know that we are cared for, that we are valued, and that we are loved even in our sickness — and all the way to our death.

It takes courage to see each other all the way down the path.

There is no lack of courage in the Howling Place, and I’m incredibly proud of that.

I love you guys. KFG."

Today’s Man Up to Cancer Podcast is all about The V Foundation.

Founded by legendary basketball coach Jimmy Valvano, the V Foundation is one of the largest fundraising organizations in the world for cancer research, having awarded more than $250 million in research grants since its inception in 1993.

In August, the V Foundation is hosting the annual Victory Ride for a Cure. Take part in virtual cycling and non-cycling events throughout the month. You can also join fellow riders in person on Aug. 28 in Raleigh, N.C. Choose from 10-, 30-, 60-, or 100-mile routes.

I had the honor of interviewing Tom Vibert. He is a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor; an avid cyclist; and a major fundraiser for the Victory Ride. We are joined by Mick McDonald, a communications staffer for the V Foundation, and host of the Voices of Victory Podcast.

@thevictoryride

@vfoundation

#myvictory