Rare Cancer Day: An Interview With Dan “Dry Dock” Shockley

09/29/21 • 31 min

In celebration and recognition of Rare Cancer Day, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan “Dry Dock” Shockley. Dan is a retired Navy, Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and hereditary colon cancer warrior. After his initial colonoscopy, he was recommended for a genetic panel, passed along to specialists, was diagnosed and treated (surgically) for AFAP/hereditary colon cancer all within a two-month span. Since then, Dan has worked alongside leading researchers/clinicians in the field to provide a patient’s perspective as well as raise awareness for rare cancers, destigmatize ostomy bags, and lead a high quality of life as someone living with this condition. In this episode, we explore the positive impact that having access to a quick diagnosis, trained physicians, and ongoing treatment/testing can have on rare cancers. NORDPod is the official podcast of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. For more information visit https://rarediseases.org.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Previous Episode

Sturm and Drang: One Disabled Journalist’s Story

Kicking off Season 3 of NORDpod, I am joined by Karina Sturm, a disabled journalist, blogger, author, and filmmaker who tries to connect with chronically ill people around the world and spread the word about Ehlers-Danios Syndrome and other chronic illnesses. From giving up her job as a research associate in 2010 to cashing out her life savings to come to the US for better care, Karina has managed to adapt her life around her symptoms and is the accidental advocate you need to hear to know. Through a necessary pivot to journalism, Karina is now one of the most vocal rare disease activists around, and her blog, "Holy Shit I Am Sick," is read by thousands. Her must-watch film, "We Are Visible," is so multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed, there's an endless scroll of credits on the homepage. This is how you advocate. Enjoy our conversation.

NORDpod is the official podcast of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) For more information, visit https://rarediseases.org and email [email protected] with comments or feedback.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Next Episode

The Strength of Families

On the show today, Aprill Lane is a mother of five and rare disease and infertility advocate — and you do not want to mess with her. She and her husband, Brian, tried to have a baby on their own for 41⁄2 years until they were diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Endless cycles and tens of thousands of dollars later, they are now the proud parents of five beautiful children, one of whom — Mark —was born with a rare genetic condition. So join us as we examine what it means to be your own advocate, along with the challenges families face with fertility while raising a child with a rare disease. NORDPod is the official podcast of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. For more information visit https://rarediseases.org.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.